Covington, Ky. – Judah Hartenstein, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ohio Army National Guard and former Montana Highway Patrol Trooper, has joined the Covington Police Department. He took the oath of office during a ceremony at Covington City Hall, attended by his family and several senior officers.
Hartenstein began patrolling in Montana in September 2021. He joined the Ohio National Guard in February 2017 and became a 2nd lieutenant in August 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and hails from Liberty Township, Ohio.
Mayor Ron Washington administered the oath of office. A former police officer himself, Washington spoke about Covington’s diversity and the challenges faced by police officers today. "It’s a tough job but it’s a very honorable job," he said. "And I’m not going to lie to you – it’s a fun job."
Police Chief Brian Valenti presented Hartenstein with his badge, emphasizing the core values inscribed on it: integrity, professionalism, justice, compassion, and respect. “These represent our core values,” Valenti stated. “I look forward to having you on the street.”
Hartenstein will bypass attending a downstate training academy and instead enter Covington's field training program after completing specific training related to Kentucky law and procedures.