Vote to Re-Elect
John Root
Laurel County Sheriff
Leadership. Integrity. Accountability.
Re-Elect John Root, Laurel County Sheriff
“Serving as your Sheriff is the greatest honor of my life. Together we’ve made Laurel County safer and stronger, but our work is not finished. With your support, I will continue leading with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to protecting every family in our community.”
- Sheriff John Root
Sheriff John Root's
Accomplishments
War On Drugs
From day one, Sheriff Root made it a top priority to fight the drug crisis in Laurel County. Through relentless enforcement and partnerships, we've protected families and neighborhoods.
Improved Tax System
Sheriff Root modernized the county’s tax collection process, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. Today, residents can complete transactions quickly with a simple scan, saving time and frustration.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Sheriff deputies are equipped with the best available tools, from firearms to vehicles, all funded through drug seizure money at no cost to the taxpayers.
Competitive Pay Raises
Sheriff Root implemented annual raises for deputies and staff to remain competitive with surrounding agencies, helping us attract and retain quality officers.
Full-Time PAO
For the first time in the Sheriff’s Office history, Sheriff Root designated a Public Affairs Officer to keep citizens informed, while also leading outreach in schools and civic groups.
K-9 Units
Sheriff Department K-9 teams have been instrumental in drug detection, leading to countless successful arrests and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities.
Special Response Team (SRT)
Sheriff Root created an elite unit trained for high-risk situations including warrant service, standoffs, and incidents requiring specialized tactics, ensuring the highest level of protection for Laurel County.
Task Force Officer (TFO) Programs
Sheriff Root is proud to have deputies serving alongside the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, bringing federal resources and expertise directly to Laurel County residents.
Mobile Data Terminals
Every patrol car is now equipped with the latest technology, providing real-time access to data, while also tracking Sheriff deputy vehicles for officer safety and response coordination.
Honor Guard
Sheriff Root implemented an Honor Guard to represent the Sheriff’s Office with pride and professionalism at funerals, ceremonies, and special events across the state and community.
Detective Division
With seven highly skilled detectives, this division investigates major crimes, drug cases, and federal-level cases. Their work solves tough cases both in Laurel County and beyond.
IT Division
Sheriff Root created an in-house Information Technology team responsible for maintaining body cameras, computers, and other critical systems, ensuring smooth daily operations.
Body Cameras
Sheriff Root introduced body cameras for deputies to increase transparency, accountability, and safety. They protect both officers and the public by documenting traffic stops, arrests, and other interactions.
Arson Unit
When the state eliminated its Arson investigators, Sheriff Root stepped up. Our arson unit now serves all county fire departments, providing an invaluable resource during suspicious fire investigations.
School Resource Officers
Sheriff Root proudly provides two SROs — one to the Laurel County School System and one to East Bernstadt Independent — to protect students and staff and provide a safe learning environment.
Chaplains Program
Sheriff Root implement a chaplain program to serve with compassion through prayer, counseling, death notifications, and spiritual support for the community and our deputies.
New Facility
Sheriff Root oversaw the move to a new, state-of-the-art, single-level facility that is fully handicapped accessible, offering ample parking, at a convenient location on the Highway 192 Bypass.
Upgraded Radio System
Sheriff Root implemented a new county-wide radio system with repeaters and advanced equipment, ensuring deputies can communicate clearly with dispatch and first responders during emergencies.
Interlocal Agreements
Sheriff Root established agreements with surrounding counties so that when investigations cross borders, our deputies have the authority and ability to pursue cases seamlessly.
Accident Reconstruction
Sheriff Root formed a dedicated team equipped with advanced tools and drone technology to investigate fatal accidents and major crime scenes, providing accurate documentation and justice for victims.
Meet John Root
Lifelong Laurel County Resident
Born and raised here, deeply connected to the community.
Family & Community
Engaged to Heather Lynn Reynolds, together blessed with four daughters, one son, and five grandchildren, all living, working, and attending school in Laurel County.
Distinguished Law Enforcement Career
Began service in 1986 with the London Police Department, certified through the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). Joined the Kentucky State Police in 1987 and proudly served until retiring in 2006.
Sheriff of Laurel County
First elected in 2010 and re-elected by the people for nearly 16 years of dedicated service.
Proven Leadership
The only candidate with experience in city, county, and state law enforcement.
Commitment to Service
Guided by integrity, accountability, and a passion for protecting the people of Laurel County.