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 conversation about service, resilience, and the lasting impact of leadership in policing.

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 two join me, and I know you’ll enjoy the stories just as much as I did.

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 Heatherly is the definition of a servant leader—committed to protecting the community, guiding his firefighters, and making a difference every day. Join us as we talk about his journey, the challenges of the job, and what it truly means to serve.

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. These true stories from the front lines prove that sometimes the smartest tool in law enforcement isn’t force — it’s ingenuity.  

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 overdose—an overdose Chief Hoover personally witnessed. Revived by Narcan in what seemed like his final moments, this young man not only survived but went on to beat addiction and is now helping others find their own path to recovery. It’s a story of tragedy turned triumph, and a powerful reminder that with the right tools—and a second chance—lives can be saved, changed, and even used to save others.

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.  This episode dives into the real-life moments that preceded a national manhunt.

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, Russell Springs, sharp turns, and high-stakes decisions, ultimately ending in downtown Dunnville. I’ll walk you through what happened moment by moment – the danger, the split-second choices, and the lasting impact it had on me as a young officer.

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 drives their success, and why their work matters to first responders across Kentucky and beyond.

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 a deep dive into a life built on service, storytelling, and self-reliance.

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 conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life and death through the eyes of a dedicated public servant.  

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 efforts, and enduring the tragic loss of fellow officers in the line of duty, Ron’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and deep personal sacrifice. You will also hear about Ron’s lifelong passion for working with police K-9s — both as a handler and a trainer — and how that work continues to inspire and shape his mission today.  This episode is a tribute to those who serve, both human and canine, and a compelling look at the realities and rewards of life as a Police Officer.

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. This conversation is a rare look behind the badge, revealing the personal and professional experiences that defined over three decades in law enforcement ending with a special diplomatic assignment overseas.

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, challenges, and motivations that fueled my commitment to serving others. Whether you're in public service yourself or simply curious about the path, I hope my story offers insight, inspiration, and a sense of shared purpose.