Warren County Sheriff’s Office mourns former sheriff Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of former sheriff Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines.

On Wednesday afternoon, the agency confirmed Gaines’ death, sharing the legacy he leaves behind, stating:

“Sheriff Gaines faithfully served the citizens of Warren County as Sheriff from 1978-1982 and again from 1987-2018, making him the longest-serving Sheriff in Warren County, and Kentucky history. Over his remarkable career, he devoted his life to public service, first as a Warren County Magistrate, then nearly four decades as Sheriff, building the foundation upon which our agency proudly stands today.”

The agency states Gaines also was a founding member of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association’s Boys & Girls Ranch, along with being a five-time president of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, the 1995 National Sheriff of the Year, president of the National Sheriff’s Association from 2000 to 2001 and the only sheriff to serve as president of the Kentucky Association of Counties.

On January 23, 2025, the sheriff’s office says the Warren County Fiscal Court proclaimed the day as “Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines Day” in recognition of his service and legacy.

During the ceremony, officials say it was announced the Community and Training Room at the future Warren County Sheriff’s Office at Sugar Maple Square will be named in Gaines’ honor.

“Sheriff Gaines will be remembered not only for his achievements but for his kindness, humor, unwavering dedication to others, and his ornery personality,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Gaines family and to all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. It truly seemed like he knew everyone! Thank you for your lifetime of service, Peanuts. We have the watch from here.”

Rest in peace, sheriff Gaines.