First BGLEA class graduates, adds 11 new officers to BGPD

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Exciting news for the Bowling Green Police Department as it’s very first law enforcement academy class graduated the academy Friday afternoon.

After 21 weeks of training, BGPD now has 11 new officers to the force.

According to John-Spencer Smith, one of the new officers, the new academy was a success.

“We started six months ago pretty much and we have gone through, pretty much, learning from the ground up a very complicated job. So it’s a high sense of accomplishment to get through this and to finally get to this day. From June 15 (to) Nov. 6 seemed years away and it’s here and really it’s over already pretty much for us. So, it feels great,” said Smith.

The new officers were pinned by family members or friends during the ceremony and then were all sworn in by the mayor.

The first Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy consisted of eight men and three women.

Officer Poe Meh graduated Friday as well and is the first Burmese officer for BGPD.

“It feels amazing to have some people that look up to me. I wanted to be a roll model for them. I have two little nieces and everyday I came home from work they look up to me, you know. They show respect to me and that’s how they shall do to every other officer out there,” said Meh.

The Bowling Green Police Department is currently hiring officers to attend its police academy as the second recruiting class.