Former Daviess County Sheriff Charles “Boots” Norris died Thursday.
For 41 years Norris served Daviess County in several different roles — sheriff, jailer and for nine years he worked in the Commonwealth Attorney’s office.
For a 17-month stretch in the late 70s, Norris was sheriff and jailer — with no extra pay.
He was a member of St. Stephen Cathedral, the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, the Kentucky Jailor’s Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain said Norris was an icon in law enforcement in Daviess County.
“He served in several capacities, but undoubtedly he was most proud of being Sheriff,” Cain said. “He professionalized the office numerous ways that continue to positively impact our community today. Boots epitomized what law enforcement should be, he cared about people, whether coworkers, victims or those he arrested. They all mattered to him.”
Cain said Norris was practicing community policing long before it became the focus of policing in the ’80s.
“Most of all, he was my and countless other’s friend,” he said. “I’ll miss him.”
Services for Norris are Monday at St. Stephen Cathedral, with Fr. Jerry Riney, Father Suneesh Matthew and Fr. John Vaughan officiating. Burial to follow at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Prayers will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
