BGPD swears in new officers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Amid a nationwide police shortage, Bowling Green Police Department has added seven new police officers to their team. The swearing in ceremony for the new officers took place at City Hall Friday morning.

Friends, family and elected officials packed into the Bowling Green City Commission Chambers to watch as the officers were sworn in by Mayor Bruce Wilkerson.

There were tears and laughter as each officer selected someone special to pin on their badge.

Bowling Green Police Chief Doug Hawkins explained, unlike other police departments, BGPD hasn’t had much trouble filling their vacancies.

“I know there are some large agencies that aren’t able to fill a lot of their vacancies, and are hundreds of people short. Fortunately we don’t have that problem. We work hard to recruit. We work hard to find the right people. Fortunately we’re able to fill our vacancies,” said Hawkins.

Each officer will begin work immediately. Their names are: