September 15, 2026 – Hopkinsville, Ky. — The City of Hopkinsville announced the upcoming resignations of Police Chief Jason Newby and Deputy Police Chief Erik Pacheco.
Both will serve their final day with the Hopkinsville Police Department on October 11, 2026.
Newby has served as Hopkinsville’s police chief since April 2023. He was selected to lead the Hopkinsville Police Department following a career in law enforcement that included service with the Kentucky State Police and Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
During his tenure as chief, Newby has led the department’s efforts to strengthen staffing, enhance public safety initiatives and continue building relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Pacheco has more than two decades of service with the City of Hopkinsville and has served the Hopkinsville Police Department in multiple leadership roles throughout his career. His service to the community also includes an extensive background in law enforcement and military service.
Mayor James R. Knight, Jr. thanked both Newby and Pacheco for their years of service to Hopkinsville and the leadership they have provided to the department.
“Chief Newby and Deputy Chief Pacheco have both dedicated many years to serving and protecting this community, and we are grateful for their leadership and commitment to the people of Hopkinsville,” Mayor Knight said. “Transitions in leadership are a natural part of any organization, and our priority now is ensuring the Hopkinsville Police Department continues moving forward without interruption. We have an outstanding team of officers and leaders within HPD, and I have every confidence in their ability to continue providing the level of service and protection our community expects.”
To ensure continuity of leadership following their departures, Mayor Knight will select an interim police chief. The interim appointment will be formalized through an executive order and will be subject to city council approval.
With a new mayoral administration beginning in January, the next police chief will be selected by the incoming mayor. That appointment process will follow the same process, with the mayor’s selection formalized through an executive order and subject to city approval.
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