(Leitchfield, KY) – He began his beat in late 2001 at the age of 22 after being inspired by photos of both his grandfathers in uniforms, one military, one security, and overhearing new officers he worked-out with talk about their new policing career. Jarrod Mudd has served in the capacity of an officer in uniform for the past 16 years in multiple capacities. He said his childhood past time may have been where his policing career really began as he would play army, and cops & robbers with his cousins, as most small children will do; Mudd recalls always wanting to play the role of the good guy. (Listen Below)
He began his career under then Leitchfield Police Chief Elmer Langdon as a patrol officer before being promoted to detective with the Leitchfield Police Department. Mudd was offered a job with the Louisville airport where he served as a fireman, police officer, and emt; however, his heart was with his hometown of Grayson County. (Listen Below)
He decided to return as a part-time officer for then Grayson County Sheriff Rick Clemons, and recently decided to leave his full-time position in Louisville, where he said in all his years of service there he was never honored as a first responder, instead said you could feel the tension while wearing his uniform in his patrol areas. Mudd returned to Grayson County as the Chief Deputy for Sheriff Norman Chaffins last year. He said the people of Grayson County are always quick to shake his hand, say “thank you,” or have his lunch purchased unexpectedly for him. He said there’s still an attitude of honoring those who serve.
Chief Deputy Mudd said over the past 16 years the way he polices has not changed, as he always tries to be respectful to everyone, and treat them the way he would want his daughters/parents treated. However, he says the attitudes in society has changed. He describes the shift as moving from people arrested accepting fault and punishment to nowadays, Chief Deputy Mudd says he sees more people who act as if though they should not be punished for breaking the law. (Listen Below)
When Chief Deputy Mudd isn’t patrolling the streets of Grayson County, he enjoys working as an artisan creating furniture and other unique pieces. He said his father is an artist and he has always enjoyed painting and creating works of art in all forms.
Chief Deputy Jarrod Mudd is the K105, Carter Harrell & Dale Woosley First Responder of the Week.
Misty Thomas, K105 Staff Writer
