Media Contacts:
Naitore Djigbenou
502-782-4829
Naitore.Djigbenou@ky.gov
Allen Blair
606-748-3716
Allen.Blair@ky.gov
PRINCETON, Ky. (Aug. 2, 2024) – Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and elected officials joined the family of Calloway County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Jody Wayne Cash at a road-naming ceremony in Princeton to honor his life and service to the commonwealth. The late chief sheriff’s deputy was memorialized during the ceremony, where a sign was unveiled naming a four-mile stretch of Kentucky Highway 293 as the “Chief Deputy Jody Wayne Cash Memorial Highway.”
“While nothing can ever replace the pain of losing a loved one too soon, knowing that their memory and legacy lives on is one small way to honor a life well lived like that of Chief Deputy Cash,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “Travelers, family and friends will remember the hero, husband, son and colleague he was every time they pass by this sign for many years to come.”
“Deputy Cash touched countless lives throughout his 22-year career,” Gov. Beshear said. “His record of service is noble, and this highway will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifice Deputy Cash made as well as his leadership and the compassion he had for his fellow Kentuckians.”
Chief Deputy Cash was not only a leader in his community but also a trusted colleague within his profession. He was a 22-year law enforcement veteran, having served with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Murray State University Police and Kentucky State Police (KSP). Cash retired from KSP at the rank of sergeant before joining the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Cash also worked with Department of Criminal Justice Training as a peer mentor through the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar, supporting officers after traumatic or distressing events.
Honorary road-naming designations are enacted by the General Assembly every legislative session and signed by Gov. Beshear. Sen. Whitney Westerfield sponsored the road-naming in Cash’s honor as part of Senate Joint Resolution 58.
“Every community has its beloved heroes, and Caldwell County’s native son Jody Cash is one of theirs,” said Sen. Westerfield. “When we lose our heroes, we who remain owe them remembrance and recognition. I’m honored to have sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 58 to designate this part of Kentucky Route 293 as the Chief Deputy Jody Wayne Cash Memorial Highway on behalf of someone whose selflessness always put him in positions to serve others.”
“Chief Deputy Jody Cash was an inspiration to our entire agency and all of Calloway County,” said Calloway County Sheriff Nicky Knight. “His record of service gives us all something to aspire to and his example of leadership is to be revered. Jody Cash was the best chief deputy I could have ever asked for.”
Former KSP Academy classmate Sgt. David Dick remembered his best friend at the event: “Jody’s heart was always in Princeton from a very young age. I know he would be truly honored by the dedication of this roadway.”
Family members joined officials to pay tribute to his life.
“We are so appreciative of Jody’s recognition and his commitment to making the lives of Kentuckians and people everywhere better by offering a helping hand in all kinds of situations and through so many avenues,” said Jody’s father, Wayne Cash. “We hope his dedication to helping others will always be remembered. Thanks again for dedicating a portion of Highway 293 through his hometown in his honor.”
Last year, Gov. Beshear joined members of the Cash family for a groundbreaking of a new law enforcement training center in Richmond named in Deputy Cash’s honor. The Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility will be a 42,794-square-foot facility with a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed for officers to learn intensive and specialized training. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.