Sat Nov 21 2009
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Bob Davis
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Everywhere Franklin County Second District Constable Bob Davis goes he gets a warm welcome.
From the courthouse to Kentucky State University to the McDonald's drive-through, he's greeted, ribbed and lauded for his dedication.
Davis, 63, has served as constable for 17 years after being appointed by then Judge-Executive Bob Arnold. He said he took the position to assist Arnold. The appointment was to fill a vacancy but the position is filled by election for a four-year term.
Davis has won every race and has served the community since his appointment.
"I enjoy helping people," Davis said. "I get the opportunity to help people with all kinds of problems."
Those living under his jurisdiction, which includes Bellview, Country Club, Crestwood, Greenhill, Jett, Station Springs, Sunset and Tierra Linda, call him about issues ranging from overgrown shrubbery to getting traffic signs installed.
The daily grind
Routine duties of constables include serving eviction notices or court summons and directing traffic. Each month the six Franklin County constables file reports to Judge-Executive Ted Collins outlining their activities.
The position is voluntary, but Davis has taken on so many responsibilities it's like a real job.
"It's pretty well turned into full-time," he said.
He works 10 hours each week directing traffic at Buck Run Baptist Church and is filling in during weekend shifts doing patrols for KSU's police department.
There are no prerequisites to run for constable. Collins said there are certain guidelines constables must meet required by the court system and that the constables routinely attend training sessions.
"We all work together," Collins said. "He (Davis) does a good job."
Davis is certified to run speed-detecting radar, perform CPR and in gun usage.
Constables pay for their own equipment and vehicles. Davis estimates he's spent $25,000 to outfit himself for the position.
"We have to buy everything it takes to do this job. The county provides nothing," Davis said.
The position is not paid in the sense of some public offices but constables can be compensated.
They set their own rates for serving papers and receive compensation for their time for duties like traffic control from the organizations which hire them, such as a church, school or a private individual.
For example, a lawyer may pay a constable $25 for serving an eviction notice.
At the courthouse each constable has a locked drawer in a metal file cabinet to receive papers and payment. Davis said this method keeps things secure.
While constables primarily spend their time directing traffic and serving paperwork, the job is not without excitement.
Davis recalls one evening sitting with a partner at a stoplight on Louisville Road when a woman came up and knocked on the door of the cruiser.
She told the men she was in labor and needed help.
"We took her to the hospital," Davis said. "Every time you get in this car something neat or something bad could happen to you."
Working together
Davis said having a strong support network helps when the job becomes difficult. He said he has strong relationships with the other five constables " Mark Turner, Floyd Hockensmith, Gene Hammonds, William Mills and Michael Tracy.
"If they need help they'll give me a call and if I need help I'll call them," Davis said.
He said the camaraderie extends beyond the constables into the magistrates and sheriff's department.
Phillip Kring is magistrate for Davis' district.
"If I need something done in Fiscal Court I go see him," Davis said. "Phillip and I are very close."
He also regularly visits other constables, including Turner, who has an office across from the courthouse.
Davis' longevity is second only to that of Turner, Fourth District constable. Turner, who has been constable for 27 years, speaks glowingly of Davis.
"He's a good man. He protects a lot of people," Turner said.
Campus life
Outside of his regular routine Davis spends time working for KSU.
He drives around campus, answers calls and helps KSU Police Chief Stephanie Bastin write grants.
Bastin said Davis is a positive contributor to the university's police department.
"Bob has been absolutely wonderful," Bastin said. "He stepped up in our time of need. He has an excellent repertoire with students and staff on campus."
Davis said he enjoys patrolling KSU's campus and meeting with students and staff.
"They are some good kids here. I've met them," he said.
There are certain moments when Davis is reminded why he accepted the constable position in the first place. One came following working security at a dance at KSU.
Davis says a young man came up to him as the dance was winding down.
"He said "I just want to shake your hand for being so kind,'" Davis said. "I felt 10 feet tall when he said that."
Davis also works KSU athletic events and meets the coaches.
He said one morning his wife, Sandy, brought him a breakfast sandwich while he was near the football offices on campus. While Davis was eating his sandwich one of the football coaches came up to him.
It was Guy Morriss, former University of Kentucky football coach who was hired earlier this year as offensive line coach for KSU.
Davis offered Morriss an extra breakfast sandwich, but Morriss declined, saying instead he needed Davis' help.
Morriss had locked his keys inside his truck.
Davis obliged and told the coach to go on to his office and he would bring him his keys.
Now Davis and Morriss are buddies.
"I just think the world of him," Davis said.
Unwavering dedication
Davis, a Lexington native, came to Frankfort in 1975. He worked as a police officer in his hometown and ran a grocery store in Midway before taking a job at Crossroads Ford dealership in 1983, where he retired about four months ago.
Davis said it's tough at times to handle stressful situations that come with being constable.
"All these years later you just learn to handle it," he said.
He said his faith in God helps him.
"I talk to the Lord a lot," he said.
Sandy Davis said she is understanding of her husband's loyalty to his office.
"I'm proud of him," she said. "He's always been dedicated."
She said if he gets calls in the middle of the night he goes and that his compassion for people shines through no matter what the individual he is working with has done.
"He treats them with respect and when he leaves he shakes hands with them," she said. "That's one thing I do admire about him."
Davis, who with Sandy has four children and 10 grandchildren, said giving fully of himself is the least he can do.
"I feel like I owe the voters of the district some of my time because they were so gracious to put me in the office," he said.
He said he does come across people fallen on hard times.
"There's a lot of sad situations," Davis said.
Davis said he tries to answer questions when serving papers without giving legal advice. He said he explains what the documents mean and points out names of attorneys and phone numbers on the forms.
"I try to ease their pain, I just like being a help," he said.
Campaign trail
Davis said he plans to run for constable, what he said is the oldest law enforcement office in the state, once more in 2010.
"My strategy is pretty well the same every time. Being nice, being helpful," he said about campaigning.
Davis said his wife is one of his biggest supporters both in and outside of election season.
"She's always stood behind me and helped with my campaign," Davis said.
Davis said likes the position so much he doesn't really contemplate what life will be like when he's no longer constable.
"I think I'd truly miss it," he said.
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