Bowling Green Police Department welcomes in eight new police officers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Today, the Bowling Green Police Department welcomed in eight new officers.

Processing from the BPD headquarters, they marched and made their way to the Capitol Theater, where family, friends and supporters gathered to watch as they were inspected for perfection. Afterward, they went inside, where speeches were made, awards were given, badges were pinned and oaths were taken to protect and serve. But it takes a very special individual to answer that call.

“Truly, what it takes is somebody a good character,” said deputy chief Penny Bowles. “We can train you how to be a police officer, we can train you all of the laws, we can train you how to drive, how to shoot a firearm, how to talk, but we can’t necessarily teach you how to be a good person, how to be a servant leader, how to care for others. So, truly, if you have a passion for others and for service, that’s what it takes to be a Bowling Green police officer.”

The path to becoming a Bowling Green police officer is not an easy one either. Endless training, and classes are filled with both good days and bad ones. But it’s a unique experience that helps shape these new officers into their new role as both leaders and servants.

“It was 23 weeks of a lot of mixed emotions,” said Bowling Green Police Officer and class 9 graduate Rio Napier. “Some very fun days, some very difficult days and everything in between. But I wouldn’t change a thing, and I don’t believe that any other of my fellow graduates today would would change anything.”

But now that those badges have been pinned, congratulations have been given, the work begins and it’s something these eight new officers are looking forward to.

“Just getting out and doing the work,” Napier said. “We’ve prepared for the 23 weeks of the academy. We got to do some scenarios, but a lot of it’s classroom. And I’m looking forward to putting into practice the things that I’ve learned and getting to get out and experience the community.”

News 40 congratulates the class 9 graduates, and wishes them all the best as they start this new journey in life.