Police Department

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Chief Kim Kraeszig

phone (502) 348-3163

Bardstown Police Department

Mission Statement
The mission of the Bardstown Police Department is to provide professional services to all people of the community with integrity, courage, and honor. We will improve the quality of life for all citizens while maintaining respect for individual rights and human dignity.

History

Bardstown is Kentucky's second-oldest city and the police department dates back to 1824. Prior to this, like most towns in Kentucky, law enforcement fell to the local sheriff and his deputies to maintain order. In May 1824, the town was protected by a patrol of 12 men who were organized into two platoons of six; six  men patrolled from twlight to 1:00AM and six men from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM. There is no record of salary, therefore concluding that the patrol group consisted of volunteers who were concerned with law and order within the city limits. In the 1850's a town marshal was approved and appointed with the duties of enforcing town ordinances and maintaining peace.

Records indicate that several different men served in this capacity, but due to the increase in distilleries, none were successful in their attempts. The consumption of alcohol by the young men of Bardstown led to violence and disorderly conduct. The "town fathers" of Bardstown had appointed several town marshals to "run things in a more quiet and harmless way", but gave up and appointed George Hunter, who would strictly enforce the laws. George W. Hunter's life is a book written by his grandson, George W. Hunter; The Daring Lawman of Nelson County, KY by Wood E. Hunter, Sr. Marshal Hunter was sworn in January 14, 1868 and was given a yearly salary of $600.00. George Hunter served two different terms as town marshal (1868-1872; 1877-1880). He also was a deputy sheriff and a deputy U.S. marshal. In 1863, four men were officially listed as "City Watch" and were paid $20.00 a month to patrol the streets of Bardstown.

In the December 13th, 1865 minutes, a "police force of six men are hereby appointed" leading to the first fulltime, paid police force that has continued to grow and today, has 35 employees — 32 sworn officers and three civilian employees who proudly serve the people and community of Bardstown.

Chief Kim Kraeszig

Chief of Police Kim Kraeszig brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the community as the leader of the Bardstown Police Department. With a distinguished career in law enforcement spanning almost three decades, Chief Kraeszig has held various positions within the Louisville Metro Police Department, where she began her journey in 1994. Her roles included serving in the patrol division, detective's unit, metro narcotics unit, and as the department's Public Information Officer. Throughout her career, she rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, and Assistant Chief of Police over the Patrol Bureau. After 23 years of dedicated service, Chief Kraeszig retired from the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2017.

Continuing her commitment to law enforcement, Chief Kraeszig was selected as the first female Chief of Police for the Bardstown Police Department. Under her leadership, the agency achieved accreditation from the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, highlighting the department's commitment to professionalism and excellence. Chief Kraeszig's educational background includes a Bachelor's of Science in Organizational Leadership and an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, providing her with a solid foundation for effective leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chief Kraeszig comes from a family with a long-standing tradition of serving the community in law enforcement. Collectively, her family members have dedicated over 128 years of service, highlighting her deep-rooted commitment to making Bardstown a safer and better place for everyone. With her extensive experience, strong educational background, and a deep connection to the community, Chief Kraeszig is a trusted leader, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Bardstown.

Bardstown Police Station
212 Nelson County Plaza
Bardstown, KY 40004