Governor Beshear, alongside the Cash family, Kentucky law enforcement, and the Department of Criminal Justice Training, officially opened a new law enforcement training facility on Monday named in honor of Caldwell County native Jody Cash, who was killed in the line of duty on May 16, 2022, while serving as chief deputy of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office.
In a written statement, Gov. Beshear said the day marked the remembrance of Chief Deputy Jody Cash and honored his legacy by dedicating this new training facility. He expressed his gratitude to their partners who helped make this project happen, and said his family and he are praying for the safety of each recruit and officer who passes through these doors.
In July 2023, the Beshear administration broke ground on the Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility. The facility spans 42,794 square feet and includes a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed to provide officers with intensive and specialized training to support the training needs of all law enforcement agencies in Kentucky.
Department of Criminal Justice Training Commissioner Mike Bosse said this state-of-the-art facility will provide recruits and students with the advanced training they need to face the evolving challenges of law enforcement. He added that by equipping officers with the skills and experience necessary to protect and serve, we can create a safer Kentucky for generations to come.
Jody Cash’s father, Wayne Cash, spoke of a life well-lived by Deputy Cash and recognized the recruits who will become tomorrow’s heroes in his son’s honor: In a written statement, he said their hope is that the training received in this new facility will enable everyone who passes through it to do their job safely, efficiently and courteously and return safely to their family at the end of each day.
Jody Cash graduated from DOCJT Basic Training Class 278 and was valedictorian of Kentucky State Police Academy Class 89. He was a 22-year law enforcement veteran, serving with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Murray State University Police, and Kentucky State Police. Cash retired from the Kentucky State Police with the rank of sergeant before joining the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Cash also worked with the Department of Criminal Justice Training as a peer mentor through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, supporting officers after traumatic or distressing events.
The grand opening on Monday was held two months after the Governor opened a law enforcement basic training academy in Western Kentucky. Currently, training is being held in a building provided by the Madisonville Police Department, while Team Kentucky constructs a $50 million multipurpose training facility in Madisonville. State officials noted this is the first time since basic training became mandatory in 1998, Kentucky is offering training in two locations.
