Jared Muse loves his job as a police officer. And that’s not surprising, considering law enforcement is the family business.
Muse’s grandfather was the chief of the Maysville Police Department in the 1970s, his father retired from MPD and his brother began his career with the Maysville department.
On Thursday, the circle was completed when Muse was named MPD chief on the recommendation of City Manager Matt Wallingford and with unanimous approval from city commissioners and Mayor Charles Cotterill.
“The police department is in great hands,” Wallingford said of the appointment.
Wallingford said a search was not performed outside of the department as the city considered a replacement for retired Chief Ron Rice.
Muse said both Rice and former chief Kent Butcher were great mentors to him and both were on hand to see Muse’s promotion.
“I firmly believe we didn’t need a search,” Wallingford said. “I’ve grown to respect Jared as a leader and an administrator.”
Muse’s new rank was pinned on his uniform by his wife, Onaconnie, as his children looked on.
Police work has played a “huge part in my life,” Muse said. With a family of police officers, the newly named chief said it is kind of like “having the Cliff Notes to a 500 page book on law enforcement. I already had all the most important information.”
While making his way through the ranks, Muse said he never really dreamed of becoming chief.
“It is very humbling,” he said. He had high praise for the men and women he works with at MPD and the Dispatch Center.
“It’s a honor to work along side them,” he said.
Rice left big shoes to fill, Muse said.
But Muse admits he has some of his own ideas he would like to implement, mostly involving community service, such as last week’s picnic held in the East End in partnership with the Human Rights Commission.
But he also said he has some of his own ideas he would like to implement, mostly involving community service, such as last week’s picnic held in the East End in partnership with the Human Rights Commission.
Muse cited his faith in accepting the challenge to serve as Maysville’s top police officer and quoted scripture on service.
“I want to change attitudes to where it’s a joy to serve,” he said. “I want to drive the point across that it is something we’re paid to do but it’s also the right thing to do.”
Also Thursday, commissioners agreed to up the rental for the Cox Building space used by Maysville Community and Technical College Cafe from its current $500 a month to $1,500 a month plus utilities for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
A recent review of the city’s rental properties suggested a $3,500 a month fee although Wallingford and commissioners agreed that is not a realistic number.
Commissioners Victor McKay suggested the $1,500 rental fee and presented a motion for that price.
“I believe that’s fair,” he said.
The motion passed unanimously.
A promotion was also approved in the fire department with Firefighter T.J. Warder being raised to lieutenant.
In other business, commissioners:
— Approved a resolution authorizing a lease to Family Services for space in the Kenton Commonwealth Center.
— Approved a resolution authorizing acquisition of 441 Wood Street.
— Approved a resolution authorizing application for Litter Abatement Grant.
— Approved a resolution declaring Constitution Week. A ceremony marking the event will be held Monday at 10 a.m., at city hall, Cotterill said.
— Approved a resolution authorizing a service level agreement for disaster and emergency with Hospice of Hope Inc.
— Approved a resolution accepting a bid for the Limestone Creek floodwall pump. The bid was awarded to the Henry B. Thompson Company for $536,837 including installation.
— Approved a lease through the end of September for a parking lot on Second Street from DMCGL LLC. The lease will be discontinued beyond that date, officials agreed.
— Heard an update on the Cedarwood Drive paving project.
