Hopkinsville Police PIO Returning to Patrol Duties

Officer Royale Marfil and K9 partner Bolo leaving public information roles to return to streets

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:15pm

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A Hopkinsville Police Department officer known as the 'face of the department' is stepping down from her role as Public Information Officer to return to patrol duties, with her K9 partner Bolo continuing to work by her side on the streets.

Why it matters

Marfil has been a prominent public figure for the Hopkinsville PD, serving as the department's spokesperson and helping to build community trust. Her return to patrol work signals a shift in the department's priorities and a desire to have more officers on the streets interacting directly with residents.

The details

Officer Royale Marfil announced she and her K9 partner, Bolo, are leaving their roles as the department's Public Information Officers to return to patrol duties. Marfil, who has served as the 'face of the department,' says she feels she has made the impact she was meant to make within the community. While their duties are shifting, the duo isn't splitting up, as Marfil will remain Bolo's handler and the popular K9 will continue to report for duty right by her side on the streets of Hopkinsville.

  • Marfil and Bolo are stepping away from their PIO roles and returning to patrol duties effective immediately.

The players

Officer Royale Marfil

A Hopkinsville Police Department officer who has served as the department's Public Information Officer and prominent public figure.

Bolo

Marfil's K9 partner who will continue to work alongside her on patrol duties.

Hopkinsville Police Department

The law enforcement agency in Hopkinsville, Kentucky where Marfil and Bolo have been serving.

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What they’re saying

“I feel I have made the impact I was meant to make within the community.”

— Officer Royale Marfil

The takeaway

Marfil's shift from public information duties back to patrol work reflects the Hopkinsville Police Department's focus on having more officers directly engaging with the community, rather than relying solely on a spokesperson. This change could help strengthen ties between the department and residents.