Training and Experience

Law Enforcement Training

Stephen's 16 years of law enforcement includes eight years with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department; four years as Sheriff and four years prior service as Road Deputy, 911 Dispatcher and Jail Corrections Officer.

He worked for seven years with the Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD) as sergeant; third in command.  In this capacity, Stephen led and supervised investigations, was an active patrol officer and served as the training officer and the facilities and fleet supervisor. He also gave presentations to local groups and day care centers' on topics such as seatbelts and performed child fingerprinting.

Stephen graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) through the University Of Missouri School Of Law Extension Program with 470 hours of basic law enforcement certification in April 1999. In May 2010, he completed the FBI's Law Enforcment Executive Develpment Seminar (LEEDS) and in August 2011 he completed the National Sheriff's Institute.

Military Experience

Korte in Iraq with Seabee Battalion InsigniaStephen is a 20-year veteran of the United States Naval Reserves with the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). 

Stephen was mobilized for two tours of duty in Iraq; the first in 2004 and the second in 2007-08.

Military Awards and Decorations

  • Army Commendation Medal
  • Navy Achievement Medal - Two Awards
  • Navy Unit Commendation
  • Iraqi Freedom Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals
  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal
  • Four Navy Battle “E” Ribbons
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (4 Awards)
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol Medals
  • Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Qualified
  • NMCB 15 and 9th Navel Construction Regiment Sailor of the Year-2004

….”Veteran – whether Active Duty, Retired, National Guard or Reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount “up to and including my life”.  That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. -----Author Unknown”.