brad-youngman

Every DCSO patrol car now equipped with AED thanks to local donations

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:36:55 GMT

Every DCSO patrol car now equipped with AED thanks to local donations

Article and photo courtesy of Owensboro Times

Every Daviess County Sheriff’s Office patrol cruiser is now equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), thanks to donations from area businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The milestone marks the successful completion of a two-year effort led by DCSO Patrol Division Commander Captain Duane Harper, who pushed to give deputies better tools to respond to medical emergencies.

“It is fairly common for DCSO patrol units to arrive at the scene of a serious medical emergency before an ambulance does,” said Sheriff Brad Youngman. “Having an AED can absolutely mean the difference between life and death and give my deputies a decent chance at saving the person’s life.”

Harper said the push stemmed from emotional calls where deputies arrived before emergency medical personnel.

“You know the ambulance is coming, but you still want to be able to do something to save this person,” he said. “Their loved ones are watching you, desperate for you to take action. I wanted to make sure that every deputy has a chance of keeping that person alive until the ambulance arrives and takes over.”

The AEDs used by DCSO are compatible with devices used by the Daviess County Fire Department, Owensboro Fire Department, and AMR Ambulance Service. That compatibility allows for a seamless transition of care once those agencies arrive on scene.

The AEDs were funded through donations from Firehouse Subs, Glenn Family Services, Kentucky Farm Bureau, McCarty’s Pro Towing & Automotive, Evergreen Lawn Care, Daviess County Fiscal Court, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Yellowbanks 4168 and its auxiliary, and several anonymous donors.

In addition to AEDs, DCSO cruisers carry Narcan, tourniquets, and clotting kits. All deputies and detectives also have personal trauma kits and have undergone “Stop the Bleed” training provided by Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.

DCSO has also established a Tactical Emergency Medical Service Unit and partners with the Daviess County Fire Department for a Rescue Task Force, all aimed at enhancing life-saving capabilities.

“Our goal is to ensure that each deputy has as many tools as possible at their disposal to be able to save someone’s life when needed,” Youngman said. “I sincerely appreciate Captain Harper’s diligence as well as the kindness and compassion of these donors for seeing his vision and helping make it a reality.”

New training approach prepares first responders to save lives faster during mass casualty events

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:33:48 GMT

New training approach prepares first responders to save lives faster during mass casualty events

Article and photo courtesy of Owensboro Times

“Every time you hear a gunshot, someone else just died. You don’t wait, you go in.” Sheriff Brad Youngman didn’t mince words Tuesday as he stood in the halls of Daviess County High School during this year’s Rescue Task Force (RTF) training,

That mindset is at the heart of the RTF approach. It’s an aggressive but calculated response model designed to get help to victims of mass casualty events, especially active shooter situations, as quickly and effectively as possible. And in a community like Daviess County, where many of the men and women wearing uniforms are also parents of students in the schools where they train, the weight of that mission hits home.

“We hope these things never happen,” Youngman said. “But when they do, the impact on a community is just so tragic that we want to be as prepared as possible to save as many lives as we can.”

Since its launch in 2017, Daviess County’s Rescue Task Force has steadily evolved from small-scale tabletop discussions to complex, multi-story, multi-agency simulations. The multi-agency training simulates the immediate response to an active shooter, including locating and neutralizing the threat, setting up casualty collection points, and escorting firefighters and medics into unsecured areas to administer life-saving care.

RTF protocols are built on two core principles: speed and cooperation. Law enforcement enters first to address the threat and identify victims. Medical teams then follow under armed escort, bringing tourniquets, trauma kits, and triage training — not weapons — to stop the bleeding and stabilize victims.

It’s a strategy that diverges from traditional response models, where medical personnel would typically stage outside until a scene was fully secure. In mass shooting events, that delay can cost lives.

This year’s exercise included a more complex layout than previous drills, using both floors of the school building and simulating a higher number of casualties. Volunteer actors, including local nursing students and emergency department staff from Owensboro Health, served as victims, with screams of simulated agony echoing through the halls.

“This training is intense. We make it as real as possible,” Youngman said. “We want their pulse rates up. We want them making decisions under stress. And if something goes wrong here, that’s okay — this is where we learn the hard lessons, not on the street.”

DCFD Battalion Chief Jake Cox added, “This is our first two-story scenario. We had patients on the first and second floors, and that added to the dynamics — how are we getting these patients out quickly and safely?”

RTF training ensures that once the immediate threat is addressed, a coordinated second wave can enter to begin rescue operations. These responders aren’t looking for the shooter — they’re there to save lives.

