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Wichita recognizes GBPD’s Millard as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Paul Millard
Paul Millard

WICHITA – The Wichita Metro Crime Commission (WMCC) recognized Paul Millard of the Great Bend Police Department as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year during its annual awards dinner held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Wichita.

This annual award honors a member of local law enforcement who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a way that positively impacts individuals and an entire community.

Millard exemplified that standard on Aug. 8, 2025, while off duty at Towne East Mall in Wichita, Kansas. As he and his wife were leaving the mall, they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Without hesitating to protect those around him, Millard acted immediately, stopping the threat and restraining a suspect until the Wichita Police Department (WPD) arrived on scene.

“This award is an honor, and I am very humbled by the recognition from the community,” said Millard. “I thank God for keeping me safe that day and for all He has done for me.”

Founded in 1952 through a non-partisan organization to combat organized crime, the Wichita Crime Commission – renamed the Wichita Metro Crime Commission in 2019 – mission is to promote, foster and encourage greater interested by the public by enforcing criminal laws and preventing crime.

This recognition marks the third award SRO Millard received for his heroic actions last August. He was previously named SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) on Aug. 18, 2025, and was presented the Bronze Wreath of Valor by the WPD at the Nov. 17, 2025, Great Bend City Council Meeting.

A 28-year veteran of the GBPD, Millard has been an invaluable asset to the department. He has served as USD #428’s School Resource Officer for the last decade while also leading the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program. Additionally, Millard has been in supervisor roles and a member of the SWAT team and bike patrol unit.

The GBPD is currently seeking more members to add to its force. For questions about available positions, call 620-793-4111. Applications are available at https://tinyurl.com/CityofGBJobs.