South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force Director Jerry Smith will be retiring after seven and a half years at the task force. He has been a police officer for 34 years total, with 27 of those years as a Kentucky State Trooper and detective with the Kentucky State Police.

Smith said he is looking forward to working on some old car projects, doing some voluntary work, and enjoy life with his wife Konnie and family.

“I have enjoyed working with the public and becoming friends with numerous people in my career. The down part to this job was seeing the hundreds of drug addicted people who made the poor choice of trying drugs and seeing their families struggle with the problem,” said Smith. “Last week was Red Ribbon week at our schools. In their drug presentations some of our agents had students talking to them afterwards about their family members drug problem. Some who were their parent’s. By not reporting drug abuse it makes our job harder. Not all reports results in arrest but it gives us something to work with,” added Smith.

The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force started on July 1, 2004. The Task Force board members have selected Jere Dee Hopson, 48, of Franklin as the new director starting upon Smith’s retirement. He is a retired Kentucky State Police Officer serving 22 years before retiring in July of this year. He was a Sergeant in the Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations West Branch for the last 14 years. His parents, Jere and Sally Hopson were from Russellville and his father Jere was also a Kentucky State Police Detective and was a well known Russellville High School football player.

Jere Dee, wife Lisa, son Conner, and daughter Sydney resides in Franklin. He is looking forward in serving Logan and Simpson counties in the continuing fight against illegal drugs.

Smith said he was pleased of the board’s choice of the new director and hopes the community continues their support to the drug task force.