Officer Andrew Riley has been named the School Resource Officer for Bardstown City Schools. Earlier this month Bardstown City Schools’ application to create a special law enforcement office was approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council.
The district will now fully employ the School Resource Officer and be responsible for providing the resources a law enforcement service requires. The Bardstown City Police Department, as well as community and business leaders, have been supportive in the district’s efforts. BCS is grateful to have The Kentucky Gun Company donate some equipment and provide additional resources at cost.
Riley will become the first law enforcement officer to be commissioned by Bardstown City Schools Law Enforcement Services.
“Andrew has a true gift in his ability to build relationships with students and staff,” said Lance Boston, director of special programs. “ His desire to serve and guide students through difficult situations makes him the perfect fit for our district.” Boston will work with Officer Riley and oversee the law enforcement services program in addition to his other responsibilities.
Riley, a current police officer with the Bardstown Police Department, is a familiar face to students and families. Through an agreement with the City of Bardstown, Riley served as the school resource officer for the district from 2018-2020. His promotion to sergeant led him to a supervisory position in the patrol division. Upon School Resource Officer Tom Blair’s departure Riley stepped in to cover the vacant position.
Riley brings with him nearly 15 years of law enforcement experience. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Police Studies from Eastern Kentucky University in 2006. After graduating from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2007, he began his law enforcement career with the Bardstown Police Department as a patrolman. While an officer at Bardstown City Police he was a certified driving range instructor and led drivers training each year for the department.
Outside of policing Officer Riley enjoys coaching youth sports. For the past three years, he has served as an assistant coach for the Bardstown High School football team.
“My short time spent as the first SRO really showed me how important the position is to the community,” said Riley. “When the opportunity to become a permanent fixture at BCS presented itself it was a no-brainer for myself and my family.”
Riley, a Nelson County native, resides in the city with his wife and two children. He will assume the role of school resource officer after his application for special law enforcement officer (SLEO) certification is approved by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Department. BCS anticipates he will assume the role of SRO on April 18, 2022.
