North Kentucky News

Covington's Police Department has gained nearly 50 years of experience with the rehiring of two retired officers under a special state program. The program aims to bring veteran officers back to active duty. David Lillich and John Mairose were sworn in by Mayor Joe Meyer at City Hall, marking their return to the force.

Lillich and Mairose began their new terms on Sunday, May 19. Both officers had previously served in Covington, with Lillich retiring in August 2023 and Mairose retiring in November 2019. They are the seventh and eighth veteran officers to participate in this rehiring program.

"Their experience at both Covington and the other agencies they have worked for brings a unique viewpoint built on the differing experiences at multiple agencies," said Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti. "We look forward to their contributions and insight."

Lillich's law enforcement career spans over 26 years, having served with departments in Erlanger, Elsmere, Dayton, as well as the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure in Covington from 2018 to 2023, he worked in Patrol and Criminal Investigations and served as a Field Training Officer. In Erlanger, he was a K9 handler and SWAT team member.

Mairose's law enforcement experience extends over 24 years. He served Covington from 2010 to 2019 and also worked for the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Wright, and most recently Edgewood. In Covington, he worked in Narcotics, was a Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor, and was a member of the SWAT team. Prior to his police service, Mairose was a medical specialist in the U.S. Army.