Story Created:
Jan 23, 2010 at 4:29 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jan 24, 2010 at 3:32 PM CDT
PADUCAH, KY - Former Paducah Police Chief Kermit Perdew passed away Saturday.
Perdew announced his retirement as Paducah Police Chief in August of 2000 and later stepped down in September 2000.
Current Paducah Police Assistant Chief Danny Carroll worked with Perdew and considered him a close friend.
"I have to say without a question that it was an honor working with (Perdew). He was an excellent detective," Carroll said. "He had a passion for the work, a passion for the people that he worked with and a passion for this community. It's rare to find someone these days that cares that much about what they do."
Perdew joined the Paducah Police Department in 1981 as a patrol officer and later made a detective in 1985. He was then promoted to sergeant and continued serving in the detective division until 1993, when he was named head of the Western Area Narcotics team. Perdew returned in early 1996, was promoted to captain in August of that year and to chief in January 1997.
"Kermit put everything he had into his work. Each case he had he put his heart and soul into it. I feel honored to have had the pleasure to work with him and to work for him, and he was an outstanding leader," Carroll stated.
Carroll said Perdew went above and beyond in working with fellow officers and people in the community.
"We have lost a brother," Carroll said of Perdew. "He had a rare ability, even if you didn't agree with what he said or what he did, you always walked out of the room respecting him."
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Noel C. March, United States Marshal said on Monday, May 10 at 7:35 PM
Fondly remembed by the Members of the FBI National Academy 170th Session.
42955167Jim Lively said on Wednesday, Feb 24 at 11:45 AM
Wow. What can I say about Kap. We became friends in High School and he stood up for me at my wedding. He lived with my ex-wife and me for awhile in Lake Zurich, Ill. He took one of my Dad's Labs, a real big guy and named him Thor. And when we left to seek fame and fortune we took Thor with us, and he went to Paducah. Then we just eventually fell out of touch. I still think about him and wondered what he had been up to all these years. I don't know why I googled his name this AM but you can imagine how I feel. I always thought of him as one of the real good, honest people. I knew if I ever picked up the phone and called him he would act like we just saw each other yesterday. And his parents treated me like one of their own. I never met Brenda but I always knew she must have been special. To everyone who had the privilege of knowing Kermit I send my deepest sympathies. I consider it a great blessing and an honor to have known him and his family even if only for a short time. RIP Kermit
38185978brenda reese said on Wednesday, Jan 27 at 7:22 PM
It was a pleasure working with and knowing Kermit Perdew. We went though the Police Academy together and shared a lot of good and sad times. He will always be with me. My prayer goes out to Brenda and her family. Good bye for now friend.
36494457Jon Hayden said on Monday, Jan 25 at 8:52 PM
Comments made by the King family detail the type of man Kermit really was. He was a true friend to many people. He made an enormous impact on my life as well as this region during his lifetime. Kermit will be missed by all of us, but just be thankful that we had him in our lives. Rest in peace Kermit!!
36355809King Family said on Monday, Jan 25 at 7:38 PM
We were saddend to hear of Chief Perdew passing. In 1995 our brother was murder, and not only did he catch the person responsible for his death within minutes, but there was not a day that went by that Chief Perdew did not come by and check on our mother to make sure that she was doing alright. He will be greatly missed in this community, but mostly by our family. Weextend our greastest sympathy to his family and we will have them in our prayers.
36352202Tony King said on Monday, Jan 25 at 10:03 AM
As a DEA agent,I worked with Kermit in the 1990's. He was a complete professional who cared for the citizens of McCracken County and did his job well. He will always have my respect.
36311724Steve Haines said on Monday, Jan 25 at 8:42 AM
Kermit Perdew was the best of us. He kept a clear head, good heart, and a fine sense of humor. We are richer fo knowing him.
36304897friend said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 9:53 PM
I have known Kermit for about 12 years and he was always very pleasent. I seen a week or so ago and even thought we had not seen each other in almost 8 years he still remebered me.It was nice to catch up on old times. RIP Kermit and my prayers go out to his family.
36281577Malinda Elrod Baltz said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 6:49 PM
I have been blessed in having worked for Kermit at PPD and to have called him friend. I pray God sends peace to Brenda during this time. My prayers are also with the rest of his family and friends.
36274912cathy, symsonia said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 6:45 PM
my heart and prayers go out to his family.he may be gone but not forgotten!!!!!!
36274807Patti Baumgardner said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 6:33 PM
It is with great sorrow that I have to bid "adieu" to a great friend, Kermit Perdew. You could look all day, and never find a better man that Kap. He adored his wife, and loved her son and grandchildren as his own. He treated everyone equally, and truly felt for the underdog, which was remarkable for a man in his position. I carry many fond memories of Kermit, and I will miss his constant comments about my Canadian background. You're off to the big igloo in the sky, brother, see you there!
36274479J.S. Price said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 1:42 PM
Like his father, a very special friend that could always be counted on. If you needed help he would be there.
36263354Cindy Shain, Associate Director, SPI said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 12:00 PM
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Regional Community Policing Institute, we would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Chief Perdew, who served the law enforement community of Kentucky proudly and professionally with his many years with the Paducah Police Department.
36258757Eddie Holt said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 11:20 AM
I had the privilege of knowing Kermit for almost 30 years & worked with him for nearly 20 of those years. Greater respect for no one do I have nor did I ever know a finer man. Kermit's passing was a real shock but I won't say farewell. I'll just "see you a little farther along".
36256819Bruce Watson said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 8:24 AM
My close friend of almost 30 years, worked together for 20 years, we went through doors together, not knowing what was on the other side, but we always knew that we could depend on each other. He was one of the most honest and caring men that I have ever knew, beneath his professional exterior. The last time we talked last week, we talked about how important friends and family are, and all else is only fleeting. I won't say good bye, I will only say, "see you later old friend."
36248097Chuck Farthing said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 3:03 AM
It has been a very sad day. I have known Kermit most of my life, and he will be missed. I owe alot to the great friend and mintor. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
36238214Sandy Joslyn said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 2:01 AM
If you feel a dark cloud hanging over you, don't be sad. It's just Kermit Perdew fingerprinting something in heaven. He always was messy with the black powder. We worked together for many years and shared a passion for solving the unknown,and bringing justice and closure to victims of crime.
36236219Lew Legacy said on Saturday, Jan 23 at 7:26 PM
A respected leader, great man and friend. It was a privilege to have served with him. He will be greatly missed by many. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
36221639Tracy Smith said on Saturday, Jan 23 at 6:59 PM
I feel honored and grateful to have worked with and to have known Kermit Perdew. He was a respected law enforcement officer and a loved and dear friend to so many! My prayers are with his family!
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