New law enforcement training facility named in honor of fallen officer Jody Cash

The Jody Cash Multipurpose Training Facility is now open.

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by members of the Cash family, the Kentucky law enforcement community and the Department of Criminal Justice Training to open the doors to the new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty while serving as chief deputy of the Calloway County Sheriff's Office. 

The Beshear administration broke ground on the facility in July 2023. The 42,800-square-foot facility features a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range.

Jody Cash's father, Wayne Cash, spoke of a life well-lived by Deputy Cash, and recognized the recruits who will become tomorrow's heroes in his son's honor: "Our hope is that the training received in this new facility will enable everyone who passes through it to do their job safely, efficiently and courteously and return safely to their family at the end of each day."

Jody Cash graduated from DOCJT Basic Training Class 278 and was valedictorian of Kentucky State Police (KSP) Academy Class 89. He was a 22-year law enforcement veteran, serving with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Murray State University Police and KSP. Cash retired from KSP with the rank of sergeant before joining the Calloway County Sheriff's Office. 

Today's grand opening was held two months after the Governor opened a law enforcement basic training academy in western Kentucky in a building provided by the Madisonville Police Department, while Team Kentucky constructs a $50 million multipurpose training facility in Madisonville.

This is the first time since basic training became mandatory in 1998 that the state is offering training in two locations.