The Laurel County Schools police chief has been fired after being arrested on a DUI charge.
The incident happened on Friday night in London when Daniel J. Smoot, 65, was arrested by the London Police Department after registering a .247 blood alcohol content (three times the legal limit), according to a report by WKYT.com.
Smoot’s arrest citation states that he had bloodshot, glassy eyes, was slurring his words and was unsteady on his feet, the Lexington television station reports.
The suspect initially agreed to take a field sobriety test but became “non-compliant” during the test.
He was lodged in Laurel Co. Corrections but has since been released.
Smoot, according to OperationUnite.org, was a Kentucky State Police trooper for 22 years.
Laurel Co. Schools formed its own police department in 2022 in response to the General Assembly passing House Bill 63 that calls for all schools in Kentucky to have officer[s] on school campus.’
The Laurel Co. Schools Police Department released the following statement concerning Smoot’s arrest:
On Friday, July 25, 2025, Laurel County Public Schools was notified by the London Police Department that Laurel County Schools Police Chief Dan Smoot was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Chief Smoot was not on duty at the time of this incident and is no longer employed by the Laurel County Public Schools, effective July 26, 2025.
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we are committed to upholding the trust of our parents and community. Laurel County Public Schools will continue to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all students, ensuring our teachers and staff serve as positive role models.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
