Former LMPD assistant chief takes on new role as Pewee Valley police chief

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former member of Louisville Metro Police Department's command staff has a new role in a smaller city.

The city of Pewee Valley is located in Oldham County and has around 1,500 people living there. Steve Healey is the city's Chief of Police.

"You have a remarkable history here," Healey said.

After spending 24 years with the LMPD, Healey retired in August. Last week, he was sworn in as Pewee Valley's new police chief.

"They want their own police department," Healey said. "They're proud of their city.

In 24 years, Healey rose to the rank of assistant chief and made a name for himself by connecting with people he was sworn to protect and serve, particularly in the city's west end.

"It doesn't matter where you're at geographically, people are people, and you know our job is to be accessible and to make them feel safe," Healey said.

Three months after retirement, Healey decided to give up afternoons relaxing.

"When you've done this for as long as I have, it's just in you, it's in you to be a public servant," Healey said.

Pewee Valley Mayor Bob Rogers said before making a decision, residents were presented with three options regarding public safety.

"The biggest option was to hire somebody that was retired, like Steve is, and along with some deputies, whatever we decide, that was the option that most of the people picked," Rogers said.

While Pewee Valley has little crime, Rogers said police have plenty to do.

"There's a lot of traffic on 146 coming from Cincinnati through to Louisville," Rogers said. "On 22, that's two arteries there. So there will be plenty for him to do."

Although he's on a different beat and different department, Healey said he is still pained to see senseless gun violence in Louisville.

"Of course its tough, anytime you see a loss of life or someone that's been shot," Healey said. "Those are people, and those people have families."

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