After six years, justice was wrapped in a bow and delivered to Chance Anthony.
In March 2020, Anthony was literally, at the last moment, wrongly denied an opportunity to graduate from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) by then DOCJT Commissioner Nicolai Jilek.
DURING the graduation ceremony, Jilek called for a pause as he privately handed Anthony, who was about to go on stage, a letter that stated he would not be able to graduate. This despite Anthony having not only passed all areas of the training academy but excelling, as he won the Physical Fitness Excellence Award and the Coordinator’s Award.
But Anthony was born with only half of his right arm, leading Jilek and others to question whether Anthony, despite his demonstrated abilities during training, could properly defend himself and shoot with a support hand.
One former DOCJT commissioner called that nonsense.
“That’s the worse case of discrimination due to a disability I’ve ever seen in my life,” former DOCJT Commissioner Alex Payne told WAVE.com at the time.
Anthony, who entered the academy in October 2019 as a member of the Leitchfield Police Department (LPD), filed an appeal. As the appeal was being considered, Anthony went to work for LPD and won the agency’s 2020 Officer of the Year Award.
While Anthony, originally from Breckinridge County, faithfully and superbly served the citizens of Leitchfield as an uncertified officer, his appeal for certification was denied. He sued, and hired renowned Louisville attorney Thomas Clay.
On May 11, 2026, over six years after he should have been sworn in as a certified law enforcement officer, Franklin Circuit Court, following a mediation agreement with the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, ordered Anthony be sworn in as a certified law enforcement officer retroactive to March 2020.
Justice delayed but finally delivered.
On Wednesday morning, Anthony, in front of nearly the entire Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, leadership and officers from the Leitchfield Police Department, Grayson County Attorney Jeremy Logsdon, a representative from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and a host of family, friends and supporters, was sworn in as a certified law enforcement officer by 46th Judicial District Judge Bradley T. Butler.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was jubilant (watch the full ceremony below), as a wrong was made right by Anthony simply raising his right arm and swearing to do what he was born to do.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for the opportunity to serve this community and to serve Him in this position,” Anthony told K105. “Thank you to my family, especially my wife Jaclan and our kids. The last six years have been a rodeo; many ups and downs, but they have supported me on this journey. And thank you to the various community members and law enforcement officials from across the state who have supported me along the way.”
“I am overwhelmed and appreciative,” Anthony continued, “it has been a long road, but I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
To fully understand Anthony’s drive and determination to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a certified police officer, one must recognize that it’s an Anthony family affair, and a way of life.
“I just have always felt the desire to serve as a law enforcement officer,” Anthony said. “I watched my dad for many years serve as a sheriff’s deputy, my brother became an officer, my brother-in-law became an officer, it’s just what I have always known and loved. I feel like this is what God has called me to do. The opportunity to help people in their lowest of times. For me, it’s also about the excitement and not knowing what each day will bring.”
Despite living through six infuriatingly frustrating years, Anthony is not littered with bitterness. He isn’t looking to blame.
Instead, Anthony (and his family’s) arduous journey brought to the surface a grand amount of support and love from those in and outside his orbit. It’s that love and support that enlightened Anthony to the blessings that surround him.
“I have been very blessed along this journey. The Leitchfield Police Department and community welcomed me during the start, and they have continued that support this entire time,” he said. “In 2021, when I had to step away because of the certification issues, Sheriff Norman Chaffins gave me a soft-landing place when I was in a difficult, confusing time in my career and life. There were many unknowns about what the future was going to hold. (But) the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and community welcomed me again and gave me a great opportunity to continue to learn and serve even while I was in limbo with the certification”
Anthony added: “I’m forever grateful for that, and am looking forward to continuing my service.”
He will continue his service, first, as the new school resource officer at Caneyville Elementary School (until the end of the school year), and then as a road deputy for the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office.
After serving in a variety of capacities, including as a dispatcher, court security and process server, since he was 22-years-old, the 33-year-old Anthony won the war he waged not by brute force or body blows, but by being right.
He is now free to fulfill his dream. His calling.
“The opportunity to serve … I feel is what God is calling me to do. This is something I have dreamed of and prayed about for a long time. Now that it is official and reality, I just look forward to being back on the streets and serving the Grayson County community.”
(Photo: Chance Anthony being sworn in as a certified law enforcement officer at the Grayson County Judicial Center. He is accompanied by his wife, Jaclan)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
