Erik Pacheco is an experienced law enforcement professional and military veteran currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Hopkinsville Police Department. His career is defined by extensive leadership roles and a commitment to public safety in Christian County.
Professional Experience
With over two decades in law enforcement, Pacheco has held numerous high-level positions:
- Executive Leadership: As Deputy Chief, he manages departmental operations, budgets, and strategic planning. He previously served as a Police Captain, overseeing Support Services, SWAT, and Internal Affairs.
- Specialized Units: He founded the department’s first SWAT team (serving as Commander from 2006–2015) and was the first Federal Task Force Officer with the ATF for the region.
- Frontline Service: His background includes roles as a Narcotics Detective, Patrol Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, and Sheriff’s Deputy, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both city and county law enforcement needs.
Training & Education
Pacheco’s extensive training includes elite national programs:
- Elite Academies: Graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 261), the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Leadership in Police Organizations.
- Specialized Certifications: He is a certified instructor in Active Shooter Response, Firearms, and Field Training, with advanced certifications in Homicide and Narcotics Investigations.
- Military Background: He served honorably in both the U.S. Marine Corps (1989–1993) and the U.S. Army (1994–2001), earning numerous awards including the Combat Action Ribbon and multiple Commendation Medals.
Community & Vision
Driven by core values of commitment and service, Pacheco aims to lead the Christian County Sheriff’s Office with a focus on transparent communication, proactive crime prevention, and strong community partnerships.
