Somerset celebrates retirement of SPD Chief William Hunt

Apr. 1—The retirement of Somerset Police Chief William Hunt was celebrated in a way that made it seem like both a formal event, family gathering and church service, all at the same time.

While Hunt was showered with accolades and awards for his 30-year police career, the atmosphere was most decidedly focused on Hunt's faith as much as it was on his service to the community.

That focus extended out onto all men and women who serve in law enforcement, as Hunt told the crowd what he thought was the answer to why someone takes this kind of job.

"In my mind, I believe God has selected these people to be policemen. He's wired them to be this way," Hunt said.

He noted that, just like the younger officers working on patrol today, he has been cussed at and spit upon, punched and kicked. He said he has removed knives and guns from people.

"I've been on scenes where officers have been shot at," Hunt said, "but I'd go back and do it all again, because I believe it is one of the most honorable professions that you can do."

Hunt officially retired at the end of February, but he was the guest of honor Thursday at a ceremony held at the Virginia in downtown Somerset.

Hunt received letters of congratulations from both U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. He was also given a Citation of Appreciation from the Kentucky House of Representatives which was submitted by Somerset Representative Shane Baker; was named a Pulaski County Colonel by Pulaski County Government; and received gifts and plaques from Pulaski County Attorney Martin Hatfield's Office, the Kentucky League of Cities, the Kentucky Association of the Chiefs of Police, the Pulaski County Detention Center, and the FBI.

But some of the most heartfelt tributes came from those who know Hunt best and who have worked along side him in one capacity or another.

As Somerset Mayor Alan Keck said, "Chief Hunt it unequivocally the best servant leader I know. (It's) been an absolute honor to serve along side of him. ... The true test of a leader is not just making things better than they found it, this man has made things better than they've ever been, and our entire community should be grateful."

Josh Wesley, currently serving as the acting chief of the Somerset Police Department, joked that his new position allowed him access to Hunt's personnel file.

Going through that file, Wesley said that he had found that Hunt had donated his vacation and sick time to six different employees over the course of his career.

"You think, well, that might not sound that much, but the total of that time was over 250 hours of his own time," Wesley said.

A constant theme throughout that personnel file, Wesley said, was Hunt's compassion for other people, professionalism, and dedication to the community.

He added that Hunt had received seven commendations from past chiefs, one of which was for the apprehension of a bank robbery suspect.

Wesley also said the file contained 28 hand-written thank you letters, including one from someone thanking for writing them a citation.

Hunt also shared his own story of running into a person in the community who shook Hunt's hand and thanked Hunt — for arresting him.

He related the man as saying, "You arrested me when I was probably at the lowest of the lows in my life, and you took me to jail for a drug possession charge. I want to thank you for that, because you saved my life."

John Alexander attended the event as a representative of Pulaski County Government, but also related several personal stories about Hunt that he'd gathered through the course of their professional relationships, whether that be during Alexander's time working in radio or during his time working for Hunt as a safety officer for the Somerset Police Department.

During many of their conversations, Alexander said that Hunt had invited him to attend Hunt's church because he was concerned about Alexander's soul.

"One thing I know about Chief Hunt is that no matter what he does in the future, and no matter what he's done in the past, he has always been concerned about this city's soul, this community's soul, the commonwealth and this country, and I know he will continue to do so," Alexander said.

Also at the ceremony, representatives from Horse Soldier Bourbon — founders John Koko, Elizabeth Koko and Scott Neil — announced that the distillery would be be donating $1,000 for each year of Hunt's career — $30,000 in total — to the Somerset Community Fund.

Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com