Sheriff Dwayne Depp is running for a full term as Franklin County Sheriff. He is committed to continuing to deliver steady, experienced leadership that keeps families safe and strengthens community trust.

“It has been a true privilege to serve as your Franklin County Sheriff,” Depp said. “After much reflection and prayer, I am excited to announce my decision to run for a full term next year. I am committed to serving our community with integrity and dedication, and I humbly ask for your support and your vote. Together, we can make a positive impact in our county.”

Depp was appointed Sheriff earlier this year to fill the unexpired term of former Sheriff Chris Quire, following Quire’s recommendation to Judge-Executive Michael Mueller.

“I request that you appoint my chief deputy, Dwayne Depp, to fulfill the remainder of my term,” Quire wrote in his retirement letter. “He is more than capable, and I believe there is no other individual who can carry on the thoughts and values we have practiced over the past several years.”

Judge-Executive Mueller affirmed the choice:

“We are excited to welcome Sheriff Dwayne Depp into his new role. He is a proven leader with a deep commitment to the community, and we know he will do an outstanding job continuing the great work and progress of the department.”

A successful student athlete at Glasgow High School, Depp is a Hall of Fame inductee and runner-up for Mr. Kentucky Football (1988). He carried that discipline to Murray State University, where he was named Rookie of the Year before choosing a career in law enforcement.

At 56, Depp brings more than three decades of public safety experience. Recruited by the Kentucky State Police, he entered the academy in 1991 and later earned a criminal justice degree from Kentucky State University. He served in every aspect of law enforcement, retiring in 2009 as Post Commander at Morehead. His career also includes service on the Kentucky Parole Board, as Director of Insurance Fraud, as Director of Enforcement at ABC, and as Commissioner of Workplace Standards.

Depp joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office almost six years ago as an evidence technician and later became chief deputy before being appointed Sheriff.

Priorities: Experienced Leadership Focused on Safety

Sheriff Depp’s agenda centers on practical, data-informed strategies.

• Targeted Narcotics Enforcement: Rebuild proactive narcotics investigation and interdiction, drawing on Depp’s prior undercover experience to disrupt trafficking and associated violence.
• Stronger Coverage Countywide: Expand staffing and increase patrol units to cover Franklin County’s 208 square miles and extensive federal, state, and county roadways.
• More Detective Capacity: Add detectives to accelerate casework, improve clearance rates, and provide better support to victims.
• Community Partnerships: Continue transparent, respectful policing that partners with neighborhoods, schools, faith leaders, and service providers to address root causes and keep families safe.

“Chris prepared me well for this position,” Depp said. “I stepped into the role, and things will continue and prosper. We have a great staff, capable and compassionate. We want the best for the community and will partner with citizens to make Franklin County a safe, solid place to raise a family.”

Sheriff Dwayne Depp began his law enforcement career with the Kentucky State Police in 1991 and retired as Post Commander in 2009. He served on the Kentucky Parole Board, worked to improve workplace safety in state government, and served Franklin County as evidence technician and chief deputy before being appointed Sheriff. A proud father, his son D graduated from the University of Louisville. Depp is committed to integrity, professionalism, and community-focused policing that treats every person with dignity and respect.