The National Sheriff’s Association named Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain as it’s 2018 “Sheriff of the Year,” and Cain was recognized by Daviess County Fiscal Court at its monthly meeting on Thursday.
Former 13th District Kentucky House of Representatives representative DJ Johnson spoke before presenting Cain with the award, highlighting not only Cain’s successes, but his entire department as well.
“This is an award for Sheriff Cain, but this could easily read Daviess County ‘Department of the Year’ because good leaders only become good leaders when they’re recognized for that by their followers,” Johnson said. “I’ve gotten to know your department a little bit over the last couple of years, and I sincerely appreciate what you have done, but also the professionalism of your entire department.”
Cain followed up with a short and humble speech that paid recognition his team at DCSO.
“I told the folks when I received this recognition in New Orleans that this should not be ‘Sheriff of the Year’ — it should indeed be ‘Sheriff’s Office of the Year,’” Cain said. “Much of this credit — most of this credit — goes to the men and women who wear the brown uniform.”
Cain also extended appreciation to the community of Daviess County, telling the crowd and commission that much of his success comes from the support he’s received from those he serves.
“You should be extremely proud of this Commonwealth and this community, as am I,” Cain said. “I think I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the support of the community at large here. I could not be as actively involved with cases at the state and national level as I am, were it not for the support from my constituents here.”
Daviess County Judge Executive Al Mattingly and the county commissioners expressed their gratitude toward Cain, with Mattingly saying he was very proud of the sheriff, while Commissioner Charlie Castlen spoke of a time when a citizen called Castlen needing assistance for a personal matter, and how well Cain’s deputies handled the situation.
“Keith does such a great job. Nationally, he’s recognized all over the place. All of his deputies do their job and in a safe manner. He’s just so important to our community,” said Commissioner Mike Koger after the event.