Hawesville resident Aaron Emmick has filed to run for Hancock County sheriff, aiming to build on more than two decades with the department and continue what he describes as a lifelong commitment to serving the community that raised him.
Emmick, 48, has filed to run as a Democrat. He said his decision follows the planned retirement of longtime Sheriff Dale Bozarth, whom Emmick has served under since 2002.
A 1995 graduate of Hancock County High School, Emmick went on to play football at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he earned a degree in criminal justice and psychology in 2000. He later completed a master of science in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati in 2007.
Emmick started his law enforcement career with the Owensboro Police Department in 2001. He returned to Hancock County the next year when Bozarth asked him to join the sheriff’s office. Emmick said the pair has spent more than two decades working closely together.
“I told someone (recently) I could write a book on the adventures we’ve been through,” he said. “I mean, [they are] criminal calls, but we’ve been on awesome adventures too that you can only laugh about cause it’s been a fun adventure.”
Emmick said his motivation for running stems from a desire to give back to the county that supported him throughout his playing career and early life.
“During all of our careers, our community supported us,” he said. “Well, now is my chance to give back and serve them. I filed for sheriff so that we can continue to grow and strengthen the department.”
If elected, Emmick said his priorities would include increasing manpower, improving visibility, and making technological upgrades. The department recently added a K-9 unit, and other tools — such as body-worn cameras and a drone — are under consideration.
“We definitely need manpower,” he said. “More manpower gives us more bodies on the street with more coverage and more visibility. We want to be in the community so everyone sees what’s going on.”
He said body cameras would protect both officers and the public, while a drone could help with searches and high-risk situations.
Community engagement is also a key focus for Emmick, who said he already considers himself approachable. He plans to be visible at events, continue strengthening the department’s Facebook communication, and potentially launch programs such as a citizens’ police academy.
“Our biggest asset in the community is the people themselves,” he said. “They see what we don’t see because we’re not there all the time.”
When making difficult decisions, Emmick said he relies on logic and considers the effects on both the community and officers. He pointed to a January shooting response in Hawesville as an example of the department balancing safety, professionalism, and the surrounding environment.
“You have to think about the situation,” he said. “What’s best for the officers, as well as what the impact on the community is gonna be.”
Emmick acknowledged that Hancock County has shifted politically in recent years but said he hopes voters will look beyond party labels.
“When it comes to local politics, it shouldn’t be based on party,” he said. “It should be based on the people that are running, and that’s where they need to look; past the party lines and look at the individuals.”
He added that voter turnout will ultimately determine the direction of the office.
“People have to get out and vote in order for people to be heard,” he said.
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