Meet Your Sheriff
Sheriff Tim Smith has dedicated his life to serving others – first our country, now Fleming County. As a military veteran with 22 years of service, Sheriff Smith brings proven leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to protecting the communities he serves.
Military Service & Leadership
Sheriff Tim Smith served 22 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) as a Senior Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Warrant Officer. His military experience includes two combat deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he demonstrated the leadership and tactical expertise that now guides his approach to law enforcement in Fleming County.
His military service instilled the values of discipline, integrity, and service that define his leadership philosophy: “A veteran who cares.” Sheriff Tim Smith combines military precision with genuine compassion for the Fleming County community.
Sheriff’s Message to Fleming County
“As your Sheriff, I am committed to serving Fleming County with the same dedication I brought to our military. Whether you’re facing an emergency, struggling with challenges, or simply need assistance navigating our services, my office is here to help.
If you’re struggling with addiction, please seek help. Your life matters, and there is a path to recovery.
We will not tolerate drug trafficking, and those who choose to bring this poison into our community will be held accountable. However, if you are a person who needs help in fighting addiction, you can anonymously contact our office and we will connect you with resources to help you.”
Law Enforcement Experience
Before becoming Sheriff, Tim Smith served 15 years with the Flemingsburg Police Department, where he developed extensive experience in community policing, drug enforcement, and school safety. His law enforcement credentials include:
- Drug Recognition Expert certification
- Intermediate Officer Certification through Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
- School Resource Officer experience
- Completion of numerous specialized training programs and leadership courses
Sheriff Smith was elected Fleming County Sheriff in November 2022 and took office in January 2023, bringing a total of 37 years of combined military and law enforcement service to the position.
Leadership Philosophy
Sheriff Tim Smith’s approach balances enforcement with support, recognizing that effective law enforcement requires both strong deterrence and community compassion. His military background provides the discipline and strategic thinking necessary for modern law enforcement challenges, while his law enforcement experience ensures practical, community-focused solutions.
Community-Focused Approach:
- Enforcement when necessary, support when possible
- Military discipline combined with local community values
- Proactive community engagement and relationship building
- Dual approach to drug issues: aggressive prosecution of traffickers paired with recovery resources for those struggling with addiction
Public Safety Priorities
Under Sheriff Smith’s leadership, the Fleming County Sheriff’s Office focuses on:
Community Policing: Building strong relationships between law enforcement and citizens through regular engagement and open communication
Rural Safety: Addressing the unique challenges of Fleming County’s rural geography with strategic patrol coverage and emergency response capabilities
School Safety: Comprehensive protection for Fleming County schools through School Resource Officer programs and safety partnerships
Drug Enforcement: Balanced approach combining aggressive enforcement against trafficking with support for addiction recovery and treatment resources
Emergency Response: Maintaining specialized capabilities including Emergency Response Team and K-9 unit for critical incidents
Department Capabilities
Under Sheriff Smith’s leadership, the Fleming County Sheriff’s Office continues advancing professional capabilities:
Specialized Units:
- K-9 Unit featuring K-9 Rex, a narcotics detection dog handled by Deputy James Welch
- local drug task force working in partnership with surrounding agencies to investigate and combat narcotics trafficking and drug-related crimes in Fleming County
Technology & Equipment:
- Modern computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems
- Body cameras for officer accountability and evidence collection
- Mobile data terminals for real-time information access
Professional Development:
- Regular participation in Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training programs
- Annual 40+ hour mandatory training requirements
- Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association conferences and specialized training
- Continuous leadership development and advanced certifications
Community Connection
Fleming County Roots Sheriff Smith has deep ties to Fleming County, demonstrated through years of community involvement and service. His commitment to the area extends far beyond his official duties, reflecting a genuine investment in the community’s future.
Community Involvement:
- Extensive youth sports coaching (soccer at high school, middle school, and youth levels)
- Former PTA President at Hillsboro Elementary School
- Former SBDM (School Based Decision Making) Council member
- Lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Member of Fraternal Order of Police
Professional Partnerships
Sheriff Smith maintains strong collaborative relationships with:
- Kentucky State Police for major investigations and specialized support
- Fleming County Schools for comprehensive safety programs and educational initiatives
- Local treatment centers and ASAP programs for addiction recovery resources
- Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association for professional development and best practices
- Federal agencies for multi-jurisdictional investigations
Family
Sheriff Tim treasures his role as devoted husband to Ashley and loving father to their three sons: Jake, TJ, and Ryan. The Smith family maintains deep roots throughout the Fleming County community.
Contact Sheriff Tim Smith
Fleming County Sheriff’s Office
Contact Fleming County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Tim Smith continues the proud tradition of dedicated service to Fleming County, bringing together military discipline, law enforcement expertise, and genuine community commitment to protect and serve all residents.