ASHLAND — Kevin Gunderson loyally reported to a watch meeting that scorching July evening 32 years ago, filling in for a friend who’d taken his family to an amusement park.

On Ashland’s beat for three years, his daily tour of duty proved exhilarating, giving Gunderson new opportunities to learn and chances to lend capable hands to children and those in need. At 24, it was the ideal job for a young South Ashlander.

Around 4 p.m., he backed up Boyd County sheriff’s deputies for routine warrant service on a downtown man. Usual directive — bang on the door, enter the shabby Crescent Street house’s threshold, and arrest Jerry Ray Dyer for refusing to pay child support.

Police were forewarned Dyer might be fortified for their arrival.

They met an elderly man at the front door, who motioned for Gunderson and Deputy Mark Rigsby upstairs. Rookie Deputy E.B. Bowe Jr. — only on the job for 17 days — stayed downstairs on lookout.

Dyer was in bed naked, a topless woman flanking him, beer cans and liquor jugs scattered on all sides of the couple. Gunderson bid the warrant and Dyer calmly began to dress for jail.

But suddenly and without warning, Dyer yanked a blue steel revolver from under his pillow and shot Gunderson in the neck.

He tumbled to the floor, no feeling from his Ashland police badge down to his toes. Although critically injured, he managed to unholster his revolver and return fire, as did Bowe.

Dyer survived and walked away. Gunderson, though, was left in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down.

But that didn’t stop him from continuing to serve his hometown. After rehabilitating, he headed back to police work as a 911 emergency dispatcher.

On July 18 — the anniversary of his shooting — Gunderson, 56, received a letter informing him he was the first Kentuckian to receive the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award, honoring his heartfelt, courageous endeavors.

Started in New York City in 1983, on the 125th birthday of our 26th president, recipients are police officers who triumph over adversity, “whether injury, illness, or other disability,” just as Roosevelt conquered physical handicaps in his youth.

Created in tribute to Roosevelt’s distinguished service as president of the Board of Police Commissioners in New York City, the decoration also recognizes his lifetime police admiration. About officers are listed on its honor roll.

“This honor is doubly special because Roosevelt was a police commissioner  and the founder of Worker’s Compensation. Both are close to my heart,” Gunderson said.

Retired Ashland Police Chief Ron McBride, who nominated Gunderson for the award, said his friend is the ideal winner, encountering “insurmountable challenges,” but continuing his good fight for citizens.

“Kevin Gunderson met his challenge and held firm on the afternoon of July 18, 1980. He has done the same every day since.  Kevin serves out of respect for, and commitment to, his fellow man. Those were the same virtues he demonstrated as a police officer.  Kevin may be medically retired but he continues in the spirit of a dedicated police officer.”

A longtime city commissioner, Gunderson was instrumental in the development of Central Park, Melody Mountain and the riverfront Port of Ashland, where he fishes in summer, his favorite pastime.

Ashland’s representative for many years on the Tri-State Airport Authority Board, Gunderson was recently named its president. He also adds Ashland voice to the FIVCO Area Development District board of directors and publishes the email newsletter “Kevin Mail” and maintains a website, kevingunderson.com

“These are just examples of how he’s reaching out beyond the city of Ashland and helping the area as a whole,” said Mayor Tom Kelley, a former city police chief.

The Theodore Roosevelt Association requests Gov. Steve Beshear visit Ashland to present Gunderson the award personally, since he’s the first Kentuckian chosen. Gunderson will receive a bust of Roosevelt and a cash award for a charity of choice.

Gunderson said he was “flattered” to be picked for the elite police corps of survivors.

“I’m alive. Yes, I’m a victim, but I have to go forward. … At first, they thought I’d live for five years. Well, here I am, 32 years later. It has a lot to do with mind set, community support and great medical care.”