Garry Chapman Named Patrol Officer of the Year

Garry Chapman, son of reality television personality Dog the Bounty Hunter, has received recognition as ACE Interdiction's 2025 Patrol Officer of the Year, marking a significant professional achievement following a turbulent period that included a fatal crash, termination, and reinstatement to law enforcement.

Chapman told TMZ.com that ACE Interdiction announced the award on Sunday, recognizing his work as a Criminal Apprehension Specialist. The organization publicly revealed the honor on social media and is sending Chapman a plaque commemorating the achievement.

According to Chapman, the selection was based strictly on performance metrics. ACE Interdiction reviewed his 2025 law enforcement statistics, including arrests and drug seizures, before determining the recipient. Chapman stated his narcotics seizure numbers were the highest in his county during 2025, which helped him secure the merit-based award. The organization only presents three awards annually, making the recognition particularly noteworthy.

The honor carries additional significance because Chapman was nominated by fellow officers, including members of his command staff, despite the professional challenges he has faced over the past year. His father was reportedly enthusiastic about the award and particularly appreciated his son's title of Criminal Apprehension Specialist, Chapman told TMZ.com.

The award arrives less than a year after Chapman became involved in a September 2025 high-speed police chase that ended in a fatal crash, resulting in one teenager's death and injuries to several others. The incident generated substantial public attention and professional consequences for the officer.

Following the crash, Chapman was placed on administrative leave by the Priceville Police Department and subsequently terminated. However, Chapman appealed the termination decision. The city council ultimately overturned the firing, replacing it with a ten-day unpaid suspension and allowing Chapman to return to active duty with the police force.

The trajectory from termination to recognition as Patrol Officer of the Year represents a remarkable professional reversal for Chapman. The award acknowledges his law enforcement work during a year marked by both significant controversy and measurable professional achievement in drug interdiction efforts.