Bardstown Police Chief McCubbin announces he will retire May 31
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Monday, April 18, 2016, 5 p.m. — Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin announced today he will retire as chief of the department effective May 31.
CHIEF RICK MCCUBBIN
McCubbin’s decision follows a week of turmoil following Mayor John Royalty’s decision to restructure the Bardstown Police Department without consulting its chief.
Royalty said Monday he met with McCubbin to discuss the matter. Royalty said he asked McCubbin to stay on as chief, but McCubbin told him he would prefer to go ahead and retire at the end of May.
McCubbin announced the retirement in an email to local first-responders and media.
“After much consideration, meeting with the mayor, and those closest to me, I have made the decision to retire as the Chief of Police of the Bardstown Police Department. As you are aware the past events and restructuring of our department has caused much attention as I have stated that I did not agree with the direction that has been published in a directive by the mayor. I am aware that the mayor has the full authority to do this and in order to allow this to happen I will retire and remove myself as a distraction.
The Mayor did not ask me to retire, but to actually reconsider my decision. I have, however, made that decision. I have been approached in the past with opportunities and have, like any police officer with almost 29 years, have tossed around retirement. With the impending changes my time has come. Since this is the direction the department is headed I will respectfully and professionally make room so that that can happen.
I want to thank the most dedicated, professional, officers that I have worked with and they allowed me to be called their chief; the men and women of BPD. I have asked them to persevere, remain relentless, and do what is right for the citizens of Bardstown. Secondly, to the citizens of Bardstown who accepted me five years ago as their chief and I hope that I have not disappointed those whom we serve.
As well, former mayors Heaton and Sheckles, who, in the transition of one mayor leaving office and another coming in, gave me the opportunity to be your chief. And lastly to Mayor Royalty who allowed me to remain chief for sixteen months of his administration.
This, my friends, has been an honor.
May our paths cross again.
Your chief, Rick McCubbin
Speaking by phone Monday after the announcement, Royalty said he appreciated McCubbin’s leadership during his tenure as police chief and confirmed he asked McCubbin to stay on.
“I respect his decision to retire,” Royalty said. “I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
McCubbin’s retirement will not affect the police department restructuring.
INTERIM CHIEF / NEXT CHIEF. After McCubbin retires, McKenzie Mattingly will serve as interim chief until a new chief of police is hired, Royalty said.
Mattingly will not be hired as the permanent new chief, he stressed — the new chief will be hired from outside the community. Royalty said he has already received several queries expressing interest in the chief’s position should it open up.
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