BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas school resource officer continues to receive recognition for his courage.
On social media Wednesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "
Congratulations to SRO Paul Millard of the Great Bend Police Department, named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Wichita Metro Crime Commission."
"While off duty, he heard gunshots and acted immediately to stop the threat until Wichita Police arrived."
"Thank you, Officer Millard, for your bravery and dedication to protecting Kansans."
Around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Millard and his wife were leaving Towne East Mall after a day of shopping when they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Taking immediate action, Millard rushed over to the scene, restrained a suspect and stopped the threat until the Wichita Police arrived.
With 27 years of service at the Great Bend Police Department, Millard has spent the past decade as the SRO for the USD 428 School System. He also leads the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and has been member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team, as well as a supervisor throughout his extensive career.
Millard also received national recognition as SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) in August.