In this episode of the Bluegrass Beat, meet new State School Security Marshal Shannon West and hear about his background, his hopes for the office, his team, and his mission of keeping kids safe.Click the link below for more information about the Office of the State School Security Marshal.https://www.docjt.ky.gov/state-school-security-marshalABOUT OUR GUESTSHANNON WEST, STATE SCHOOL SECURITY MARSHALShannon West was appointed as Kentucky’s State School Security Marshal by Governor Andy Beshear on July 16, 2025. With more than 30 years of dedicated service in public safety, West brings extensive leadership, operational and training experience to the role overseeing the safety and security of Kentucky’s schools.A veteran of the United States Army and the Kentucky Army National Guard, Shannon served a combined nine years in uniform before joining the Kentucky State Police (KSP). During his 20-plus years with KSP, he held several key positions, including trooper, Special Response Team (SRT) leader, detective sergeant, and investigations commander. His assignments spanned multiple posts in Mayfield, Bowling Green, Henderson, Pikeville, Richmond (SRT) and Elizabethtown—culminating in his retirement as a lieutenant from his home post in Bowling Green.In July 2015, West joined the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) as a law enforcement training instructor. He advanced to become the Tactics Section Supervisor, where he oversaw specialized instruction in active shooter response, traffic stop and counter-ambush tactics, structure searches, low-light operations, warrant service, tactical medicine, and other high-risk operational skills. For the two years leading up to his appointment as marshal, West served as the In-Service Branch manager, overseeing statewide training programs for Kentucky’s law enforcement officers.West holds multiple advanced certifications, including Force Science Analyst and Advanced Specialist, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Use-of-Force Instructor, and Centrifuge Vehicle Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Instructor.…The Bluegrass Beat is recorded and produced by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Public Information Office, a proud member of Team Kentucky.Like what you hear? We appreciate everyone who takes the time to subscribe and rate this podcast.7Have a suggestion? Email host Critley King-Smith at
[email protected] to share feedback.Music by Digital Juice and StackTraxx.
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