2024-2025 Leadership Lexington Public Safety Day Recap

By: Ryessia Russell, University of Kentucky
​
I identify as a Black woman, and I share this information because my lived experiences shape my understanding of the world. As part of a community that has historically had a complicated relationship with law enforcement, I have heard many stories of negative interactions with police. This made me hesitant to participate in this session of Leadership Lexington, particularly when it came to speaking on behalf of the Best Class about Public Safety Day.

---

I must admit that participating in this session is essential, and I highly recommend that all Lexingtonians engage with Leadership Lexington, especially the Public Safety Day session. Although this is only our third session, I am confident that it will have the most significant impact on me.
​
Before Public Safety Day, we had the opportunity to participate in a ride-along with the Lexington Police Department and/or the Lexington Fire Department, as well as tour the Fayette County Detention Center. As I write this recap, I have only completed the tour of the Fayette County Detention Center, but I hope to have experienced both ride-along’s by the time this article is published.

During Public Safety Day, we learned about the Lexington Fire Department at the Fire Department Training Academy. One highlight was hearing from Fire Chief Jason Wells, who shared the department's top three priorities: service delivery, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and firefighter wellness. I appreciate Chief Wells's transparency, especially regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, as his leadership team did not reflect the demographics of the Lexington community. Listening to him inspired me to help with recruitment efforts. While I am not eligible to pursue my daughter's dream of becoming a firefighter due to age, I can encourage others to consider this career. More importantly, I can support my 2-year-old daughter and guide her toward participating in the Brenda Cowan Fire Camp when she's old enough.

As the morning continued, we watched a demonstration illustrating how firefighters respond to emergencies. Witnessing the fire and smoke reminded me of the risks these public servants take to keep us, our pets, and our property safe. After the demonstration, we had the chance to converse with the firefighters involved, reinforcing my awareness of their sacrifices for our community, including their physical and mental well-being. I learned that all sworn members of the Fire Department are also EMTs or paramedics, which highlights their commitment to prioritizing mental health.

Reflecting on the morning session, it was clear that these priorities are not just words on a slide; there are intentional practices in place to enhance diversity and underscore the importance of mental health. One poignant example was the emphasis on the kitchen table at the fire station. Given their shift structure and communal living, this table serves as a place for meals, community-building, trust, and support.

In the second half of the day, we heard from Captain Scottie Frans and Major Matthews LeMonds, who facilitated our tour of the Fayette County Detention Center. I appreciated seeing inmates treated with dignity, whether entering or exiting the facility after serving their time. I also valued Frans and LeMonds's honesty in explaining that inmates can only communicate with their families via video chat due to COVID policies, and that not all can afford this service. They are actively working with a different provider to alleviate the financial burden on families.
I was surprised to learn about the numerous job openings at the Detention Center, but the rationale of wanting to avoid hiring the wrong person made sense.

We also had the opportunity to hear from Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt, and Fayette County Public Schools Police Chief Martin Schafer. Conversations with these leaders reinforced their commitment to community safety, transparency, and building meaningful relationships with Lexington residents. They acknowledged that, unfortunately, some bad actors can exist in these roles, but there are systems of accountability in place. The leadership in all public service sectors is diligently working to implement policies and procedures that ensure the safety of both employees and the community.

The day included five law enforcement breakout sessions: Training and Prism Simulator, Public Integrity, Special Operations (Mounted/Canine), Special Operations (ERU/HDU), and Community Resources. I was particularly humbled by the Training and Prism Simulator session, which allowed me to engage in scenarios I often discussed hypothetically. This experience gave me a newfound respect for our police officers and sheriffs who put themselves at risk to keep Lexington safe.

As I conclude my reflections on Public Safety Day, I am grateful to live and work in the Lexington community. I appreciate that the Lexington Fire Department and Police Department are committed to public transparency, even when it's challenging, and are dedicated to integrating into the community while fostering meaningful connections. As a mother of two Black girls, I am thankful that my daughters are growing up in a city where they can build positive relationships with our police officers and firefighters. They can participate in initiatives like Operation Copsicle, where they can chat with police officers while enjoying popsicles or play in a firedog bouncy house at the Fire Presentation Festival.

While I know not everyone shares the same experiences, I recognize my responsibility as a participant in Leadership Lexington and as a community member to help counter negative perceptions and promote positive images of the Lexington Fire Department, Police Department, and Division of Community Corrections. These public servants are our neighbors, called to serve and improve our community.

As a resident of Lexington, I also understand the importance of voicing my concerns to local officials, ensuring that upcoming budgets support the Fire Department, Police Department, and Division of Community Corrections. This includes providing opportunities to hire and retain qualified employees, equipping them with the necessary training and resources to protect lives and property, ensuring that inmates have access to affordable communication with their families, and funding job development programs to prevent recidivism, all while fostering community policing as a model for our city.