Youngman acknowledged that in a real mass casualty event, agencies from across the region would flood the scene, including city police, state troopers, and even law enforcement from neighboring counties.

“And that’s okay,” he said. “Everyone knows their job. Every officer is trained that when they arrive, they go in. We’ve moved away from team-based tactics toward individual initiative. If a city officer, a county deputy, and a detective from out of town all show up at once, they’ll all know what to do.”

Although this week’s training is staged at a school, the lessons apply to any large-scale event, such as a concert, church service, or community festival.

“It’s easier to train in a school because it’s a controlled environment, but the basics stay the same,” Youngman said. “You’ve got to get in, locate the shooter, and start calling out the casualties so medics can come in behind you. You’ve got to stop the killing before you can stop the dying.”

In a worst-case scenario, Public Safety Director Jeremy Smith acknowledged, the local system would be overwhelmed.

“If you’re talking 30 or more victims, the truth is no community is truly ready for that,” Smith said. “But we train for mass casualty triage. We have trailers stocked with supplies. We can stabilize people, identify who needs to go first, and move as efficiently as possible.”

Training scenarios are structured around triage categories — red, yellow, green, and black — to prioritize victims. Black tags are deceased victims. Red tags are the most critically injured and are transported first. Yellow victims are injured but stable, while green are considered walking wounded and often remain until others are cleared.

“It’s kind of sad, but the greens are the last ones out,” Cox said. “We evacuate the reds first, then the yellows, and only then the greens — all under armed escort.”

The emotional toll of these scenarios is never far from the minds of those participating.

“Most of the people here today are parents,” Youngman said. “Several of them have kids who go to this very school. That’s why we do this before the school year starts. It’s not just about policy — it’s personal.”

And while no one wants to imagine a tragedy unfolding in their own backyard, Youngman said it’s that very fear that keeps them pushing forward.

“We’ve seen awful failures across the country,” Youngman said. “It’s sickening. It’s embarrassing. I’ve told every one of my deputies: You will go in, or you’re in violation of policy. That’s how serious this is.”

At its origin, the RTF model took root locally after Youngman, Cox, and other officials were struck by footage from the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, where firefighters in tactical gear entered the scene alongside officers.

“We hit the ground running from that point forward,” Youngman said. “Once you’re aware of a new technique, you better grab it, because when it hits your community, you better be ready for it.”

Though RTF was developed primarily through the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, participation continues to grow. This year included observers from other law enforcement agencies, nursing students, and volunteers coordinated through Emergency Management.

“(The fire department personnel) understand how to stop the bleeding. Law enforcement understands how to stop the threat. Together, hand in hand, that’s how we protect our community,” Smith said.

He added that the county’s partnerships have been vital, whether it’s equipping medics with body armor, securing grants for communication equipment, or coordinating resources from the state.

“In the end, we want our kids to be safe. We want our public to be safe. And we want every responder to go home,” he said.

That’s why they keep training year after year, scenario after scenario. Because if the unthinkable does happen in Daviess County, they want to be ready.

And because every second counts.

Better pay and schedules. Tattoos and beards. New DCSO policies, initiatives focus on deputy morale, retention.

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:31:40 GMT

Better pay and schedules. Tattoos and beards. New DCSO policies, initiatives focus on deputy morale, retention.

Article and photo courtesy of Owensboro Times

In an effort to improve officer satisfaction, recruitment, and retention, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has introduced sweeping changes to its policies and operations. Sheriff Brad Youngman, reflecting on his first two years in office, emphasized the importance of listening to his team and responding to their needs.

“When I first took office, I met with the entire staff of DCSO to hear what they had to say and what changes they wanted to see,” Youngman said. “The 5/8 schedule is common, but it’s not always ideal for the 24/7 nature of emergency services. One of the key takeaways from those meetings was the need for a better schedule.”

Starting this month, the department will transition to a 4/10 patrol schedule, where deputies work four 10-hour days per week. This schedule will also introduce a recurring four-day weekend for deputies every other week.

“The Patrol Division overwhelmingly chose this schedule after we presented several options,” Youngman said. “I let the deputies make decisions that impact them as much as I can. It’s about improving their quality of life while maintaining efficiency.”

The 4/10 schedule also allows for greater overlap between shifts, increasing the number of deputies on duty at any given time. On Wednesdays, when all deputies are scheduled to work, the department plans to use the extra manpower for special operations such as warrant service, traffic details, and training.

Alongside the schedule change, the department has implemented shift differential pay for the first time. Deputies working afternoon and night shifts will earn an additional $1 per hour, amounting to $2,080 annually for full-time staff.

