BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Sen. Rand Paul addressed many law enforcement officers with the Kentucky Sheriff's Association on Thursday, expressing his support for the job they're doing. 

Paul said that there's been a lot of back and forth on the involvement of police officers, but that every functioning community needs to have them

“There are ways we can evolve and get better, but it cant be this heavy-handed idea that we cant have law enforcement," Paul said. "I think that is a terrible rotten no good idea and we need to resist it.”

Paul cited his D.C. experience when officers stepped up to protect him as a reason for the need. He said law enforcement hasn't been celebrated recently like they should be.

That was something that stood out to Warren County Chief Deputy officer Kevin Wiles. 

“He relayed some information about his experiences in DC with a hostile crowd and how the police helped him in that circumstance," Wiles said. "Those kind of direct experiences are meaningful to us.”

Wiles has been in law enforcement for over 24 years and said he gets his joy from protecting the community. He understands that times are a little rough right now, but has hopes that the situation can improve, especially with bringing future officers on board. 

“The continual challenge for us is getting employees interested in law enforcement," Wiles said. "Finding someone who wants to seek a career in this particular field it is a real challenge.”

Paul said he'll continue advocating for police, adding that "defunding the police" should not be in play. He and his team have even rewarded some officers for their courageous acts. 

Going forward, he wants to see more positive police-community relations. For Wiles, he is just happy that Paul was able to keep the morale alive.

“One thing that is obviously important for us is that he hears from the police side of thing and it’s important that he hears from people who also have other opinions," Wiles said. "I’m just thankful that he took the time to come here.”