Wednesday, February 17, 1999
Local police talent recognized
Fewer cities going outside for leaders
BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CRESCENT SPRINGS — New Police Chief Mike Ward worked his way up through the ranks of the department he now leads here.
It's a road to the top job, one of several in recent months, that shows a turning tide in Northern Kentucky — the bosses are no longer coming from Cincinnati.
For years, it was common for supervisors from the Cin cinnati Police Division to retire, then cross the river to take jobs as chiefs of smaller Northern Kentucky departments.
The deals allowed them to collect their Ohio pensions and earn a salary too. It happened in Fort Wright, Independence, Boone and Kenton counties, and Florence.
But since Chief Mike Hensley was promoted to the top job in Fort Mitchell in October, with a plan to train him under former Chief Don Delaney, the trend has been to keep the chief's jobs in the commonwealth:
• Dan Kreinest had been acting chief several times in Fort Wright. He was passed over for the job before, but got it in January. He has been a member of the force 19 years.
• Steve Schmidt, the new Fort Thomas chief, was an assistant chief in Covington. He beat out officers from both Madeira and Cincinnati for the job.
• Chief Ward was promoted from lieutenant, getting the job officially last week.
“I think the people in the cities of Northern Kentucky are starting to realize that there's just as much talent in police departments over here as there is on the other side of the river,” Chief Schmidt said.
Taft faces life-or-death decision
Minister confident heaven awaits Berry
Prosecutor: Whipping daughter was murder
Ky. assembly could let Turfway add casino
Winburn pulls back electoral proposal
1,000 volunteer to search for Erica
Online therapy for MS
Teacher waives right to speedy trial
Uncle Sam wants dropouts, too
Flu cases below average
More foreheads showing ash cross
Riverfront tower landmark idea toppled
Top skater stays busy off the ice
Woman held on fake-ID charge
Couple appeal in fight for tot
Flynt trial could be delayed again
Judge says jury can hear murder suspect's statement
Museum celebrates posters
City to look at 12th Street plans
Fairfield schools aim higher on sixth-grade tests
Fire merger takes shape
Flaws found in planetarium deal
Landmark for Butler Co.
Local police talent recognized
Middletown board agrees to decide on mall plan
New bridge in Newport a challenge
Ohio 747 spot to get fixed early
Police: Man dodged 5 shots
Pride learned through a play
Regional vs. local focus of meeting
Roosters have to go, court rules
Sergeant is evaluated
Teacher directs 7th-graders to link science and writing
TRISTATE DIGEST
Village seeks outside help on landfill
Water pact could curb annexation
YMCA plans to open four Dearborn Co. facilities
