Nicholasville police officer laid to rest after nearly a decade of service

Officer Anthony Ruggiero was laid to rest after nearly a decade of service.

His impact extended far beyond law enforcement—reflected in the outpouring of love from the community he served. A final farewell for Ruggiero—a man whose heart for service went far beyond the badge.

“Our family is so indebted to this community for the outpouring we received from everyone. I’ve spoken with hundreds and hundreds of people, and there’s just no words to describe it,” Ruggiero’s father, Frank Ruggiero, said.

Known for his work in community service, Ruggiero made it his mission to reach the youngest members of Nicholasville—to show them the police were there to help.

“There’s no reason why children should be afraid of police officers. That was my son’s goal in life,” Frank said.

Fellow officers say he embodied what it meant to serve—always the first to step up, always the first to lend a hand.

“If I had to make a list of the last few good men on Earth, Anthony would be on it,” Sam Wade, Nicholasville Police Officer, said. “He was all about humanizing the badge. Showing our community that we’re people too, and we all live and work here together.”

His final journey through the streets he once protected—now escorted by the brothers and sisters in blue who will carry on his legacy. Officer Ruggiero was laid to rest at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, surrounded by family, friends, and a grateful community.