Chris Barrier honored at school board meeting; mayor, judge-exec attend

Chris Barrier, chief of the Montgomery County School District Police, was honored at the board of education meeting Feb. 24.

Barrier is leaving the school district in mid-March to become director for Customer Partnerships-School Safety for Centegix, a school security company that provides services to the district.

Kevin Willoughby will serve as interim police chief. He will remain the school resource officer at Camargo Elementary while fulfilling those duties, Superintendent Matt Thompson said.

There is no timetable for naming a new chief, he said, and Willoughby will be a candidate for the permanent position.

Thompson told those gathered at the meeting there isn't a more qualified police chief in any district in the state.

Thompson said he and Barrier often get calls from other districts seeking advice on how to run their dept.'s.

Barrier was presented with a key to the city by Mt. Sterling Mayor Al Botts and a county coin by Judge-Executive Chris Haddix.

Haddix, who worked with Barrier for a time as a school resource officer, said Barrier has had a positive impact on hundreds of lives through his role as chief and he personally felt better knowing his children were protected under Barrier's watch when they were in school.

Botts told Barrier, a city resident, he is respected both here and across the state through various collaborations and partnerships, including his relationships with local law enforcement.

Barrier's wife, Beth, and son, Landon, were in attendance for the meeting. Their daughter, Hayden, appeared by video conference.

Thompson, Haddix and Botts all agreed Barrier will be missed.

Barrier told the Advocate he will not be relocating as part of the new job and will continue to reside in Mt. Sterling.