Adam Bow sworn in as Barren County’s new sheriff
During a special-called meeting Friday, the Barren County Fiscal Court observed an executive order from Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd appointing Bow to the position.
What you need to know:
- Adam Bow was sworn in Friday as Barren County’s new sheriff, succeeding Kent Keen.
- Keen stepped down at midnight Oct. 31, ending his 13-year tenure in the position.
- Bow, who won the Republican primary in May, ran unopposed in the November general election.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Adam Bow was sworn in Friday as Barren County’s newest sheriff during a packed ceremony at the Barren County Government Center.
Bow, a veteran of the department and local law enforcement, took the oath of office administered by Judge John T. Alexander.
“I’m excited to get started, you know, it is a long process here,” Bow said. “I’ve got a lot of years in, just kind of building up to it.”
Sheriff Kent Keen notified county officials Oct. 21 that he would step down at midnight Oct. 31, ending his 13-year tenure as sheriff. He had previously announced plans to retire at the end of the year.
“It has been an honor to serve as Sheriff in Barren County,” Keen said in his resignation letter. “I am thankful for the hardworking professional law enforcement officers that are serving this county.”
During a special-called meeting Friday, the Barren County Fiscal Court observed an executive order from Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd appointing Bow to the position.
Under Kentucky law, a vacancy in the sheriff’s office is filled by the county judge/executive.
Bow said that after the May primary, he began working alongside Keen, “riding right next to” the outgoing sheriff to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of the position.
“It’s still a monumental pass, taking over,” he said. “That’s very important that we had such a good relationship and were able to transition so well.”
Bow said the department has already begun implementing some of his plans, including bringing at least one K-9 unit back into service. He also hopes to adjust deputies’ schedules to allow the department to be more proactive.
The department does not currently have a chief deputy or other designated leadership positions beyond the sheriff.
“It’s gonna take some time to get built up, get going, and kind of headed in that direction,” Bow said. “For now, it’s me and then the deputies.”
All sworn deputies also took the oath of office during Friday’s ceremony.
Bow was one of three Republicans who sought the office in the May primary. He won the nomination and advanced to the November general election, where he ran unopposed.
