BGPD welcomes 14 new officers after Class 10 graduation

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Bowling Green Police Department welcomed 14 new officers Friday during the graduation ceremony for Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy Class 10.

The ceremony was held at the Capitol Arts Theater in downtown Bowling Green after the recruits completed 23 weeks of training.

The day began with the graduating class marching toward the theater, escorted by police vehicles as bagpipes played. Outside the theater, the recruits had their uniforms inspected before being released to greet their families.

The ceremony featured remarks from Bowling Green Police Department leadership, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott.

Major Geoff Gleitz, commander of the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy, welcomed the graduating class and guests to the ceremony.

Recruit Officer Hayden Harrell spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the training and experiences that brought the recruits together.

“We entered this profession to be a small part of something far greater than ourselves in service to others,” Harrell said.

Bowling Green Police Chief Michael Delaney reminded the graduates of the responsibility that comes with wearing a badge.

“The badge which you will soon wear represents authority, but more importantly, it’s trust,” Delaney said.

Coleman served as the ceremony’s guest speaker and thanked the graduates and their families for their commitment to law enforcement and public service.

The graduates received their diplomas before Alcott administered the oath of office.

“When you’re doing your job, you’re serving our community,” Alcott told the new officers.

The ceremony continued with the pinning of the officers’ badges, officially marking the beginning of their careers with the Bowling Green Police Department.

Gleitz also presented class awards recognizing achievements in servant leadership, marksmanship, recruit of distinction, academics and physical fitness.