“It doesn’t replace the sleep lost or the family time missed, but it’s the right thing to do,” Youngman said. “And with our new patrol schedule, we’re addressing those challenges as well.”

Specialized Unit Stipend Pay is another new initiative aimed at recognizing deputies who take on additional responsibilities. Members of units like Accident Reconstruction, Drone, Sniper, TEMS, and Crisis Negotiation will receive an extra $0.75 per hour.

“These roles require deputies to maintain specialized skills and adjust their lifestyles to be on-call,” Youngman said. “This stipend rewards their commitment and effort.”

The department’s recruitment strategy also reflects these changes. A recent flyer highlights a starting salary of $55,668 plus KLEFPF, shift differential pay, and other benefits. Youngman said the pay increase was long overdue.

“Our salaries were lower than many comparable agencies, and we’d lost deputies because of it. While law enforcement isn’t a profession people enter to get rich, our pay needed to be fair and competitive,” he said.

Recruitment efforts have also focused on attracting lateral transfers, meaning experienced officers from other departments.

“We look for individuals with strong work and personal reputations who fit our service philosophy,” Youngman said. “The process can include buying out the remaining time on a contract, which is a challenge with contracts now lasting 5 years instead of 3.”

One notable modernization under Youngman’s leadership has been the relaxation of grooming and tattoo policies. Deputies are now allowed to have tattoos and beards, provided they maintain a professional appearance.

“We recruit heavily among veterans, and tattoos and facial hair are common in that community,” Youngman said. “Your law enforcement officers should resemble the society they serve. I want people who are willing to risk their lives to keep others safe, and sometimes those people have tats and beards.”

Deputies also continue to benefit from a take-home vehicle policy, which allows them to use department vehicles for personal errands as long as they are armed, dressed appropriately, and available to respond to emergencies.

“It’s not new, but it’s a practical policy that puts more deputies on the roads, even when they’re off duty,” Youngman said.

The recruitment flyer and policy changes appear to be resonating.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest,” Youngman noted. “It’s a big decision for officers to leave their current agency, but better hours, comparable pay, and other improvements can make that transition easier.”

Looking ahead, Youngman emphasized the need to continually innovate to retain experienced staff and attract new recruits.

“Morale doesn’t have a natural resting point,” he said. “As a leader, you have to work constantly to keep it up. This job can take a toll, and deputies’ morale can dip significantly after a tough shift.”

In 2025, the department plans to explore wellness and mental health initiatives for its staff, recognizing the toll law enforcement work can take. Additional specialized units and training opportunities are also on the horizon.

“Cops like to train and have access to the latest tools,” Youngman said. “We do our best to provide these resources.”

The sheriff also highlighted recent successes, such as a new uniform policy and an innovative supply system. Deputies now have an online account to order preapproved gear and supplies, which are delivered directly to them.

“This system has been very well-received,” Youngman said.

Reflecting on the changes, Youngman expressed gratitude to the Daviess County Fiscal Court for their support.

“Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen and County Commissioners Larry Conder, Janie Marksberry, and Chris Castlen have been amazing to work with,” he said. “Law enforcement thrives on experience, and their support allows us to prioritize the wellbeing of our staff while improving recruitment and retention.”

As the department prepares for 2025, Youngman remains focused on building a culture where deputies feel valued and supported.

“My hope is that recruits and current staff alike see an agency where the command values them as employees and wants to see them succeed and stay for a career,” he said. “That’s what we’re working toward every day.”

Youngman ready to make impact as Daviess County Sheriff

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:27:41 GMT

Youngman ready to make impact as Daviess County Sheriff

Article and photo courtesy of Owensboro Times

After 7 months of making preparations behind the scenes, Brad Youngman is ready to start making an impact as Daviess County’s new Sheriff even before his squeaky new boots are worn in. Already with a fully staffed department and experienced command staff, Youngman is placing a major emphasis on public safety — which he said starts with addressing the drug problem locally.

Youngman was in his office Monday but said the holiday weekend kept things quiet for his first day on the job. Nonetheless, he was excited to don his new uniform and get rolling.

“There’s definitely a special feeling, but at the same time it was a holiday so it was pretty quiet downtown,” he said. “I think (Tuesday) is when it’s probably going to hit hardest.”

Plus, Youngman was in the unique position of having 7 months to prepare for his new role after winning the May primary election and not facing a challenger in the November general election.

