GOV. STITT APPOINTS JOHN SCULLY AS COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Sept. 2, 2019) – Following the retirement today of Rusty Rhoades as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Governor Kevin Stitt appointed John Scully as the new DPS commissioner, effective immediately. Scully enters this role with a proven law enforcement and leadership record, most recently as the director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDDC). 

“John Scully is an experienced public safety professional with a reputation for building robust teams and leading with strength and honor,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “Scully comes at a critical time as the agency is in the midst of growing its workforce and strengthening front line services that keep our highways and communities safe. The men and women of DPS have established a legacy of serving Oklahomans with pride and excellence, and I am confident Scully will build upon this tradition and culture.”

Prior to Scully’s appointment to the OBNDDC Commission in February 2016, Scully was employed by the Oklahoma City Police Department where he served in many capacities over 32 years, including his last eight years as deputy chief. Scully earned a Bachelor of Arts in the Management of Human Resources and a Master of Science in Management from Southern Nazarene University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Police Executive Research Forum in Boston, Massachusetts and the DEA’s Drug Unit Commander Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Scully is also a graduate of Leadership OKC and Oklahoma Municipal Leadership. 

“As a former Oklahoma State Trooper, I know that John Scully is the right person to lead this agency,” said Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating. “A man of integrity, impeccable law enforcement background and proven leadership ability, I look forward to working closely with him to accomplish the Governor’s agenda of making Oklahoma a Top 10 State.”

"John Scully has my unqualified support as the new commissioner of the Department of Public Safety,” said Attorney General Mike Hunter. “He has a distinguished record of success as a tough, resourceful, dependable and, above all, a great leader. Scully has been a faithful friend and partner in our work together to keep Oklahomans safe. He will make us all proud as the commissioner at DPS."

Commissioner of Public Safety is a position that requires State Senate confirmation.