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Serving Mason County

by Andrew Burke-Stevenson
Sheriff Ryan Swolsky took cat into custody to comply with a protection order. Every day at the sheriff’s office is different.

It’s early morning in October — the sun isn’t even up — and Ryan Swolsky walks to his barn, a cup of black coffee in his hand.

He scoops feed from a bin and takes it to his flock of sheep. Suddenly, the police radio hanging on his belt crackles to life — and Ryan’s reality is evident. He’s a farmer, a father and a husband. He’s also the sheriff.

Elected in 2024 at the age of 29, Ryan is one of the youngest sheriffs currently serving in Kentucky.

He began his career as a deputy in Mason County, then moved to Washington, D.C., to join the U.S. Marshal Service. When his old boss called, asking Ryan if he wanted to return as chief deputy, he took his time to mull it over.

Ryan said he realized that, “This is the door the Lord is opening right now.”

He oversees a staff of 12, with his deputies handling 10 to 20 criminal investigations a month. He willingly gives out his cell phone number to residents and, as a result, receives calls, texts and emails around the clock. “My only boss is the people who have elected me,” he said.

That approach has earned him respect from people of all sides of the political aisle, including attorney Kirk Clarke.

“I haven’t voted for too many Republicans,” Clarke told Ryan at a Maysville Democratic party event. “But I will vote for you.”

This dedication to his fellow citizens means Ryan sometimes has to sacrifice family time. “It’s so hard to be present when so many people are begging for your attention,” he said.

He describes his work as “being a light for others,” and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Since he and his wife Julia became parents (they have a 2-year-old and a 6-week-old), he approaches his work, often dangerous, with a new level of preparedness.

Winding down after work, he tucks his daughter into bed and scratches her back to help her fall asleep. But on duty the next day, he reflects on the potential dangers law enforcement officers face.

“If I don’t make it home one night,” he said, after mentioning that nightly routine with his daughter. “Who is going to do that?”

Sheriff Ryan Swolsky listens as Deputy Jacob Kelsch details him on a recent low-stakes investigation that didn’t amount to much.
As the sun sets over the farm, 2-year-old Corrie steps out of the barn and looks at a young ram as her father Ryan Swolsky watches from around the door. Ryan says they hope to have 75-100 sheep eventually.
Ryan Swolsky grabs a chicken stuck behind a fence to bring it back inside the coop. He was working to board up the entrance and keep the chickens in the barn.
While playing on the trampoline, Ryan Swolsky and his 2-year-old daughter Corrie fall down. Soon after, Ryan had to pause to answer a work text.
After getting home from work and playing outside with his daughter, sheriff Ryan Swolsky rubs his face while sitting in the living room with his wife Julia Swolsky, 6-week-old son Caleb , and 2-year-old daughter Corrie. “Two year-olds take a lot of energy,” Ryan said. “More energy than work.”
Julia Swolsky, Ryan Swolsky, and 2-year-old Corrie pray before dinner. Corrie had painted Ryan’s nails blue before dinner. Julia and Ryan described their faith as trying to reconnect with Christianity’s scripture roots instead of church tradition.
On the floor of their living room, Ryan Swolsky gets a fork of chocolate cheesecake from his 2-year-old daughter Corrie as their dog Louie watches.
Ryan Swolsky carries his newborn son Caleb to the dinner table.
Before heading out to feed the animals and while wearing a jacket labeled “sheriff,” Ryan Swolsky kisses his wife Julia Swolsky as she gives their 6-week-old newborn a bath.