Fallen law enforcement officers were remembered during the Durant Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 113 12th annual memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers May 16 at the Choctaw Nation Headquarters Amphitheater.
Durant interim Police Chief Joe Clark said it was a great honor to welcome everyone to the memorial tribute.
“I would like to recognize Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. and their team here for allowing us to have this event at this beautiful venue,” Clark said, also recognizing Michael Hall, director of Choctaw Public Safety.
“To all of the families and friends of the fallen, you are a most special guest as today, we mourn their loss and honor the heroes of Bryan County that gave us the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community that we live in,” Clark continued.
Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian recognized local agencies: Achille Police Department, Bennington Police Department, Bokchito Police Department, Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Police Department, Calera Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, Colbert Police Department, Durant Police Department, Department of Game & Fish, Department of Probation and Parole, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma High- way Patrol, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Southeastern Oklahoma State University Police.
Brian Heverly, public safety director for the City of Durant, spoke of the solidarity of the different law enforcement agencies.
“I can tell you the public expects us all to work together seamlessly,” Heverly said. “Thank you all for working so hard on a daily basis and working together.”
Heverly spoke of the sacrifices of law enforcement officers in Bryan County who gave their lives protecting the public.
“From 1894 to 2020, law enforcement from a myriad of organizations, walks of life, times in their own lives, up and down the chain of command, have given their lives to protect and serve us, the citizens of this county,” he said.
Calera Police Chaplain Jacob Toews read scripture and prayed before the roll call of fallen officers.
Toews recited Psalms 23. “I can’t think of a more fitting scripture to share at a time like this that has brought so much comfort and encouragement to so many people over the years,” Toews said.
Toews then prayed. “Heavenly Father once again, we bow humbly before you realizing that we can’t do anything really to comfort someone’s heart,” Toews said. “Only you can do that. So Father, we would ask that you would wrap your loving arms around each and everyone of them. The entire family, Lord, and then the officers that are supporting them. Lord, hold them all up and comfort their hearts.”
Choctaw Lighthorse Police Chief Jesse Petty and Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop E Commander Scott Hampton then read the roll call of fallen officers. Blue roses were placed on a wreath in the shape of Oklahoma by family members or law enforcement officers.
The following have died in the line of duty: Deputy U.S. Marshal Abner David McLellan, 7-20-1894 Bennington City Marshal James Eli Parish, 7-23-1912 Patrolman James A. Keirsey 11-7-1929 Deputy William Conway Keirsey 12-11-1930 Bryan County Sheriff John Ellis Williams 11-4-1938 Bokchito City Marshal Warren N. Smith 11-18-1951 Caddo City Marshal Morgan Haddock 12-13-1951 Bokchito City Marshal Carl Lee “Don” Hart 5-21-1972 OHP Trooper Houston F. “Pappy” Summers 5-26-1978 OHP Trooper Billy Gene Young 5-26-1978 OHP Lt. Pat Grimes 5-261978 OK ABLE Commission Agent Lori Dean Thomas 1023-1994 Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael D. Pace 12-291998 OHP Trooper Nicholas Dees 1-31-2015 Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jarid D. Taylor 1-142020 OHP Capt. Jeffery Wade Sewell 9-26-2020 Others who spoke at the event were, Durant Police chaplains Brent Smith and Ken Bartholomew. The Durant Police Department Honor Guard posted the colors and the wreath. Morris Mc-Cann performed the National Anthem. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Taps was performed by the Sherman, Texas, Shields of Honor Pipes and Drums - Texoma.
