By Jim Thaxton
FALMOUTH — Six city police offers were commended during the July 3 Falmouth City Council meeting for their actions during a May 17 shootout on city streets, and two officers were awarded medals for life-saving action during a May 3 fire.
Police Chief Marty Hart awarded commendation medals and leather-bound citations to Assistant Chief Nick Timon, Sgt. Ken Hall, Sgt. Brody Schmeing, Officer Matthew Campbell, Officer Shy Thompson and Officer Kyle Florer.
The citations read in part, “On May 17, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours (4:30 p.m.), a critical incident involving a violent exchange of gunfire between two vehicles occurred in the vicinity of Shelby and Park streets within the City of Falmouth.”
The citation described the damage done, the grave threat to the community, and heralded the prompt coordinated response.
“Through swift, decisive action and tactical precision the officers secured the affected area, apprehended multiple suspects, and neutralized any further threat to public safety – all within 30 minutes of the initial dispatch.
“The professionalism, bravery and sense of duty demonstrated by the responding officers embody the highest standards of law enforcement,” the citations state.
The presentations were met with spontaneous applause of all present at City Hall.
Hart presented two more citations and the first Medals of Merit in department history to Florer and Officer Jonathon Bayless for risking their own lives to save someone from a fire at Hi & Dry Storage along U.S. Highway 27, south of Falmouth.
Hart said he said he was compelled to take this action after reviewing the body cameras of both officers.
The citation reads, “In recognition for extraordinary bravery and unswerving commitment to saving lives, Officers Kyle Florer and Jonathon Bayless are hereby commended for their heroic actions on May 3, 2025, at 2008 hours (8:08 p.m.).
“Responding to a dangerous storage unit fire, Officers Florer and Bayless encountered a severely burned victim being assisted by an unknown individual.
“Without hesitation and with complete disregard for their own safety, they moved swiftly to remove the victim from immediate danger, carrying him away from the completely engulfed building to a safe location and ensuring his transfer to Pendleton County Ambulance for urgent medical care.
“Their decisive actions directly impacted the survival of the victim, reflecting the highest standards of courage, selflessness, and duty. Their exemplary performance not only upholds the values of the Falmouth Police Department but also reinforces their unwavering dedication to the community they serve.”
Once again, these officers received the same spontaneous and enthusiastic applause of council and all those in attendance.
Medals and citations also were awarded to Marilyn Belcher, Falmouth Police Department’s office manager, and Abram Crozier, the department’s chaplain, for their dedication to the department, the police officers and the community.
Hart also noted his department’s high-profile presence throughout the city and especially during the flooding in April, when some were working 24-hour shifts.
All citations were signed by Mayor Sabrina Hazen and Hart.
Also during the council meeting:
• Council reviewed the blacktopping bid from Mago and the mayor noted that the city can expect $20,000 to help pay for the work from Kentucky Road Aid.
• Council approved Steve Jenkins as a Resolution-Proxy for the Housing Authority.
• Under New Business, Council discussed updating the city’s personnel policy to tighten up some “gray areas” that need to be corrected including but not limited to maternity leave and vacation time.
The Kentucky League of Cities will do a completed upgrade for an estimated $6,000. The upgrade can be finished in three to six months.
• Council was asked to consider outsourcing the city’s accounting and separating the city clerk from the city treasurer. The city attorney stated a request for quotes would be needed in addition to an ordinance change.
Outsourcing may offer several cost savings advantages including a simple 1099 Form in lieu of employee expenses.
• The city attorney reviewed a draft purchase agreement between Trinity Southern Baptist and the city. City Council agreed on May 1 to sell the former Falmouth School Center to the church for $150,000.
The Rev. Abram Crozier was present during the presentation and agreeable to all the suggested changes.
Council agreed to waive earnest money prior to the closing and Trinity agreed to pay the closing costs. Council requested the city attorney to move forward with the purchase agreement.
• Ramona Williams explained the need for new computers for city staff. She shared a local quote which was well below the funds set aside in next year’s budget. There was additional discussion about possibly upgrading computers in other departments, too.