Richmond board promotes police and fire personnel, conducts pinning ceremony

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting approved a slate of personnel moves across the police and fire departments and held a public pinning ceremony for promoted officers.

Mayor Robert Blythe read orders promoting Daniel Toth to sergeant (Order 25-152) and elevating four officers to master police officer (Order 25-155). The sergeant promotion is effective Oct. 31 under the FY 2025–26 pay scale and includes a one-year probationary period that will not begin until the officer completes the required supervision training academy. The master police officer promotions take effect on the Nov. 14 payroll date and are tied to pay grade 4.

Richmond Police Chief Richardson led the pinning ceremony and described the promoted officers’ service records and certifications, saying, "this is my favorite part...promoting future leaders," while family members presented the pins. The chief and the Kentucky League of Cities auditor noted Richmond PD’s strong performance during safety and liability reviews; audit work was cited as a factor that helps manage insurance costs and supports promotion decisions.

The board also approved Order 25-158 appointing Patrick Tudor as assistant fire chief, effective on payroll Oct. 31 (pay grade 7). Commissioners offered brief statements of support during the floor discussion, and the appointment passed unanimously.

The actions were routine and procedural; no votes against or abstentions were recorded in the meeting minutes. The board scheduled newly hired safety officers to complete state-mandated KLEC training and a department-run safety-officer academy before assignment to parks and other duties.

The meeting closed after additional ceremonial remarks and community updates.