LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Earlier this month, Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, announced the new chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department, veteran officer Paul Humphrey, who is a Louisville native.

Saint Xavier High School teacher Jim Kraezig has been an educator for 34 years. During those years he taught and coached Paul Humphrey. Kraezig reflected back to when Paul was a freshman.

“He had forgot his shoes for P.E., and he was just like any freshman. I just remember seeing a big, you know, a difference in him from junior, sophomore, senior, as he moved through St. X, the maturity, you kind of — Brother James always said you could see the man the boy will become. And, I started to see the man that Paul was going to become when he was here at St. X,” said Kraezig.

Kraezig says Humphrey always strived to give his very best in all that he did.

“He’s always wanted to be the best, he wanted to be the best football player, he wanted to be the best wrestler, he wanted to be the best student,” shared Kraezig.

He says he remembers talking to Humphrey and his desire for wanting to be a police officer

“He knew he wanted to go into policing, and, yeah, he’s a leader, he’s a natural leader. So, doesn’t surprise me that he is in the position that he is now,” Kraezig said.

Humphrey joined LMPD as a patrol officer in 2006, and was named interim chief on June 25 after former Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel’s resignation. 

Kraezig says he has followed Paul’s career and achievements and is honored to have taught the new LMPD Chief. He believes Humphrey will be exactly what the city and department needs.

“He’s perfect. He’ll take care of his guys. He’s that’s what will make him a great leader because they can trust him. I’m very happy for the city of Louisville, very proud for St. X and super proud. Proud of Paul Humphrey,” said Kraezig.

A swearing-in ceremony for Humphrey is set for Sept. 27.