Jerry Gaines, Longest-Serving Sheriff in Warren County, Passes Away

Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 23, 2025

News Summary

Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines, who dedicated 36 years to serving as Warren County’s sheriff, passed away. His legacy of community engagement and law enforcement professionalism is celebrated by many in Bowling Green. Gaines was recognized for his leadership and kindness, having established community programs that fostered positive relations between law enforcement and residents.

Bowling Green, Kentucky — Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines, the longest-serving sheriff in Warren County’s history, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He dedicated 36 years of his life to serving as the county’s top law enforcement official, earning immense respect from the community he served.

Gaines held the position of sheriff in two non-consecutive terms: first from 1978 to 1982, followed by eight consecutive terms from 1986 to 2018. Prior to becoming sheriff, he commenced his public service career as a Warren County magistrate.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Gaines through social media, recognizing him as the architect of the agency’s foundations. They emphasized his legacy of kindness, humor, dedication to others, and noted his famously ornery personality, which resonated well with community members.

In addition, the Bowling Green Police Department acknowledged Gaines’ contributions with a post on social media, expressing gratitude for his lengthy service and encouraging younger officers to follow in his footsteps. Throughout his career, Gaines was instrumental in implementing community-friendly programs, including D.A.R.E., the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, and Neighborhood Watch. His initiatives reflected his commitment to fostering positive relations between law enforcement and the community.

Gaines also served significant leadership roles within the law enforcement community, holding five terms as president of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association and being elected president of the National Sheriff’s Association in 2000. He was honored as the National Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff’s Association in 2010 for his exemplary service.

On January 23, 2025, Gaines was celebrated at the Warren County Courthouse, where the day was declared “Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines Day.” During the ceremony, it was announced that the community and training room in the forthcoming Warren County Sheriff’s Office at Sugar Maple Square will be named in his honor, further solidifying his legacy within the community.

The news of Gaines’ death was confirmed by Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower and Coroner Kevin Kirby. Local funeral arrangements are being managed by J.C. Kirby and Sons Funeral Home.

Tributes have poured in from community members, including county magistrates and the public, expressing their respect and gratitude for Gaines’ years of dedicated service. The sheriff’s office issued deep condolences to Gaines’ family and all those who served alongside him, emphasizing that he was a well-known and respected figure in the Bowling Green community.

Key Contributions of Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines

• Longest-serving sheriff in Warren County’s history.
• Held office for a total of 36 years.
• Established several community programs: D.A.R.E., Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, Neighborhood Watch.
• Served as president of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association for five terms.
• President of the National Sheriff’s Association in 2000.
• Named National Sheriff of the Year in 2010.
• “Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines Day” declared on January 23, 2025.
• The future Warren County Sheriff’s Office training room to be named in his honor.

Impact and Legacy

Gaines’ influence extended beyond his formal duties; he left a lasting legacy of community engagement and law enforcement professionalism. His commitment to servant leadership inspired many within the department and throughout the county.

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Additional Resources

• Bowling Green Daily News
• WBKO.com
• WNKY.com
• Vicksburg News
• WBKO.com
• Wikipedia: Jerry Gaines
• Google Search: Warren County Sheriff’s Office
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sheriffs
• Google News: Jerry Gaines
• Google Scholar: Jerry Gaines

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.