Former LMPD assistant chief announces run for Jefferson County Sheriff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former retired colonel and assistant chief for the Louisville Metro Police Department announced his candidacy for Jefferson County Sheriff.

Steve Healey plans to run for the position after Sheriff John Aubrey announced his current term will be his last. Aubrey has spent 27 years in the Jefferson County Sheriff's office. Prior to becoming the sheriff, he had a long history of public safety and military service.

Healey retired from LMPD's command staff after 24 years of service to the city last summer. He then took on the role of Pewee Valley's chief of police in November 2024.

"Throughout my career and as we go on this campaign, I promise to work with members of our Metro Council and collaboratively address concerns they may have in their respective districts and the constituents that they serve," Healey said. "Government has to work together, all of us. We need to understand who we serve, and that's the community."

Healey's announcement comes exactly a year before the 2026 primary election will be held.

Richard Breen will also run for Jefferson County Sheriff. Breen is a lawyer who previously served as a Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy before turning to law.

Democrat Stephen Yancey worked for the sheriff's office for more than 28 years before retiring. He ran against the current sheriff in the 2022 primary. To read Yancey's responses from a WDRB interview in 2022, click here.

Aubrey will finish serving his seventh term. Aubrey endorsed Healey for sheriff during the press conference Monday.

"After almost a year, I believe I found the right person," Aubrey said. "Col. Steve Healey has an impressive career as a professional law enforcement officer working with the Louisville Metro Police Department. He is a proven leader. He's a good person. He respects and knows how to talk to all kinds of people."

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