Covington's new retirees. From the Fire Department, top row from left: Battalion Chief John Martin, Capt. Todd Wyatt, Engineer Rob Languth, and Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Boyers. From the Police Department, bottom row from left: Capt. William Kelley, Specialist Ron Allen, and Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi.

COVINGTON, Ky. – A batch of retirements in Covington’s Fire and Police departments is bringing personnel changes throughout both public safety agencies.

In a series of celebratory votes on Tuesday night, the City’s Board of Commissioners formally accepted the retirements of four firefighters and three police officers, then approved a cascading series of promotions to fill positions that came open as others moved up the ranks. In a room packed with family, friends, and colleagues, both those leaving and those being promoted talked about their commitment to their careers and their gratitude for the support of their loved ones.

“We couldn’t do it without you,” was the repeated message.

Public safety leaders described the changes as bittersweet.

“While losing over 70 years’ experience between our three retirees will leave a mark, we are prepared to forge ahead with our newly trained officers,” Police Chief Brian Valenti said. “Promotions across several levels of the Police Department creates opportunities for renewed energy and fresh ideas.”

Added Fire Chief Corey Deye: “We’re losing a lot of experience so obviously that creates a void, but we’ll be able to fill that void quickly. Our older firefighters have been working for years to teach and train the next generation, to foster and develop talent.”

Fire Department changes:

Retiring effective July 31 are:

• Battalion Chief John Martin, who has served in Covington for almost 25 years, including almost 12 years as battalion chief. He oversaw fleet and small equipment for years. Deye said most of Covington’s firefighters, including all of its top command staff, have worked under Martin at some point. “Battalion Chief Martin’s ability to mentor and inspire his colleagues has left a lasting impact,” Deye said. “He has been a source of strength and guidance, fostering a culture of excellence and camaraderie.”
• Capt. Todd Wyatt, who has served in Covington for 20 years, including three years in the captain position. He was one of the original 16 paramedics hired when the City began providing Advanced Life Support, Deye said. “Captain Wyatt has been a pivotal figure in our Department, known for his strong leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to duty,” Deye said.
• Engineer Rob Languth, who has served in Covington for 23½ years, particularly in the 15^th & Holman firehouse. He was part of the Department’s only internal paramedic class. “Engineer Languth has been a steadfast mentor and colleague, always willing to lend his expertise and support to others,” Deye said.
• Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Boyers. Boyers, a second-generation firefighter, has served in Covington for almost 6 years. “His unwavering dedication to his duties has been exemplary,” Deye said.

Promoted effective Aug. 4 are:

• Capt. Patrick Averbeck to Battalion Chief, one of three within the Department. (Battalion chiefs oversee response across the City over 24-hour periods.) Averbeck has served in Covington for 15 years. Averbeck helped implement the Department’s record management software, has played a crucial role in development new paramedics, participated on several ambulance specification committees, and has been instrumental in day-to-day operations.
• Lt. Dennis Hoyle to Captain. Hoyle has served in Covington for over 14 years, including in the position of lieutenant for 4½ years. He has been instrumental in instructing younger firefighters.
• Lt. Kyle Masson to Captain. Masson has served in Covington for over 11 years, including almost 3 years as a lieutenant. He has helped shape the EMS structure by educating new medics and finding and implementing cost-saving measures.
• Engineer Matthew LaFontaine to Lieutenant-Paramedic. LaFontaine has served in Covington for 7½ years and quickly became a leader on his shift, Deye said.
• Firefighter-Paramedic James “J.P.” Navin to Lieutenant-Paramedic. Navin has served in Covington for 7 years. He has been the foundation of the physical fitness program for recruit classes and started the “Pit Crew” CPR program, increasing response efficiency and patient survival rates.
• Firefighter-Paramedic Keith Goff to Engineer-Paramedic. Goff has served in Covington for over 11 years.
• Firefighter-Paramedic Rob Huser to Engineer-Paramedic. Huser has served in Covington for 7½ years.

Police Department changes:

Retiring effective July 31 are:

• Capt. William Kelley, who has served in Covington for over 23 years, including as Commander of the Patrol Bureau, Criminal Investigations, and the D-Team. He also served as Accreditation Manager. Valenti pointed out that Kelley worked across all four bureaus. “He also brought different ideas from his police experience in Ohio,” the Chief said. “This breadth of experience will be missed.”
• Specialist Ron Allen, who has served in Covington for 28 years (making him the Department’s most senior officer, with many years of experience in the Traffic Unit). “His years of experience as an accident reconstructionist and in Special Event management will be difficult to replace,” Valenti said.
• Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi, who has served in Covington for almost 21 years, in Patrol and Criminal Investigations. “Officer Sarah Cruey-Lusardi’s passion for youth shined for many years,” Valenti said. “She started what is now known as the Sleigh Bells and Sirens Program benefiting children in our community during the Christmas season. During the past several years, the program has swelled to over 30 kids.”

Promoted effective Aug. 4 are:

• Lt. Joshua Haggard to Captain. Haggard has served in Covington for 16 years and is currently assigned to Internal Affairs and the SWAT team. He previously was a lieutenant and sergeant in Patrol, a Sergeant with the D-Team, a field training officer. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northern Kentucky University and graduated from the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course.
• Sgt. Douglas Haubner to Lieutenant. Haubner has served in Covington for 24 years (over two stints), including as a field training officer, bike officer, D-Team detective, SWAT team member, and Community Liaison Officer.
• Specialist John Coulter to Sergeant. Coulter has served in Covington for almost 11 years and is currently a bike officer and field training officer. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from NKU.

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