Elect
Tom Collins
Kenton County Sheriff
Experience You Can Trust
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Leadership Matters. Experience Matters. Community Matters.
Tom Collins is running for Kenton County Sheriff to bring experienced leadership, accountability, and public service to the Sheriff's Office.
For more than 40 years, Tom Collins has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of Northern Kentucky. As a law enforcement leader, firefighter board member, and community advocate, Tom has built a reputation for putting citizens first, listening to concerns, and delivering results.
Election Day: November 2026
ABOUT TOM
A Lifetime of Service
Tom Collins has spent more than four decades serving local communities through law enforcement and public safety leadership.
As former Newport Police Chief, Tom was known for his hands-on leadership style. He worked alongside patrol officers, responded to calls for service, and maintained a visible presence in the community. During his tenure, calls for police service declined significantly while community relationships strengthened.
Tom is also a trained hostage negotiator and has worked with federal authorities on targeted drug enforcement initiatives. Throughout his career, he has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and constitutional policing.
In addition to his law enforcement service, Tom has served for over fifteen years on the Piner-Fiskburg Fire Protection District Board. As Chairman, he worked with fellow board members to strengthen emergency services throughout Southern Kenton County and helped secure reliable EMS and fire protection coverage for residents who previously lacked guaranteed emergency services.
Tom believes government works best when leaders listen to the people they serve.
Tom's Commitment
"I want to be the voice for the Kenton County residents who feel their concerns sometimes go unnoticed."
ISSUES & PRIORITIES
Putting Citizens First
Tom Collins believes the Sheriff's Office should be accountable, accessible, and focused on serving the community.
Professional Leadership, Not Politics
Tom supports hiring and promotion decisions based on qualifications, experience, and performance—not personal relationships or favoritism.
Community-Based Policing
Strong relationships between law enforcement and residents create safer neighborhoods. Tom believes in visible leadership, open communication, and community engagement.
Missing Persons Response Team
Tom proposes establishing a dedicated Missing Persons Team to improve coordination and accelerate investigations when loved ones go missing.
Civil Disturbance & Special Events Team
Kenton County hosts numerous festivals, public gatherings, and community events each year. Tom supports creating a specialized team trained to manage large crowds, public demonstrations, and special events safely and professionally.
Safe Communities
Tom will continue supporting proactive law enforcement strategies that focus on reducing crime, addressing drug activity, and protecting families throughout Kenton County.
Accountability & Transparency
The public deserves confidence in its Sheriff's Office. Tom believes transparency, professionalism, and responsible leadership are essential to maintaining public trust.
His career highlights and specific roles include:
Ludlow Police Department: Began his career in law enforcement in his hometown of Ludlow. He eventually rose to the rank of Police Chief, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.
Newport Police Department: Joined the Newport force after leaving Ludlow and worked his way up, eventually being named Chief of Police in 2012. During his 17 years in Newport (and over 40 in law enforcement overall), he navigated the department through tough economic times, coordinated with federal drug enforcement authorities, and acted as a trained hostage negotiator. He ultimately retired from the Newport Police Department in August 2019.
Public Safety Boards: After retiring from active duty, he continued serving his community by chairing the managing board for the Piner-Fiskburg Fire District in southern Kenton County.
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