Clayton honors retiring police chief and recognizes detectives after investigation that led to indictment
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Summary
At its meeting, the Clayton City Council honored retiring Police Chief Matthew Hamlin, presented certificates of merit to detectives Brad Campbell and Casey Bollinger for an investigation that led to an indictment, and recognized Officer Cody Cecil, who survived a shooting with the help of ballistic protection.
The Clayton City Council recognized several members of the police department Tuesday night, honoring retiring Chief Matthew Hamlin, presenting certificates of merit to two detectives for a criminal investigation, and acknowledging Officer Cody Cecil for surviving an on-duty shooting.
Chief Matthew Hamlin received a retirement pistol and told the council, “I'd like to thank my wife and my family for being here.” Hamlin, who the council said served 28 years in law enforcement, also used his remarks to thank officers past and present for their service.
Hamlin and other officials presented certificates of merit to Detective Brad Campbell and Detective Casey Bollinger for a multiagency investigation into alleged abuse involving current and former students at Northmont High School. Hamlin said the detectives' work included executing "nearly 20 search warrants" of electronic devices, completing "approximately 30 interviews" and monitoring inmate calls. He told the council that the investigation led to an indictment: "Matthew Hunt was indicted by the Montgomery County grand jury on 07/30/2025 on 82 counts of related alleged abuse," and that the defendant is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
The council also recognized Officer Cody Cecil, who was critically injured in an on-duty shooting. Officials displayed the ballistic plate and credited the protective gear with saving parts of his life; the department presented a retirement pistol and case. "It does mark where the bullet struck, and the gun itself is disabled," an official said while describing the memorial display.
These recognitions were ceremonial; the council took no formal action related to the criminal case during the meeting. The awards and remarks underscored the department's role in a high-profile investigation and the council's acknowledgement of officer safety and service.
The council continued afterward with its consent and business agenda, including votes on ordinances and resolutions.
