La Vergne, TN - Officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern with the La Vergne Police Department were honored Wednesday (9/4/2024) at a special Purple Heart Ceremony.

 

La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews (pronounced Mayes) said, “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect their community and as a result suffered physical harm while upholding their oath to protect and serve. We celebrate their resilience and dedication to this department, this community, and to their own recovery, both mentally and physically.”

 

The ceremony was in honor of the officers’ sacrifices during a shooting incident on October 21, 2023. Unfortunately, Officer Kern was unable to attend today’s ceremony.

 

The law enforcement Purple Heart is awarded to department members who are seriously injured in the line of duty, by the direct action of a suspect, and requires hospital treatment for their injury.

 

These are the first Purple Hearts awarded to La Vergne officers by the American Police Hall of Fame in the history of the department. Officer Boleyjack returned to work in January 2024 while Officer Kern remains off duty, still recovering from his injuries.