A dedicated member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was remembered during a memorial service Sept. 6 at the Tushka High School Gymnasium OHP Lt. Brian Fugate, 45, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Sept. 1. He was a lieutenant stationed with OHP’s Troop E headquartered in Durant. Fugate graduated from the 56th OHP Academy on Sept. 26, 2006.
Troop E Commander Capt. Scott Hampton spoke at the service and he described Fugate as someone who quietly led by example.
“From the very start, Brian earned a reputation in Atoka and Coal counties for his steady demeanor and compassion,” Hampton said. “He consistently exemplified calmness under pressure. Whether helping stranded motorists or responding to serious accidents, Brian brought reassurance and confidence to those around him.”
Hampton said that March 2015 was one of Fugate’s defining moments.
“He showed the world what many of us already knew about him and that’s when a murderer was on the loose in southeastern Oklahoma,” Hampton said. “He was on the run in Coal County and Brian was instrumental in locating the suspect during a multi-county manhunt.
“What followed was a highspeed pursuit lasting over 10 minutes. As the chase unfolded, the suspect opened fire on Brian. Those rounds came through Brian’s front windshield, one of them hitting his radar.”
Hampton said that Fugate was hit by glass, shrapnel and debris.
“Despite him being injured, Brian remained composed and in control, and Brian returned fire through his front windshield, bringing the pursuit to an end,” Hampton said. “In that moment of intense danger, Brian’s courage and quick thinking brought the situation to an end.
“He ensured that the killer could not harm anyone else. Brian never hesitated, never wavered. His actions that night not only saved lives but reassured the community that they were in safe hands. Brian lived up to the values of what it means to be a state trooper. He performed that duty with integrity and honor, and most of all, bravery.”
Fugate received the OHP Chief’s Award for his courage during that incident.
“But Brian’s strength wasn’t just in moments of danger,” Hampton said. “It was in his everyday work as well. He was the kind of person you could always count on, no matter the challenge. Whether it was a difficult situation or a routine task, you could rely on Brian, knowing without a doubt that he would get the job done.“ Hampton said Fugate repaired lawn equipment and cars for OHP.
“His work ethic was unwavering and yet he had a quiet but undeniable way of leading by example,” Hampton said. “Brian was more than a trooper to us. He was a teacher, a mentor and leader. As a field training trooper and later a field training supervisor, he took great pride in guiding and shaping the next generation of troopers. He taught others how to perform their duties with integrity, skill and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he trained. His influence extended far beyond the job, as Brian passed on his knowledge and experience to ensure the values that he lived by would continue long after him.”
Hampton recalled that even before Fugate was promoted to lieutenant in January 2022, he had already proven himself as a natural leader.
“Within Troop E. His calm, measured approach and thoughtful insights earned him the trust of everyone around him,” Hampton said. “In the most stressful situations, Brian’s presence provided stability. That could be shootings from our guys, terrible crashes or as one of the Facebook posts on him said, just stopping to help somebody change a flat tire.
“That was Brian. It didn’t matter what the task was. Everyone often sought his advice, knowing it would be well considered and most importantly, that he would always follow through and get results.”
Hampton said that Fugate continued to work, using his work computer while in a hospital bed. Hampton thanked Fugate’s family, which included wife Sarah, for sharing him with OHP for almost two decades.
“His dedication to his work, his colleagues and the community has left a legacy that we’ll never forget,” Hampton said. “We‘re all better off for having known and worked alongside him. So to Brian, your legacy of courage, leadership and guidance will live on in all of us, and we will keep our standards high because he always did.”
A funeral procession with numerous law enforcement officers and other first responders led Lt. Fugate to his final resting place at the Fugate Family Cemetery in Stringtown. Services were under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service - Atoka.
