A life and love of serving the public

 

 

One could ask Joey Hoover about his many accomplishments, accolades, and awards.

He will more than likely humbly smile and say a soft, “thank you.”

Never one to draw attention to himself, or his literal life-saving efforts, he does, however, become animated and excited about one thing in particular…family.

“Let me show you this picture of my grandson, Welby!,” he excitedly said while thumbing through his phone.

He speaks fondly of his daughter, Alex, of whom he is “really proud,” or his wife, Lisa, “who has done so well…and always accomplishing.”

But what about the man who is arguably a law enforcement legend?

“I’m very fortunate…very blessed,” he said quietly.

In his office in the basement of his Jamestown home, he is surrounded by pictures, mementos, and honors from an illustrious career.

After a total of approximately 35 years in law enforcement, Hoover is retiring from his most recent position as Chief of Police in Monticello.

“I don’t want to fully retire,” Hoover candidly admitted. “I have no desire not to work. I have to be doing something productive.”

Which leaves him in a quandary.

Now, maybe there’s time to pursue some hobbies, which would explain the stacks of vinyl records and displays of classic albums on nearby walls.

But the police scanner traffic still catches his attention, and radio, well, that’s pretty much in his blood.

As the son of area media and political icons Welby and Mae Hoover, Joey said he “can’t help” but always have an interest in radio, news, and public service.

The Hoover family is known, loved and respected for their involvement in things like the WJRS Food for Needy Drive (which has provided food for thousands of Russell Countians and Christmastime for many years), promotion and participation in Lakefest, historical severe weather coverage (Between repeated plays of “Music Box Dancer,” Welby Hoover stayed on the air almost around-the-clock to alert the area and save lives during the April 1974 tornado outbreak), and numerous humanitarian efforts.

In a life fitting of a book or movie, Joey Hoover has long been involved with public service or things that just added to his legend.

His younger days found him traveling with friends when an auto accident was encountered, and Hoover and friends came to the rescue for victims.

He has worked in emergency medicine, law enforcement, and has always sought to unselfishly help others.

Hoover is regarded as one of the most effective officers to ever initiate and be involved in the D.A.R.E. program, and was instrumental in the epic 4 Sport, 4 Miles, 4 D.A.R.E. event, along with many other events to better the community.

As his tenure as Monticello Police Chief drew to a close, Hoover received an amazing tribute.

Hoover was recognized at a recent law enforcement appreciation luncheon in Manchester.

At that event, the police chief was recognized by famed Fifth District Congressman Hal Rogers (who is honored in Hoover’s office with a vintage campaign sign), and none other than FBI Director Kash Patel, who was visiting eastern Kentucky.

Rogers presented Hoover with a United States flag flown over the capitol, and a Patel presented the chief with a commemorative “Director’s Challenge” coin and certificate.

“That…was really something,” Hoover said with a slow nod. “My wife got me a real nice table, and I’ve got those items on display there. I will keep them there for the rest of my life.”

Recent events have led Hoover to look back on his start in law enforcement as a special deputy in Russell County in 1988, then joining the Jamestown Police Department in 1989, and he was named Chief of Police in Jamestown in 1995.

After putting in 16 years with the Jamestown Police Department, Hoover became the Director of State Park Rangers for eight years and retired in 2013.

Certainly not one to be sedimentary, Hoover spent four years as a detective with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office (where he had a nearly 100 percent conviction rate for drug cases) before joining Monticello Police as a patrol officer and K9 officer before and eventually becoming Chief of Police.

Always an innovator, while at Monticello, Hoover began the popular “Chief’s Chat” podcast which regaled listeners with interesting lore about law enforcement and situations he has encountered over the years-including episodes featuring Russell County.

As he contemplates retirement, he admits he is not sure what the future holds.

“To say ‘retire’ just means doing something different,” he said.