198th Military Police Battalion augments law enforcement at 50th Riverfest

NEWPORT, Ky. — Kentucky National Guard military police Soldiers supported local authorities in Newport during the 50th anniversary of Riverfest, Sept. 6.

Over 500,000 people attended the Labor Day end-of-summer celebration on the banks of the Ohio River.

Soldiers from the 198th Military Police Battalion, including the 617th Military Police Company, conducted civil support operations in coordination with the Newport Police Department. The mission provided additional law enforcement and traffic control capabilities for the residents and tourists gathered in downtown Newport for the milestone celebration.

“Riverfest gave our Soldiers a great opportunity to put their training into practice while supporting the community during a large and complex event,” said U.S. Army Capt. Michael Turner, commander of the 617th.

Soldiers worked alongside Newport police officers to augment law enforcement operations throughout the event, while additional personnel conducted traffic control operations across downtown Newport, helping manage vehicle and pedestrian flow.

Capt. Daron Arnberg, incident commander for the Newport Police Department, said the Guard’s support helped maintain a safe event.

“The National Guard played an important role in helping us provide a safe and organized environment for the thousands of people who attend the event in and around Newport,” Arnberg said. “The professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the Kentucky National Guard made a meaningful difference in our ability to safely manage Riverfest 2026. [Kentucky Guard] personnel were professional, dependable, and willing to work alongside our officers and other public safety partners throughout a very busy day.”

Turner said that the coordination between the two organizations contributed to the success of the mission.

“The coordination between NPD and our MPs made the mission run smoothly and demonstrated the value of the Guard working alongside our local law enforcement partners,” Turner said.

The mission demonstrated the Kentucky National Guard’s commitment to supporting civil authorities during large-scale community events while strengthening relationships with local law enforcement and communities across the commonwealth.

The Kentucky National Guard is a premier, ready, and relevant force that remains actively engaged in the local community and prepared to support the commonwealth and the nation.

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