Colonel Barry S. Wilkerson
Chief of Police
In October 2017, the St. Matthews City Council named Colonel Barry Wilkerson Chief of the St. Matthews Police Department (SMPD). He succeeded Major David Beyer, the acting chief appointed in August 2017 following the retirement of Colonel Norm Mayer, who had served as chief since 1988.
Wilkerson is a law enforcement executive with over 27 years of overall experience and 20 years as a commander. As chief of SMPD, he oversees a department with an annual budget of $6 million and a staff of 40 sworn members serving approximately 17,500 residents.
Wilkerson retired in 2016 after 27 years with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the former Jefferson County Police Department (JCPD). Since retiring from LMPD, he has worked as director of security at Saint Xavier High School.
Wilkerson started his law enforcement career in 1989 with the former JCPD. He was assigned to Charlie District as a patrol officer and transferred to the Southfields Training Academy as an instructor. Beginning in 1992, Wilkerson served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team for 15 years (1992 – 2007) and commanded the team for six years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and returned to patrol in Charlie District. In January 1999, he was tasked with the creation of the Volunteer Services Unit.
After being promoted to lieutenant in December 1999, Wilkerson commanded the Fleet Services Unit, the Basic Recruit Academy, the Recruitment and Hiring Unit, and the Field Training Program at the Southfields Training Academy. He also commanded the Economic Crimes and Technical Support Unit (2004 – 2007) and the LMPD Homicide Unit (2007 – 2013). After being promoted to major in 2013, he commanded the Eighth Division (2013 – 2016).
Colonel Wilkerson is a graduate of the University of Louisville and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Administration. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.
Chief Wilkerson can be reached at 502-899-2526 or by email at barry.wilkerson@stmatthewsky.gov
Major A.J. Cobaugh
Assistant Chief of Police
Operations Bureau
Anthony J. (Tony) Cobaugh started his local career in criminal justice when he was hired as a corrections officer in May 1977 by the Jefferson County Corrections Department (now known as the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections). He was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and captain. His greatest accomplishment was creating the first-ever complete (basic, in-service and supervisory) training program for the LMDC that is still operation today. He became a KY Law Enforcement Council certified police instructor in January 1980.
Tony was hired as a police officer for the Jefferson County Police Department in May 1982. He served in patrol, investigations, training academy and street-level drug enforcement sections. He was promoted to sergeant and lieutenant. He began serving on the SWAT team in 1986. Tony was awarded the police medal of honor in 2002.
He joined the Louisville Metro Police Department in January 2003. He served as the commander / assistant commander in patrol, internal affairs, basic training and in the special operations sections. He was appointed as the SWAT team commander in 2007. Tony retired on January 1, 2011.
Tony was hired by the St. Matthews Police Department in July 2011. He was appointed as the original training director. Also, he has served as the SWAT team commander, special events coordinator, adopt-a-school coordinator, Crisis Intervention Team coordinator, quartermaster and health and safety officer for the SMPD. Tony was appointed to major / assistant chief of police on January 1, 2018. He is currently the operations bureau commander. His bureau includes the patrol, training and special events sections and he serves as the SWAT team Commander.
Tony is a past president of Jefferson County FOP Lodge #14. He is the past president of the Kentucky Tactical Officers Association (KTOA).
Major Cobaugh can be reached at 502-899-2519 or by email at tony.cobaugh@stmatthewsky.gov.
Major Leon E. Jones, Jr.
Assistant Chief of Police
Support Bureau
Major Leon E. (Eddie) Jones brings more than 34 years of law enforcement experience to the St. Matthews Police Department. He has served the St. Matthews community since August 2018. Major Jones’ current role is the commander of the Support Bureau which consists of the Criminal Investigation Division / Narcotics, Communications Center, Evidence and Property, and Fleet along with other administrative tasks performed under this bureau.
Major Jones began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Police Department until it merged with Louisville Division of Police to become the Louisville Metro Police Department. Throughout his career Major Jones had commands in various investigative units such as Public Integrity Unit, Sex Crimes, Homicide and Burglary. He was also a member of the SWAT Team.
Jones was promoted to the rank of Major while still serving with LMPD and had commands in the 5th Division, Narcotics Division, and the Special Investigation Division. He retired from LMPD in August 2017.
Major Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute.
Major Jones is married and has 3 children, 3 stepchildren and is also a grandfather. He is one of seven members of his family to become a police officer.
Major Jones can be reached at 502-899-2534 or by email at Eddie.jones@stmatthewsky.gov.
