The legacy of Sgt. Brian Dulle continues in a powerful way as four cadets from the Butler Tech Basic Police Academy (BPA) received the 98th, 99th, 100th, and 101st Sgt. Brian Dulle Memorial Awards. The recognition at BPA Commencement marks a milestone that reflects more than a decade of honoring the character, service, and commitment of future law enforcement officers.
Sadly, Sgt. Brian Dulle, Unit 822, was killed in the line of duty on May 10, 2011, while serving with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. He left behind a loving family, including his wife and three young children. The loss reshaped the Dulle family forever.
“Brian loved his job. From his first ride-along, he knew law enforcement was what he wanted to do,” shared his mother, Denise Dulle. That calling led him to graduate from Butler Tech’s Police Academy, where he began preparing for the career he loved.
The Dulle family chose to honor Brian’s legacy in a way that would encourage and recognize future officers. “We knew that Brian had gone through Butler Tech, and they took us right in. They’ve been nothing but supportive.” Cadets are nominated by instructors, submit an essay, and interview with Denise Dulle. After passing their final examinations to become an Ohio Peace Officer, the cadets are presented with an $822 memorial award for Brian’s unit number.
The legacy started with one award in 2012. It has since grown to recognize three to five cadets three times a year. The award is not for the highest scholastic scores, top firearms qualification, or fastest driving time, but for exceptional character. The Dulle family notes, “It’s that one who will reach out and help classmates, help others, and be a servant.”
More than a decade later, Denise has surpassed 100 total awards, totaling $83,022 awarded to future officers — a milestone that reflects both the lasting impact of Brian’s legacy and the continued commitment of cadets who embody the values he represented. “It shares his story. The person that he was, the father that he was, the deputy that he was.”
Inside the Butler Tech Basic Police Academy, the award has become one of the most meaningful recognitions a cadet can receive.
“LEADERSHIP. Respectful, caring, selfless leadership. That is what sets the Dulle winners apart. They may lead from the front, the back, out loud, or in silence, but they do it with those traits,” shared Joel Seibert, Director of the Regional Public Safety Education Complex. The cadets selected for the Dulle Award often demonstrate the same qualities law enforcement agencies seek in new officers: humility, teamwork, and a willingness to step up when others need support.
The Dulles hope the memorial award helps offset cadets’ expenses because they know the sacrifices many students make to attend the full-time academy. As the Dulles present the 98th through 101st awards, the moment represents a legacy that continues to encourage new officers entering the profession Brian loved. Denise shared, “I want them to know there are people out there supporting them.”
Each cadet recognized becomes part of a story that began with a young officer who knew from his first ride-along that he was called to serve. For the cadets who receive the award, the recognition serves as a reminder that the badge represents responsibility, service, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
Many past recipients of the Sgt. Brian Dulle Memorial Award remain closely connected to the tradition. Several former award winners return each year to attend the Dulle 5K Fundraiser and support the academy.
The Sgt. Brian Dulle Memorial Award and additional initiatives, such as the Police Memorial Unity Ride honoring fallen officers and sponsorship of K9 units for area departments, are sustained by funds raised at the annual Dulle 5K. The event brings together community members, officers, and academy graduates who gather each year to remember Brian while supporting the next generation of officers. This year, the fundraiser will take place on September 27 at 822 Memorial Drive, starting at 8:22 a.m.
