Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green Police Department will host an open house for aspiring police officers on September 18. The event offers community members a chance to engage with current officers, tour police vehicles, and learn about the application process. Additionally, the department is mourning the loss of Master Police Officer Dale Barbiea, who dedicated many years to community service and safety. In response to human trafficking concerns, city commissioners are considering a new ordinance to regulate massage businesses more strictly.
Bowling Green – The Bowling Green Police Department is set to hold an open house for aspiring police officers on September 18, 2025. This community engagement event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at their station located at 911 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, Kentucky.
This open house offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in a career in law enforcement to meet with current officers, tour police vehicles, and see safety demonstrations. Attendees will also learn about the application process to join the Bowling Green Police Department. Additional details about the event can be found on their website: joinbgky.org/police.
While preparing for this recruitment event, the Bowling Green Police Department is in mourning following the passing of Master Police Officer Dale Barbiea due to cancer. Barbiea had a long tenure with the department, beginning his service in January 2008 and continuing until his death on June 14, 2025.
During his time at the Bowling Green Police Department, Barbiea took on various roles such as patrol officer and K-9 officer, and he was notably the department’s longest-serving crisis negotiator. His outstanding work earned him the title of Kentucky Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year. He was originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and before his law enforcement career, he was a rodeo cowboy.
Dale Barbiea was well-known for his commitment to community service, particularly in helping elderly residents and providing assistance to colleagues. His compassionate nature shone through in his daily actions, including checking in on community members and delivering meals to those in need. Colleagues remember him as “an uncle to all of our children”, attributing his kindness and generosity to nurturing a supportive atmosphere within the police department.
In recent efforts to enhance community safety, the Bowling Green Police Department has been addressing human trafficking concerns related to several illicit massage parlors within the city. The prevalence of trafficking cases has been linked to Bowling Green’s proximity to Interstate 65, a major route frequented by traffickers.
In response to these issues, city commissioners plan to conduct the first reading of an ordinance aimed at tightening regulations on massage businesses. If approved, the ordinance will require all massage businesses to register with the city and obtain an annual license. Mandatory background checks for owners, operators, and staff will also be established, along with inspections conducted during business hours by first responders and city officials to ensure compliance.
The ordinance also stipulates that massage businesses cannot operate as sleeping quarters. This initiative is geared toward preventing traffickers from operating in the area while giving law enforcement the necessary authority to shut down any illicit businesses on a permanent basis.
The Bowling Green Police Department’s commitment to community, safety, and transparency is evident through its open house event and its proactive response to public safety concerns.
FAQ
What is the date and time of the Bowling Green Police Department open house?
The open house is scheduled for September 18, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where is the event located?
The event will take place at 911 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, Kentucky.
What activities will be available at the open house?
Attendees can meet current officers, tour police vehicles, see safety demonstrations, and learn about the application process to join the police department.
Who was Dale Barbiea?
Dale Barbiea was a Master Police Officer of the Bowling Green Police Department who served from January 2008 until June 14, 2025. He was known for his role as a crisis negotiator and for his dedication to community service.
What measures are being taken to combat human trafficking in Bowling Green?
The city is considering an ordinance to regulate massage businesses more tightly, requiring registration, licensing, background checks, and inspections, to help prevent human trafficking.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Bowling Green Police Department Open House |
| Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Time | 5 to 7 p.m. |
| Location | 911 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Activities | Meet officers, tour vehicles, safety demonstrations, application information |
| Officer in Memoriam | Dale Barbiea |
| Ordinance Purpose | Combat human trafficking in massage businesses |
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Serious Injury in Two-Vehicle Collision in Bowling Green
Serious Collision in Bowling Green Results in Injuries
Tragic Collision on Interstate 65 Claims Life of 80-Year-Old Driver
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green Police Department Open House
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green
- WBKO: Bowling Green Police Mourns Loss of Officer
- Google Search: Bowling Green Police Department
- BG Daily News: Ordinance on Sex Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Fox 56 News: Officials Mourn Passing of Officer
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Community Engagement
- WNKY: Woman Arrested After Wreck
- Google News: Bowling Green Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
