Tuesday evening the Bourbon Town Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize a retiring Bourbon Police Officer to receive their handgun used in the line of duty at the discretion of the Bourbon Town Council.
The ordinance states that qualifying officers would have the option to receive their handgun used while they served the citizens of Bourbon. The qualification is that the officer must have served at least 20 consecutive years with the Bourbon Police Department.
The Town Council shall have to sole discretion to approve or deny any officer receiving their duty weapon for any reason it deems appropriate in additional to the years of service requirement.
The ordinance, if approved by the Bourbon Town Council would allow the Police Chief to present the handgun to the retiring officer during a regular town council meeting. It also requires that all documents and laws for a legal transfer are followed.
During the discussion Councilman Les McFarland said he supported the ordinance but asked if there could be special exceptions such as, injured or killed in the line of duty, or early retirement due to a medical of physical issue.
Town Attorney Alex Hoover said as the ordinance is today at the first reading it requires 20 years of consecutive service. His recommendation was to modify the ordinance to allow the town council leeway in making a determinization.
Bourbon Police Chief Bill Martin was agreeable to amending the ordinance to allow for special exceptions.
The ordinance passed on first reading with all three members voting in favor. The town attorney will work on modifying the ordinance to allow the town council the use of special exceptions. The council will consider the ordinance at their next meeting on May 9 at 6 p.m.
