Fallen local law enforcement officers were honored and remembered during a Law Enforcement Memorial Tribute May 15 at the Choctaw Nation Amphitheater.
The service was a part of National Police Week and Choctaw Lighthorse Police Chief Mike Woodruff said the tribute was a time to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary service, courage and dedication of Bryan County law enforcement offi cers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Their legacy lives on in the safety of our streets, the streets of our communities and the enduring commitment to the justice that defines our police forces,” Woodruff said. “Each year during this week, we pause to pay tribute, not only to those who serve, but also those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. During this week of remembrance, celebration and reflection, let us honor the past, support the present and shape our future grounded in respect, service and justice for all.
“We would also like to give as sincere welcome to the families present here today that have personally lost a loved one. This includes our law enforcement family. We shall never forget the sacrifi ces these officers made. Our communities are forever indebted for their service.”
Durant Police Chaplain Ken Bartholomew gave the invocation.
“As we gather here, we do so to pay tribute and to remember those who serve as well as those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Bartholomew said, during prayer. “The scripture says that those offi cers who enforce the law are the authorities and God’s servants sent by you, meaning God, for our good.”
Bokchito Police Chief Shane Guhl read names of agencies represented: Achille Police, Bennington Police, Bokchito Police, Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Police, Calera Police, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, Colbert Police, Durant Police, Department of Fish & Game, Department of Probation & Parole, FBI, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Southeastern Police.
Lt. Chris Marcy, of Durant Police Department Honor Guard, was the speaker.
“As we gather here today in memory of our brave law enforcement officers, we take a moment to reflect on the courage, dedication and sacrifi ce that defines their service,” Marcy said. “During Police Week, we honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our community often at significant personal cost.”
Marcy said that when he started his law enforcement career 25 years ago, he understood the potential costs and proudly accepted it.
The Durant Police Department Honor Guard was established in 2011 and Marcy said he has been a proud member since day one. The Honor Guard has walked many miles carrying the colors, led numerous parades and has been at many banquets and civic organizations. Marcy said all of those things have been done with pride, but what they are most proud of is conducting honors.
“We have traveled across Oklahoma and Texas to conduct honors and attend numerous funerals for our brothers and sisters,” Marcy said. “We have stood casket guard for hours, folded and presented numerous flags, performed pistol and rifle volleys and played the somber notes of Taps. I will forever be thankful and supremely proud of my honor guard brothers who have stood to my left and right all these years.
“I hope they realize the impact on the families and the fellow officers of the agencies we proudly honor. Every officer, sheriff’s deputy, trooper, state agent, takes an oath of office when they raise their right hand and swear to serve and protect. The judge who swears in every Durant police officer always emphasizes the last line of our oath of office which reads: ‘I will protect the rights, lives and property of all citizens and uphold the honor of the police profession with my life if need be.”’ Marcy said the officers remembered represent courage and commitment.
“These officers stood as guardians of our community, often facing danger most of us cannot even imagine,” Marcy said. “They answered the call to serve knowing the risk because they believed in something greater than themselves, the safety and well being of others. To the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen, we stand with you. Your loss is unimaginable and your strength inspires us all.”
He said the legacy of the fallen officers lives on in the lives they touched and the communities they protected.
“We should remember how brave these men and women were who made the ultimate sacrifice but more importantly, we should not forget how they lived,” Marcy said. “Today, let us also acknowledge the many officers who continue to serve, facing challenging circumstances with unwavering resolve. Their commitment to protect and serve is commendable in a world where they often confront danger and uncertainty. Let us stand in solidarity with them, offering our gratitude and support for their tireless work.”
Scripture and prayer was by Calera Police Chaplain Jacob Toews. He recited Psalm 1 and then bowed his head in prayer.
“I am grateful for the men and women who have made the choice to lay down their lives for others,” Toews said.
Sheriff Joey Tucker and OHP Troop E Commander Capt. Scott Hampton read the list of names of fallen officers: 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 1229-1998 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 Artificial blue roses were then placed by family members or law enforcement officers in a wreath in the shape of the State of Oklahoma.
