LEXINGTON, Ky. — As leaders across the state continue to remind people to stay indoors following Kentucky's biggest winter storm in more than two years, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is working to ensure people stay off the roads.

What You Need To Know

  • The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office activated its Winter Care program 

  • The office provides transportation for essential workers, emergency medical needs and welfare

  • Those needing services can call the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 859-252-1771

  • The program has been around for nearly a decade 

With his eyes on an icy road, Fayette County Sheriff's Office Lt. Col. Rodrick Robinson took some extra trips Monday through the snow and ice as the office activated its special Winter Care program.

The program offers safe options for people with serious transportation needs, such as health care staff who need a lift to facilities amid the current storm. 

“We help a lot of the elderly out that just don't want to get out ... for example, the med pickups and what we call essential workers,” Robinson said. 

With extra winter coats from their annual coat drive in every vehicle, welfare checks and rides to shelters are also offered.

Robinson, who has been with the office for 22 years, said their vehicles are equipped with weather-safe features as they work to protect as many lives as possible. 

“We've been doing it for years, and we would rather our guys come out and do this than have any other folks do it," he said. "We take driving courses, and we have to keep up with it every year." 

Starting at 5 a.m., Robinson is one of more than 24 officers who will be on duty with some shifts until midnight. 

He said while the conditions are rough, he prides himself on helping those who need it most. Robinson recalled a moment last winter when their services made a difference for the same person when conditions worsened this time.

“She's actually on dialysis, so it was just a stroke of luck that I picked her up again," Robinson said. "I enjoyed the stories from the ... 50-plus years that she taught here in Fayette County, and she thought it was wonderful that our office was giving back because she didn't expect it."

Robinson added the work is an example of how the office looks to support the community. Those needing these services can call the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 859-252-1771.

Related Stories