A strong contingent of local law enforcement was represented on a list of nominees for the inaugural Oklahoma Officer of the Year Award presented by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s Office.
Former Healdton Police Chief Gus Handke, along with Carter County Deputy Richard Reeder and Ardmore Police Department Detective Landon Gary were among the nominees for the southeast region of the state. Also nominated were Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department officers Tucker Halstead and Jacob Foram. All received a certificate presented by Drummond during a reception at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Monday.
The first-ever officer of the year was Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Murray, who was involved in a shootout during a domestic disturbance in August. Murray was hit three times before getting a clear shot at the suspect, protecting others in the process.
Murray has been with the Bryant County Sheriff’s Office for four years and recently received the Medal of Valor from the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association.
“Deputy Murray is highly deserving of this honor,” Drummond said in a statement. “He is an exceptional law enforcement officer whose heroism brought a safe end to a tremendously dangerous situation. I congratulate Deputy Murray and thank him for his service to his community.”
Other regional winners that were recognized were Oklahoma City PD Detective Lauren Cunningham, OHP Trooper Derek Fry and Norman Police Officer Benjamin Gomez. Each regional winner received a Glock 17 pistol. Murray also received a Smith & Wesson M&P rifle.
“Earlier this year, we launched the officer of the year program for one simple but deeply important reason,” Drummond said. “To recognize and celebrate the best and brightest of Oklahoma’s remarkable federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies.
“Distinguished by courage, tenacity and constant professionalism, our law enforcement officers work hard each day, day in and day out, to protect and ensure public safety.”
Drummond said we must not take the sacrifices and dangers the men and women of Oklahoma law enforcement face lightly. During the reception, a video highlighting each of the regional winners was shown.
Drummond said criteria for officer of the year included having shown extraordinary courage over the past 18 months. The 44 nominees were separated by region and evaluated by law enforcement leaders from across the state.
