Suspended deputy and sheriff candidate Mark Heyungs holds meet and greet 

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Warren County sheriff candidate Mark Heyungs met with voters Saturday afternoon at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, outlining his campaign platform just days after termination hearing proceedings that could end his employment with the sheriff’s office.

Heyungs, a suspended deputy and former sergeant, spoke to supporters from 2 to 4 p.m., emphasizing his law enforcement and military background while criticizing current leadership at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

“So I want to start by saying I’m not a politician. I didn’t memorize the speech. I’m just a guy. I’m a law enforcement officer. About 30 years of doing that. That’s what I know. But whenever I see a problem, I want to step up and try to fix that problem,” Heyungs told the crowd.

Heyungs retired from the U.S. Army after a career that included military police work, criminal investigations and leadership roles overseeing personnel and operations. He said those experiences prepared him to manage budgets, support deputies and improve operations within the sheriff’s office.

“I want everybody around me to be successful,” he said.

During the event, Heyungs told attendees he raised concerns internally about what he described as cultural and operational problems within the department before deciding to run for sheriff.

“What happened was a retaliatory culture and a hostile work environment,” he said.

He referenced his ongoing disciplinary case and suggested his record changed after he began speaking out.

“You’ll see, I didn’t change… the system changed. That retaliation changed. That’s not fair,” Heyungs said.

Heyungs also addressed crime trends, deputy retention and transparency. He told the audience that more than 400 active arrest warrants remain unserved in Warren County and called for policies that allow deputies to be more proactive.

“We need to uncuff our deputy sheriffs and let them do their jobs,” he said.

He also pledged greater communication with the public.

“Why is no one at the sheriff’s office telling you what’s going on in Warren County? With me, you get them open lines of communication,” Heyungs said.

Heyungs announced his campaign for sheriff Dec. 4. He was suspended without pay Dec. 7 and is currently the subject of a termination hearing presided over by Sheriff Brett Hightower. 

The Republican primary for Warren County sheriff is set for later this year.