“After the excitement in May tapered off, it kind of got back to life as normal,” he said. “Then this fall when we started meeting with the team that I was putting in place and we were able to start really talking about the things we’re wanting to do, there was a little bit of excitement there. I sort of went into the holiday vacation just wanting to focus on family and the holidays, and I’m grateful for all the work we’d done up to that point. I could not imagine winning a general election and only having six weeks (to get everything in order). It all worked out great. I couldn’t be happier with the way things have gone.”

As might be expected for any Sheriff, one of Youngman’s major focuses over the first few weeks will be implementing his strategy for ensuring a safe community. He didn’t want to give away any specifics, but Youngman is confident DCSO has a good plan in place; he also gave a special thanks to the incoming Fiscal Court for their support so far.

“I can honestly say that we’re going to be able to do pretty much everything I wanted to do right off the bat, and that’s thanks in large part to the new incoming Fiscal Court,” Youngman said. “They’ve met with me, we’ve exchanged some phone calls and text messages, they looked at my budget and asked a few questions. My Finance Director Shelly O’Bryan and I answered those questions and told them where we want to go and the Fiscal Court has been nothing but great to work with. I think the community is going to see really soon how serious this incoming county government is about public safety.”

Youngman said there’s one thing he can say with certainty when it comes to reducing crime.

“The common nexus in all of this is always going to be drugs,” he said. “Most of our crime is a result of drugs. The thefts that we see are usually because of drugs, the assaults are usually because of drugs. So going after the drugs in every direction that we can, to me is gonna make a big difference.”

The Sheriff’s Office will have some help from the state and federal level thanks to the HIDTA designation that Owensboro-Daviess County received in mid-2021. Inclusion into the program provides coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking — and there have already been several major busts in the area.

“The HIDTA Task Force has always been a need in this area, and since they were able to get that there has been a tremendous impact,” Youngman said. “That’s a federal effort, and I’ve always been of the opinion that in order for the federal effort to be as successful as it can be, we need a strong local effort coming in alongside it. The city of Owensboro has that, the Kentucky State Police has that, it’s time the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has that.”

Youngman also said he’s a big proponent of body cameras, saying they could capture vital evidence in cases.

“There’s a lot of support from the Fiscal Court, the community is a big supporter, and I’m a big fan,” he said. “I think it’s a big misconception that the police don’t want body cameras, as if we’re just going around doing stuff wrong all the time and we don’t want it recorded. That’s not true. I don’t think anybody really wants to be recorded all day long, but once you get familiar with the program, it’s just like anything else. And the first time you go to court and someone’s lying about what you did or didn’t do, and they play that recording, you’re sold. There’s nothing better than being able to go into court and have that proof to back up what you’re saying.”

However, he acknowledged that the costs involved in purchasing body cams will be a hurdle.

“That won’t be an immediate addition because there’s tremendous cost involved,” Youngman said. “It was not included in the budget that I put forth for consideration in January, but it is something that I can go back and hopefully talk to them and look at and we can plan for the future.”

In wanting to be more transparent with the community, Youngman is also planning to utilize more communication methods, especially through multiple social media channels to provide updates — whether that be about crime, weather, or traffic. He said that also means redesigning the website that is more interactive and user-focused.

“These are all things that we’ve not traditionally used in the past,” he said. “I think that’s fine, because for a long time this was a Facebook community. But our younger people are getting older and they’re not on Facebook, so we have to try to find a way to include them too.”

Youngman will continue to meet this week with everyone on staff and begin rolling out the various programs and plans he wants to implement. He said he is thankful for the command staff in place, which has helped lay the groundwork to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. The command staff includes: Major Nick Roby, Chief Deputy; Captain Jared Ramsey, Administrative Division Commander; Captain Duane Harper, Patrol Division Commander; and Captain Jeff Payne, Criminal Investigations Division.

“It’s easy for me to say, ‘here’s what I’m gonna do when I get there.’ But somebody’s gotta take it from the Barry Smith administration to the Brad Youngman administration. The command staff that I’ve put in place, especially the parts that were already here, have been able to bridge that gap to make sure that I can focus on (implementing all our goals going forward),” Youngman said.

Youngman also wanted to share his appreciation for all the work done by previous Sheriff Barry Smith, who retired from DCSO at the end of 2022. Smith was appointed to the position following the retirement of Sheriff Keith Cain, but Youngman beat Smith in a tight primary race.

“The office is in great shape,” Youngman said. “My hat’s off to Sheriff Smith for the work that he continued to do this year. I’ve heard stories of other counties where someone loses an election and they just decide to quit showing up or putting in effort. He certainly did not do that; he was here right to the end. The positive changes that we’ll make in the next few weeks and months wouldn’t be possible if I was having to go back and do some of the things that he did for me. So I’ll always be grateful for the hard work that he did.”