“They’ve both been with Covington for over a decade, they’ve both taken on a number of leadership roles within the police force, they both have or are pursuing high-level college degrees, and they’re both military veterans of distinction,” Nader said. “What more could we ask for?”

 

The Covington City Commission agreed, voting 5-0 to promote Sgt. Darrell Lee to lieutenant and Officer Joshua Bornhorn to sergeant, effective June 2.

 

The positions came open with the recent retirement of Lt. David Pennington, Nader said.

 

Sgt. Lee began his career in Covington in 1997 and has served as a field training officer, SWAT Sniper Team Leader, firearms instructor, and field training coordinator. He’s been a sergeant since 2011.

 

He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in executive leadership and organizational change. He is also a 30-year member of the U.S. Army Reserves, currently serves as a training exercise sergeant, is a veteran of the first Gulf War, and served at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School during the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.

 

Officer Bornhorn joined Covington’s police force in 2007 and is currently the SWAT team leader. He will graduate from NKU this fall with a degree in organizational leadership and has been accepted into the master’s of public administration program.

 

He served a tour in Iraq with the U.S. Army, where he received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal with a “V” (for Valor) Device.

 

The five City Commission members praised the officers for their service, character and leadership, as well as “the safety and peace of mind you bring the residents of this city.”

 

Sgt. Lee and Officer Bornhorn thanked Chief Nader and the Commission for the vote of confidence and their families for their ongoing support.

 

“This is really a great place to work,” Sgt. Lee said. “I look forward to creating more positive impact.”

 

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