Rick Clemons speaks to Leitchfield City Council to dispel rumors that Harold Miller will appoint him Leitchfield Police Chief if Miller wins mayoral election

rick-clemons
rick-clemons

Former Grayson County sheriff and Leitchfield and Clarkson police officer Rick Clemons spoke at Monday night’s Leitchfield City Council meeting to dispel apparently wide-spread rumors about him becoming the next Leitchfield Police Chief.

Clemons, in his roughly five minutes speaking to council members, passionately quashed a rumor circulating in Grayson County that if mayoral candidate Harold Miller wins next month’s general election over incumbent Mayor Rick Embry, Miller will unilaterally appoint Clemons as the city’s next police chief, replacing current chief, David Riley.

Clemons noted in his remarks that in addition to himself, his wife and two sons — both Kentucky State Police troopers — have been questioned by community members regarding Clemons becoming the new chief if Miller wins the election, after hearing rumors to that effect.

While Clemons did not directly accuse the person he believes spread the unfounded claim, he came close to that when he said: “I’m a firm believer that if we all run for office – to whoever this (rumor) pertains to – let’s run on what we can do; let’s not run on what our opponent can’t do.”

That statement appears to indicate that Clemons believes that whoever started the rumor is running for office.

The full transcript of Clemon’s remarks can be found below:

“It has been brought to my attention; just in the last little while. I think it’s important that you all need to know this: My wife and my sons have fielded questions in reference to; if Harold Miller were to win the election that I would be appointed to the chief’s position.

“I want everyone to understand that, number one, the city of Leitchfield gave me 20 of the best years of my life. I am thankful, I’m blessed to have been able to work here for that period of time and move on. However, as much as I support this city and everything you all stand for, I am not remotely interested.

“I don’t think it’s a secret that Harold and I have been best friends since high school. I respect anybody that runs for office but I don’t like it when things like this are being told. My family has directly been called, stopped; I have been called. I’ve been asked multiple times if I’m interested in the position of being chief of police. I have zero desire to do that; not that it wouldn’t be a wonderful job. I think it would be one of the best jobs, but I personally am not interested. I’ve given my 34 years in law enforcement and I’ve very happy to be where I’m at.

“I would like to believe that I’ve been in the election cycles before. I’ve witnessed many of them. I’m a firm believer that if we all run for office – to whoever this (rumor) pertains to – let’s run on what we can do; let’s not run on what our opponent can’t do. And I just ask that everyone keep that in mind.

“But the biggest reason that I’m here is to tell you all that I respect David Riley with every ounce that’s in me. I think he’s a fantastic chief. I think he’s done a great job (and) I think he’ll do a great job until the day he retires.

“David and I had a conversation earlier – he had heard this also, and it bothers me so that he and his men would even have to entertain that thought. It’s unfair. It’s not only unfair to me and my family but it’s unfair to those men that work up there; that they would even have to hear that.

“So, I wanted for you all to hear for the betterment of this city, and for our county, I respect you all enough to ask; if you do hear that, please nix that. That has never been; that has never been in my heart. And Harold knows that. We’ve never discussed that; that has never been an issue, so I would ask you, if you do hear that, please nix that because I love this city, but I have no desire.

“In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you all for what you do — Giving your time, giving your service to this wonderful city that we live in. I appreciate you all.”

(Photo: Rick Clemons speaking to the Leitchfield City Council on Monday night)

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com