It is with deep sadness we report the passing of Metcalfe County Sheriff Ricky M. Brooks.

On Saturday, August 3, Sheriff Brooks passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and close friends.

Sheriff Brooks leaves a legacy of a life dedicated to public service to the citizens of the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Metcalfe County.

Sheriff Brooks was a decorated veteran of the Iraq War, a retired Kentucky State Police Trooper, and the current Sheriff of Metcalfe County.

Brooks, age 40, is survived by his wife, Mindy Asbury Brooks, and two sons, Codie and Payton Brooks.

Funeral services were held August 6 with burial in Asbury-Center Cemetery.

Former Chief Deputy Lonnie Hodges was formally sworn in as interim sheriff by Judge/Executive Harold Stilts after the untimely death of Brooks.

The two had become good friends while working for the Kentucky State Police. Hodges also is a U.S. Army veteran of the Gulf War and retired from the state police in 2017.

He will serve until the election in November at which time a new sheriff will be elected.