LEXINGTON, Ky. — Robert Larkin, who has led the Lexington Division of Emergency Management since 2024, plans to retire Jan. 1, according to an announcement from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

Mayor Linda Gorton praised Larkin's tenure. "Rob has been an excellent addition to our Public Safety Team, expanding the role of the Division to better serve our residents," Gorton said. "We will miss his experience and expertise."

January will mark 35 years of public safety service to Lexington residents for Larkin. He previously served as Planning Chief in the Division of Fire and Emergency Services, where he reached the rank of assistant chief. He also served more than 34 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, retiring as a brigadier general and land component commander.

Reflecting on his three years as director, Larkin said the work had been "especially rewarding, not only strengthening preparedness and improving response capabilities, but supporting our community during difficult times."

Larkin described emergency management as a "team sport." "We command and control very little, but collaborate, communicate, coordinate and above all cooperate to meet needs during emergencies and disasters," he said. He credited positive relationships built not only at the local level but also across county lines, with state and federal agencies, and with numerous other entities and organizations.

Gorton said she plans to announce a new director in early December. "Emergency Management plays an important role year-round, but especially during the winter months," she said. "I want to have a new person in place and ready to go when our winter weather is normally at its most challenging."