The Kentucky State Police met up with our local director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force to present him an award of appreciation.

In this week's Hometown Hero., WBKO's Lacey Steele tells us more about Tommy Loving.

"I'm really shocked and surprised here today. I'm certainly honored by it. I'm not positive it's deserved."

Tommy Loving says he's just doing his job.

It's a job he has loved, both formerly with the KSP, and for the past 12 years as the director of the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force.

"I continually say that it's my detectives that make me look so good, but our task force in cooperations with all law enforcement has taken a lot of serious drug dealers off the street and sent them to prison. That's essentially our mission in life which makes Bowling Green and Warren county a better place."

About 300 arrests a year, for the past twelve years, is what Loving and his detectives have averaged.

Those who know him say he is more than deserving of an award.

"He's respected by his peers, and he's easy to get along with. We've never had a problem with Tommy. Everytime we've asked from anything from him he's come through for us."

"He has set examples not just professionally, but personally, that he has a love for Bowling Green, and he is willing to show it each and everyday."

"He's the most active task force in the state as far as I'm concerned, and there is no way that he has not made a tremendous difference in this county."

Loving says there's one part of his job he loves more than anything else.

"Seeing a major drug dealer in handcuffs knowing he's going to prison. That may not sound like a great thing to some people, but it is to me because I know when we do take a major drug dealer that at least slows down the death and destruction they cause."

We honor Tommy Loving as this week's Hometown Hero.

Loving says he doesn't see retirement anytime in the near future.

As always if there's someone you see as a hero, email us your nomination to hero@wbko.com.