Statesboro Police Officer Katie Hagins thought she was going to be interviewed for a feature on women in policing, little did she know the interview would be on a different topic and would consist of only one question.

Instead of being interviewed Hagins received a gift bag with a picture of a puppy that would be an anniversary gift. Hagins was then told to flip the picture over. On the back the picture read “Katie, Will you marry me??”

The interview was a set up by Hagins’ boyfriend of two years, SPD Officer Cameron Reese. When Hagins turned around Reese pulled out a ring, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

“We are very happy to report that she said yes!” SPD’s Facebook page reads.

SPD’s Facebook announcement received hundreds of likes and many comments congratulating the new couple.

“She literally had no idea and was so excited her hands were shaking,” Reese said.

Reese said a lot of the police department was in on the surprise proposal and led Hagins to believe she was having an interview with WTOC.

“I was very surprised,” Hagins said. “I thought it was odd that my interview was the day of our anniversary but I had no idea that a proposal was happening at all. Everyone did a great job keeping it a secret.”

The couple met at Georgia Southern University their freshman year and both graduated with a degree in justice studies. Both officers graduated from SPD’s police academy in March.

“We would like to congratulate two of our newest officers on their engagement and upcoming marriage!” Madison Warren, SPD community information specialist, said. “We look forward to watching them grow as officers individuals and now as a married couple.”

Emma Smith contributed to this article. 

Matthew Enfinger, The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu.