David James Sworn In as Jefferson County’s First Black Sheriff, Setting Bold Plans for Safer and Stronger Communities
David James officially took the oath of office on October 10, becoming the first Black sheriff of Jefferson County, Kentucky. The swearing-in ceremony took place inside the Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, where local and state leaders, sheriff’s deputies, and public servants gathered to witness the historic event.
As his wife Michelle pinned the badge on his uniform, James stepped forward to lead one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the state. His appointment followed the passing of former Sheriff John Aubrey, who led the department since 1999.
James, who previously served as deputy mayor to Craig Greenberg, shared his commitment to strengthening the sheriff’s office through three key pillars: safety, service, and stewardship.
James outlined clear goals to modernize the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He plans to make services like property tax collection and evictions more efficient through improved systems and expanded online options.
“We will increase transparency with a public dashboard that shows how we’re performing,” he said during his remarks. He also emphasized stronger training for deputies, focusing on constitutional policing, de-escalation, and officer wellness.
“The best guardians are well-trained and well-supported,” James stated. “They get home safe every day — and they send the public home safe every day.”
While celebrating the significance of the moment,James paid tributeto those who paved the way for his journey. He acknowledged the work and sacrifices of African American leaders who fought for opportunity and representation.
“It’s very humbling,” James said. “It’s not something I did alone. It’s something that a lot of people before me — the Martin Luther Kings, the Mattie Joneses, the Rev. Louis Colemans — laid the path for me to be able to be here.”
His deputy chief, Steve Healey, also shared emotional words. “We are now in the term of Sheriff David James, who’s my friend,” Healey said. “It’s also historic. He’s the first African American sheriff in Jefferson County.”
James will complete Aubrey’s term, which runs until January 2027. He will lead a team of 240 paid deputies, 102 reserve deputies, and 60 civilian staff members. The department is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Kentucky.
Before taking this role, James worked with the Louisville Metro Police Department, directed the Kentucky Bureau of Investigations, and served as head of the University of Louisville Police Department. He also held a leadership position on the Louisville Metro Council, where he served as president.
James does not plan to run for sheriff in the 2026 election. He intends to return to his previous role within the mayoral administration after completing his service.
Community trust and accountability remain at theheart of James’s leadership vision. He hopes his efforts will bring lasting change to the sheriff’s office, improving how services are delivered and how people are protected.
Healey, who is running in the upcoming election, expressed confidence in James’s leadership. “He’s the right person to carry this office forward at this time,” he said.
As Jefferson County looks ahead, James’s appointment stands as a powerful reminder of progress, legacy, and the ongoing work to build safer communities for all.
