Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Gregory K. Johnson announced Tuesday the appointment of retired Menifee County Sheriff Rodney Coffey as the new director of the department’s Division of Law Enforcement.
“It is an honor to serve the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Coffey, who assumed his command on May 1, 2016. “I come from a smaller county, and have been fortunate to be able to travel the state as a member of the Sheriff’s Association board of directors.”
Coffey, 45, served four terms as sheriff before retiring in 2014. His background includes serving as president of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association and eight years in the United States Navy Reserve.
Coffey earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Pacific Western University. He furthered his training as a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy at Eastern Kentucky University.
Named Sheriff of the Year by the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association in 2003, he also served on the organization’s board of directors from 2007-2013.
Coffey began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Morehead State University Police Department before being elected as Menifee County sheriff in 1998. He served in that role for the next 16 years.
“Much of Kentucky’s hunting, fishing and boating activity happens far off the major highways and away from big population centers,” said Johnson. “Rodney brings vast experience to the job from his time serving as sheriff of a smaller county and statewide work with multiple law enforcement agencies. He will greatly serve all those who relish Kentucky’s natural outdoors.”
Coffey, an Indiana native, grew up in Florida. Twenty five years ago, he returned to the family farm in Frenchburg, where he lives with his wife, Beth, and family.
From F&W Communications