Ken Yaden

Kenneth Yaden Jr. was hired on August 13, 1966 as a Recruit Patrolman with the Erlanger Police Department at the age of 21. He worked his way through the ranks to Sergeant and Lieutenant. On July 1, 1974, Ken was promoted to Assistant Chief. He was named Chief in April 1986 upon the resignation of Chief O.J. Johnson.

During Ken’s career, he had many firsts. Ken was the first officer to attend the FBI National Academy, U.S. Secret Service Protection School, U.S. ATF Bomb School, and the U.S. DEA Covert Agent Training School. He was the first full time director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, serving as director in 1975 and 1976. In 1989, Ken established the D.A.R.E program in the Erlanger-Elsmere School District.

A year later, Ken retired as Chief of Police on October 1, 1990. He continued to work and give his best to the City of Erlanger. In 1991, he served as the Historical Society’s first Treasurer. On April 4, 1991, he began his first term as a council member. Ken’s final term ended on December 31, 2002.

As a council member, Ken served on the following committees: Fire/EMS and Public Works Standing Committees, Tax Reduction Taskforce, Telecommunications (Chair) Special Committee, City Building Special Committee, Alternate Historical Society Special Committee Liaison, Environmental Affairs Special Committee, and Alternate OKI Liaison.

Ken was fair, passionate, and spunky during his time at Erlanger. His desire to continue training and education played an important role in Erlanger Police Department successes. Ken cared about his residents, fellow officers, and co-workers.

Overall, Ken served the Erlanger community for 35 years. His name on the Friendship Garden Wall reminds us of how being fair, determined, and furthering education are important; just as Ken Yaden is vital to the City of Erlanger’s history.

Written by Rachael LaPorte, Administration Department