Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby is leaving his post after three years on the job, and his replacement will be determined by the city’s next mayor in 2027.
Newby confirmed Tuesday during a Facebook Live session that he is resigning. His last day will be Oct. 11.
“No, I’m not being fired. No, I’m not being forced out,” Newby said, addressing rumors about the reason for his departure. “Like any other career, in law enforcement you always want to take that next step up. And I received a good opportunity to take the next step up to further my career.”
He declined to say where he’ll work next and whether it will be in Hopkinsville.
“Sorry to disappoint all you haters that wish me ill, but this is a good thing for me,” he said.
The department’s deputy chief, Erik Pacheco, is also resigning on Oct. 11, Mayor James R. Knight’s office confirmed.
“Chief Newby and Deputy Chief Pacheco have both dedicated many years to serving and protecting this community, and we are grateful for their leadership and commitment to the people of Hopkinsville,” Knight said in a press release issued shortly after Newby announced his plan to resign.
The mayor will name an interim police chief in an executive order, which will be subject to City Council approval.
Knight, who lost the Republican primary in May, ending his bid for reelection, will leave the decision on a permanent police chief to the next mayor.
“The city of Hopkinsville remains committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition while maintaining the high level of public safety services the community expects from the Hopkinsville Police Department,” the release states.
Knight chose Newby in March 2023 from a pool of 29 applicants for police chief following the retirement of Clayton Sumner, who is now a member of City Council and chief of the police force for Christian County Public Schools.
Prior to becoming police chief, Newby was an HPD patrolman and served with Kentucky State Police and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. He is a Marine Corps veteran.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
