Barrier resigning as head of school police dept.

After dedicated service to Montgomery County Schools, Chief Chris Barrier has accepted a new professional opportunity and is resigning in March. The district is grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to student and staff safety, a release said.

During his tenure, Chief Barrier strengthened district safety efforts, built strong relationships across schools and fostered close collaboration with local law enforcement partners. Montgomery County Schools thanks him for his service and wishes him continued success.

Superintendent Matt Thompson, said, “There may not be anyone who has done more for student safety in Montgomery County and across the Commonwealth of Kentucky than Chris Barrier. We are so proud and happy for him in his new endeavor. While his loss will be felt by all, he has truly grown our Montgomery County Schools Police Department and allowed the work to continue on even stronger.”

Beginning in mid-March, Officer Kevin Willoughby will serve as Interim Chief of Police for Montgomery County Schools. Since joining the district’s Police Department in 2022, he has faithfully served the students and staff at Camargo Elementary, becoming a trusted and steady presence within the school community.

Officer Willoughby has also been instrumental in implementing key safety initiatives, including Centegix and Xonar systems, helping strengthen emergency response and daily accountability practices across the district. Prior to joining Montgomery County Schools, he retired from the Kentucky State Police after a distinguished 21-year career in law enforcement.

Known for his proactive, relationship-centered leadership style, Officer Willoughby has built strong connections with students, families, staff, and community partners. As Interim Chief, he will provide steady leadership to the district’s Police Department while continuing to strengthen partnerships and advance district safety efforts, a release said.

“Chief Willoughby is a fantastic leader and will help guide our school police department with a continued dedication and focus on student and staff safety,” stated Thompson said.

With a proven record of service, leadership and dedication to student safety, district leaders are confident Officer Willoughby will lead the department forward while continuing to build on the strong foundation already in place, the release said.

More details in next week's Advocate.