North Kentucky News

Covington Police Captain Robert Rose is retiring after a quarter century with the Department, and his departure is opening the doors for two experienced officers to move to a higher rank.

At the weekly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, City leaders took three steps:

1. Formally accepted Rose’s resignation, effective Aug. 31.

2. Promoted Lt. Justin Bradbury to captain, effective Sept. 1.

3. Promoted Sgt. Jay Zerhusen to lieutenant, effective Sept. 1.

“We’re looking forward to you sliding seamlessly into the management team of the Police Department," Mayor Joe Meyer said. "Covington does have an extraordinary Police Department, with really exceptional community relations and high quality, great policies,” he added.

Rose joined as a patrol officer in Covington on Aug. 23, 1999, rising through the ranks to become a captain in October 2022. He served in all four bureaus and held various roles including Administrative Bureau Commander and Criminal Investigations Assistant Commander among others.

He also spent over 15 years in the Department's Honor Guard and has military experience spanning more than three decades between the Marines and the Army.

“We appreciate everything you’ve done for our City,” Mayor Pro Tem Ron Washington said.

Added Mayor Joe Meyer: “It won’t be the same place without you here."

Justin Bradbury joined Covington Police Department on Jan. 9, 2005, becoming a lieutenant in October 2022. Currently assigned as acting D-Team Bureau Commander, he will remain in this role according to Chief Brian Valenti.

Valenti praised Bradbury for modernizing their Public Information Officer program with improved social media presence.

Bradbury reflected on his career stating: “I’ve had a very blessed career... it’s been a really fulfilling career for me.”

Sergeant Jay Zerhusen joined Covington Police Department on Aug. 31, 2008 and is currently assigned as First Shift Patrol supervisor. His prior assignments include Field Training Officer and SWAT Sniper Team Leader among others.

Zerhusen expressed gratitude towards the Commission and his colleagues over his tenure of sixteen years.