By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
Sheriff Kent Keen wore a smile Thursday night as Superintendent Amy Irwin reminisced about his past during Barren County’s board of education meeting.
He was being recognized for all his contributions to the district. Fourteen years ago, Keen was stationed at Barren County High School as the lone school resource officer.
“At that time, that was the only school resource officer in all of Barren County Schools,” Irwin said. “So not only did he serve the high school, but other needs that came up across the district.
“Today, we so depend on our school resource officers. It’s hard to even look back and imagine a time that one person carried that weight for the entire district.”
Keen’s “relentless advocacy” is why all seven Barren County elementary schools now have dedicated school resource officers, Irwin said, adding that the sheriff has been working for many years “setting the bar high on who those people should be.”
“We value that our SROs are highly trained and skilled with law enforcement experience,” the superintendent said. “Sheriff Keen didn’t just ask for more safety, he provided it. He personally funds two of our SROs — the one at the high school and middle school — out of his own staff budget.
“His priority is always the protection of our students and staff. If we call, he comes running.”
Irwin said Keen and his deputies spend time with all school employees, making sure everyone feels safe and prepared for emergencies.
“We don’t just see him once a year,” Irwin said. “He is a constant in all of our schools.
“We thank you for over 30 years of service in this community.”
Keen previously told Glasgow News 1 that he will not seek reelection at the end of his current term to spend more time with his family.
Thursday night he received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
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