CULLMAN, Ala. – Three officers of the Cullman Police Department were recognized Friday morning after putting together a combined 60 years of service within the community. Officer Roy Bates, Sergeant Terry Gilliland and Lieutenant Jody Martin were presented with years of service pins and certificates to recognize their time with the department. Police Chief Kenny Culpepper and Captain J.P. White presented each of the officers with certificates and pins.
Officer Roy Bates – 10 years of service
Officer Bates was hired as a reserve officer in 2008 and graduated from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy in 2010. Prior to being hired by the CPD, he received his EMT license in 1999 and trained in multiple firefighting techniques. Bates was hired as a full-time officer with the CPD May 12, 2010. During his tenure, Bates has become an eCite instructor, field training officer, radar instructor and a dive team member.
Sergeant Terry Gilliland – 25 years of service
Sgt. Gilliland began his career with CPD in January 1984 as a reserve officer. Gilliland graduated from the inaugural Reserve Officer Police Academy June 21, 1986 and continued serving as a reserve officer until he was hired full-time in May 1995. In his tenure he has served as a field training officer, police motor officer and on the tactical unit. Gilliland was promoted to the rank of sergeant in December 2003 and spent 11 years working on shift 2B from 2005-2016. On June 15, 2016, Gilliland was assigned to be the Police Fleet Manager, a position he still holds today.
Lieutenant Jody Martin – 25 years of service
Martin began his career in law enforcement in 1993 at 22 years old while completing his college studies at Athens State University. Martin became an A+ certified officer after completing 12 weeks of training at the 100th basic session of the North Alabama Police Academy at Jacksonville State University. After serving two years as a part-time officer, he was hired full-time in the patrol division. Martin was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and to lieutenant in 2015. Martin has served in multiple positions and divisions within the department including patrol, services and investigations during his tenure. Martin continues to attend advanced training courses and is an active member within the Internal Association for Identification. Martin currently serves as the lieutenant of the Investigation Division at the CPD.
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