The City of Columbia and Columbia Police Department are pleased to announce that today Tracy McCarol was sworn in as the newest member of the CPD. He will serve as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Adair County Schools at the Adair County High School.

Officer McCarol had this to say about rejoining the CPD: “My name is Tracy McCarol. I’m 48 years old and proud to call Adair County home. I’m married to my wife, Tiara Wethington McCarol. Together, we have a blended family that I’m incredibly proud of: my children, Matthew McCarol and Madison McCarol Kimbler, and my stepchildren, Sara Knifley and Kenan Knifley. Our family has grown with the addition of a daughter-in-law, Katie Arnold McCarol, and a son-in-law, Tyler Kimbler. I’m also blessed with two adorable grandchildren, Claire Ryan and Clement Lee McCarol, who bring so much joy to our lives.
Public service has been the heart of my career. I’ve served the community through the Adair County Ambulance Service, Adair County Sheriff’s Department, and Columbia Police Department, where I retired in 2017. Since then, I’ve continued serving through the Kentucky State Park Rangers and returned to work at the Adair County Sheriff’s Department. For the past two years, I’ve been an Advanced EMT at Green County EMS.
Now, I’m honored to step into the role of School Resource Officer with Adair County Schools. I look forward to serving our students, faculty, and families, and I’m excited to meet everyone as we work together to ensure a safe and supportive school environment.”

Columbia Chief of Police Evan Burton had this to say about McCarol joining the force: “He is going to be a great asset for the CPD as an SRO, having numerous years of law enforcement experience and being a certified advanced EMT. I look forward to the partnership between CPD and Adair County Schools to make it a safe and learning experience for everyone.”

(Trey Stephens, Assistant to the Mayor – City of Columbia)