Chief’s Chats

In this special episode of Chief’s Chats, I talk with John Schwartz, a retired NYPD Detective 1st Grade and most recently an instructor with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. John shares stories from his career with the NYPD, including his experiences during 9/11, and he reflects on his 20 years of teaching and mentoring officers here in Kentucky. Join us for an inspiring conve...

This week, I had the privilege of welcoming two familiar voices to anyone who loves high school football—Tony Kerr, longtime play-by-play announcer for the Russell County Lakers, and Shannon Hutchinson, the voice of the Wayne County Cardinals. We laughed, we shared some history, and we celebrated the tradition of high school football in both counties. 🏈 It was an absolute pleasure having these tw...

In this episode of Chief’s Chats, I sit down with Monticello Fire Chief Gabe Heatherly. Chief Heatherly first joined the Monticello Fire Department in the early 2000s and has served as its leader for nearly four years. With 26 years of combined fire and EMS experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and heart to his work. A devoted husband and proud father of three daughters, Chief H...

In this episode of Chief’s Chats, Chief Joey Hoover shares three unforgettable investigations where a little creativity — and a dash of trickery — made all the difference. From a tense murder warrant arrest in Jamestown to other high-stakes operations, you’ll hear how thinking outside the box kept officers safe, protected innocent bystanders, and brought suspects into custody without a fight. Thes...

In this powerful two-part episode of Chief’s Chats, we take an unflinching look at the opioid crisis through the lens of hope, survival, and redemption. Part One explores the life-saving power of Naloxone—commonly known as Narcan—and how this medication is turning the tide in overdose emergencies. In Part Two, Chief Joey Hoover sits down with a remarkable young man whose life was nearly lost to an...

In this episode of Chief’s Chats, I share details of my encounters with two individuals who would later make national headlines — featured on America's Most Wanted. Long before their names were broadcast across the country, our paths crossed in Jamestown, KY. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories, firsthand recollections, and insights into how these early encounters unfolded — and what happened next....

In this intense and deeply personal episode of Chief’s Chats, I take you back to June 18, 1994 – an unforgettable night early in my law enforcement career. An in-person complaint in downtown Jamestown, Kentucky, quickly escalated into the most dangerous vehicle pursuit I’ve ever been involved in. Over the course of 17 miles and just 12 adrenaline-fueled minutes, the pursuit sped through Jamestown,...

In this episode of Chief’s Chats, I talk with Alex Wilson, Chief Operations Officer for the Ridgenet Network Group headquartered in Science Hill, KY. We talk in-depth how he and his brother Eric, turned their vision into a growing company that outfits police, fire, and EMS vehicles with state-of-the-art lights, sirens, custom graphics and two-way communication systems. Hear how they started, what...

In this compelling episode of Chief’s Chats, host Joey Hoover talks with Ken Hill—retired Detective Lieutenant with the Kentucky State Police, Second Amendment advocate, 1770s frontier reenactor, and owner of a thriving real estate company in south-central Kentucky. Ken shares his insights on law enforcement, the importance of constitutional rights, living history, and life after retirement. It’s...

In this episode, Colonel McQueary shares insights into the unique challenges faced by Kentucky's Game Wardens, the importance of protecting our natural resources, and how modern enforcement methods are evolving. From wildlife poaching to boating safety, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role Game Wardens play in preserving Kentucky's outdoors for future generations.

In this episode, we sit down with longtime Wayne County, Kentucky Coroner Gordon Hicks to explore the realities of a job few truly understand. With decades of experience serving his community, Coroner Hicks shares powerful stories from the field, the emotional toll of the work, and the deep sense of duty that drives him. From handling crime scenes to comforting grieving families, this candid conve...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Ron Black — a United States Army veteran and retired police officer with over 30 years of service. Ron shares stories from his military deployments to Panama in the late 1980s, and offers a candid look into his multifaceted law enforcement career. From patrolling the streets to working undercover in VICE, leading highway drug interdiction ef...

In this compelling episode, I sit down with retired DEA Agent Greg Bunch who shares his extraordinary journey—beginning with his upbringing in our very own hometown. We explore how his early life shaped his career, dive into the gripping story of how he helped solve over 200 pharmacy burglaries across the U.S., and hear firsthand what it was like to serve as the United States Attaché in Mozambique...

Welcome to the first episode of my podcast! I'm sharing the story of how I got my start in public service—a career that has now spanned over four decades. From my early days in news reporting to working as a dispatcher, firefighter, EMT, police officer, DARE instructor, and eventually Police Chief, each role shaped the person I am today. In this episode, you'll hear about the pivotal moments, chal...