Longtime Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey has died

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Months after announcing plans to retire, the longest-serving sheriff in Jefferson County history has died.

Sheriff John Aubrey passed away Tuesday night at the age of 86. Aubrey was a retired U.S. Army colonel and former acting chief of police with the Louisville Police Department, where he served 28 years.

In February, he was selected to receive the 2025 Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year award from the National Sheriffs’ Association, recognizing his contributions during more than 55 years of public service. He is credited with strengthening community partnerships, enhancing law enforcement training, and expanding services, including establishing additional vehicle inspection stations and creating specialized units such as the River Patrol, Motorcycle Escort, and Honor Guard.

Aubrey announced in March that he would retire at the end of his seventh term. “You will know when the right time is to take a break,” he said at the time. “I have come to the conclusion that the time for the break has come. I will not be running for an 8th term as Jefferson County Sheriff.”

Aubrey’s career began after he graduated from Shawnee High School in 1956 and joined the Army Reserve, where he served for 32 years before retiring as a colonel in 1988. While in the Reserve, he joined the Louisville Police Department in 1962, eventually retiring as acting chief in 1990. He was first elected Jefferson County sheriff in 1998.

“You can't say thank you enough, especially when you've had a career like I've had,” Aubrey said upon announcing his retirement. “Because you cannot do it by yourself. I've just been blessed.”

Tributes pour in

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called Aubrey “the longest-serving sheriff in Jefferson County’s history” with “27 years of service” and praised his decades of dedication to public service.

“Public service was everything to Sheriff Aubrey. He will be greatly missed by the sheriff’s department, by the city, and our entire community,” Greenberg said.

Major Michael Littlefield, speaking at a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office press conference, reflected on Aubrey’s decades-long career.

“Sheriff John Aubrey passed away peacefully, surrounded by close friends and family,” Littlefield said. “He was a friend to many, a family man who loved deeply his family and grandchildren. He was a mentor to many and a true professional in law enforcement. He served this country, retiring as a colonel in the United States Army Reserve with 32 years of service. During this time, he dedicated over 55 years of service to this community.”

FOP 25 President Todd Jensen called Aubrey “a living legend” and said he was “the longest-serving sheriff in the history of Jefferson County. From my FOP perspective, I could not have asked for a better boss, or anyone who cared about his people more than Sheriff Aubrey.”

Jensen said Aubrey’s leadership left a lasting impact on deputies and the community alike, noting his open-door policy, hands-on approach, and dedication to fairness and service.

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Aubrey “was a dedicated public servant who made an indelible impact on our community. His recognition as the 2025 Sheriff of the Year was a testament to his unwavering commitment to law enforcement.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised Aubrey as “a true public servant” whose leadership kept families safe and whose career was “nationally recognized.” Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said, “Sheriff John Aubrey was a true Kentucky lawman… His impact on policing reached across this community, our Commonwealth and the entire nation.”

Other officials, including County Attorney Mike O’Connell, Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Wethers, and Louisville Metro Council President Brent Ackerson, highlighted Aubrey’s professionalism, community impact, and decades of mentorship in law enforcement. A joint statement from the Louisville Metro Council Minority Caucus called him a “steady and respected leader” whose legacy will inspire generations.

In May, Sheriff Aubrey endorsed Pewee Valley Police Chief Steve Healey to replace him as sheriff. Chief Healey is also a retired commander with LMPD. Local attorney Richard Breen and longtime sheriff's office employee Stephen Yancey are also running in the 2026 primary. It will be up to mayor Craig Greenberg to appoint someone to finish sheriff Aubrey's term.

Funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements have been tentatively set for next week. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday at Southeast Christian Church, with funeral services to follow Thursday. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will confirm the details once they are finalized.

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