Chief Mike Thomas was born 1973 and is a life long resident of Harlan.

  The chief graduated Harlan High School in 1991. He also received an Associates of Arts degree from Southeast Community College.

  Chief Thomas volunteered with the Harlan County Rescue Squad for several years. He also was an EMT for several years with Mountain EMS.

  He began working with the Harlan Police Dept. in August of 2001 and graduated the Department of Criminal Justice Training in September 2002. Chief Thomas received the Academic Achievement Award of Class #318 upon graduation. He served as Sergeant of the Harlan Police Dept. for one year before being promoted to Chief of Police in July of 2008.

  Since graduation from DOCJT, Chief Thomas has received specialized training in Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction, as well as Pedestrian, Bicycle, Motorcycle and ATV Reconstruction. He has also had several other areas of training such as under cover narcotics, Homeland Security, and Police Chief Orientation. He has also received Certified Intermediate Officer certification through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council.

  Chief Thomas has all ready began narcotics investigations with the department. He also plans on continuing the progression of the department and continue the departments accreditation through the Kentucky Association of Police Chiefs.

  Chief Thomas is a member of the Harlan Rotary Club, Kentucky Association of Police Chiefs, and the Friendship Baptist Church. He also serves on the Harlan County Drug Court Board and the Harlan County E-911 Board.