Bowling Green Police Department Celebrates its Finest at Annual Awards Ceremony

Officer of the Year: Matt Davis

Bowling Green, Kentucky – In an annual tradition filled with pomp and circumstance, the Bowling Green Police Department held their awards ceremony, celebrating the dedication, bravery, and professionalism of their officers over the last year. The ceremony not only honours the great work done by these officers, but also gives the public a chance to learn about some of the heroic acts that may otherwise go unrecognized.

Matt Davis, this year’s recipient of the coveted “Officer of the Year” award, was commended for his courage in a July 2023 incident where he was shot in line of duty. Despite the danger of the situation, Officer Davis’s brave actions ensured the safety of his colleagues and the public.

More Awards, More Heroes

While Officer Davis took the night’s top honors, many other officers were recognized for their service. Among them were Sergeant Marc Kaiser, Officer Ben Craig, Sergeant Donitka Boyett, Sergeant James Lewis, and Officer Brock Cleary. Each officer received awards acknowledging their outstanding service and contributions to the Bowling Green community.

Civilian of the Year: April Fulcher

An important inclusion in the ceremony was the acknowledgment of civilians, who play a significant role in assisting the police department. The “Civilian of the Year” award went to April Fulcher, who was recognized for their considerable contribution and dedicated service to BGPD.

Detective of the Year: Ryan Dillon

Another significant award of the night, “Detective of the Year,” was presented to Ryan Dillon. Dillon, in a heartfelt statement, attributed his success to his co-workers and family. “I couldn’t do this job if it wasn’t for my wife being patient because I’m called out a lot […] So we have to have good family support at home. There’s days we see a lot of really bad things so it helps to go home to a family that’s kind and supportive,” shared Dillon.

Recognizing the Strength of the BGPD Community

The annual awards ceremony is not simply about recognition of individual officers. Instead, the event serves as a symbol of the strength and commitment of the entire BGPD community. It is through their collective efforts the Bowling Green community can continue to thrive and feel safe.

Congratulations to all the officers who took home awards this year! Their exceptional commitment and dedication to duty reassure the citizens of Bowling Green that they are indeed in safe hands.