LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office plans to host a new program, specifically for the youth.

‘Behind the Badge’ was created by Sheriff John Root and his fiancé Heather in attempt to be an outlet for kids in the area.

“One of my favorite sayings is, ‘these children are the future.’ We’re always looking for different ways to bond with these kids different ways to bring them out to our facility” Root said.

The program is free and open to 25 children ages 4-17. Each session is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will take place on the second Tuesday of each month in 2026.

The first session is on January 13 at the sheriff’s office.

“The first one will be a meet and greet here at the sheriff’s office,” Root said. “Children will get to come in and meet deputies, talk with th

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