Mayor and council welcome city police department’s new assistant chiefs
Retired LMPD Major Kevin Thompson, left, and retired LMPD Lt. Joe Seelye, center, listen as Mayor Dick Heaton administers the oath of office during Tuesday night’s Bardstown City Council meeting. Thompson will serve as assistant chief of operations, while Seelye will serve as assistant chief of administration/traffic and special events.
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, 11 p.m. — The Bardstown City Council welcomed its new newest police officers during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Retired Major Kevin Thompson and retired Lt. Joe Seelye, both formerly of the Louisville Metro Police Department, were sworn-in by Mayor Dick Heaton as the city police department’s new assistant police chiefs.
In his new role with the Bardstown PD, Thompson will serve as assistant chief of operations. Seelye will serve as assistant chief of administration/traffic and special events.
The two men bring more than 44 years of experience to the department, Chief Kim Kraeszig told the council.
Mayor Heaton shakes hands with the city’s newest officers after swearing them in Tuesday night.
Joe Seelye is a military veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and began his police career in Louisville in 1996. During his career there, he served in a variety of positions, including narcotics detective, forensics unit commander, patrol commander, and traffic unit commander.
Seeley managed all the traffic planning for all of the high profile events in Louisville, including Thunder Over Louisville, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, presidential visits, and any large scale events in the city.
“The city of Bardstown has gained a valuable asset with his hiring,” Kraeszig told the council.
Thompson is a veteran of the Army National Guard, and began his law enforcement career with the Louisville Police Department in 1994. During his police career, he was twice honored for exceptional valor. He has worked as a narcotics detective, SWAT team member, homicide investigator, public integrity unit investigator. When he retired, he was commander of the LMPD narcotics unit.
“These new officers will help mentor and train our officers and get our department to the next level,” Kraeszig told the council after introducing them.
Seelye said he knew when he retired from the LMPD he wasn’t done with his career of public service.
“I’m excited to be here and I plan to make Bardstown a safer place to live, work and play,” Seelye said during comments to the crowd.
Thompson thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity and said he looked forward to contribution to the safety of the community.
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