BOWLING GREEN, Ky.—The Warren County Sheriff’s Office ushered in a new era this week with the opening of its expanded headquarters and training center at Sugar Maple Square, a project years in the making and shaped by a wide network of county partners, architects, and builders.
County officials, community members, and state leaders gathered Monday for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony marking the completion of the 56,000‑square‑foot facility, which replaces the department’s long‑time home in the old Warren County Courthouse. The county purchased the former retail property in 2021 and invested roughly $4 million in renovations, including the adjacent business office.
Sheriff Brett Hightower, who took office in 2018, said the new headquarters fulfills a central goal of the five‑year plan he drafted during his first year in office. While he had sketched early concepts for a more functional workspace, he acknowledged that the final product—designed by DRF Architects and built by Sunbelt Construction—far exceeded his original vision.
Visitors touring the facility were introduced to one of its most significant upgrades: a modern training center equipped with a virtual‑reality simulator that allows deputies to practice a wide range of real‑world scenarios. The building also includes dedicated interview rooms, expanded office space for investigations and patrol, a gym and shower area for deputies, and a training room named in honor of former Sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines.
The project brought together numerous partners across county government, including the Warren County Fiscal Court, the County Judge‑Executive’s office, and multiple administrative departments that helped coordinate planning, acquisition, and renovation. Hightower credited this collaboration—along with support from community stakeholders—for turning a long‑held goal into a fully realized public‑safety hub.
Officials emphasized that the new location offers improved accessibility, more parking, and a more welcoming environment for residents seeking services such as vehicle inspections, now available through a convenient drive‑up window.
As Warren County continues to grow, leaders say the new headquarters and its enhanced training capabilities position the Sheriff’s Office to better serve the community for decades to come.
