Beyond the Woodford County jail walls and police patrol routes, Gary Gilkison’s legacy as a jailer and devoted police officer lives on.
As a career civil servant, Gilkison devoted his life to public safety and the well being of Woodford Countians. Gilkison passed away at his home on Nov. 9, 2023, after a battle with lung cancer.
Gilkison’s life extended beyond the precincts and patrol routes. He and his wife Gloria were dedicated members of Glen’s Creek Baptist Church, attending services every week. They raised two children, Gretchen and Genna, on Christian values.
Additionally, Gilkison was an active member of the Masonic Buford Lodge 494. Beyond the uniform, he was also a gifted musician – his passion evident in the diverse collection of guitars he cherished.
Yet, amidst all his pursuits, nothing brought him greater joy than his five grandchildren—Mason, Abigail, Alyssa, Cooper, and Jamie—his pride and the heartbeat of his world.
Gilkison’s journey into law enforcement started in 1977 as a patrol officer with the Woodford County Police Department. As he became acclimated with the job, his love for serving the community grew and so did his sense of duty for serving residents.
As the years passed, so did Gilkison’s roles within the police department. He moved into the role of a detective, where he honed his investigative skills and added to his list of skills and resources to offer the police department.
His love for animals became part of the job as he became a canine handler. His partnership with loyal K9 companions Fred and Bear not only enhanced the strength and possibilities for the police force but also forged an unbreakable bond between them.
Gilkison was also in the mounted police unit where he served at public events like county fairs and parades. His love for animals continued after he became jailer in January 1994, training his K9 Jake to assist with drug detection at the Woodford County Detention Center.
Gilkison took over a 95-bed full-service facility that housed local, state and federal inmates, effectively managing a $1.6 million budget and leading a team of over 25 employees.
His dedication and innovative thinking were recognized when he was named the Kentucky Jailers’ Association “Jailer of the Year” in June 2001.
Throughout his tenure, Gary served on the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council, the Board of the Kentucky Jailers’ Association from 1998 to 2011, and even as its President in 2006/2007. His leadership and vision extended beyond his county’s borders. He spearheaded pilot projects for initiatives like VINE (Victim Identification Notification), KY Jail Triage, and KY E-warrants – contributing to the evolution of the criminal justice system.
Gilkison also faced crimes against children head on. He helped start the “Good Touch – Bad Touch” program in the community in the late 1980s, teaching kids about safety with adults. And away from law enforcement, Gilkison served on Woodford County Literacy Council and the United Way as he tried to make a difference in his community.
In December 2011, Gilkison’s law enforcement career in Woodford County came to a close, but his desire to continue to serve burned inside him despite after he retired as jailer.
Following a brief and well-deserved retirement, his passion for serving the community called him back into action, so he returned to service at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
With the change in departments, his focus shifted to working within the walls of the Franklin County Courthouse.
While the previous chapters of his career were filled with law enforcement roles that took him out into the community, this chapter was about bringing his wealth of experience to the heart of the justice system.
In his vital role as a Courthouse Guardian, Gilkison ensured the security and order of this critical institution, where justice was dispensed and the legal process unfolded. His diligence and dedication to maintaining a safe and efficient environment played a crucial part in the proper functioning of the judicial system.
For seven years, Gilkison’s career positively impacted the Franklin County community until he retired in 2018.
Bill Caine, who covers sports for the Sun, is Gary Gilkison’s son-in-law.