OKLAHOMA CITY (June 1, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today opened nominations for the 2026 Officer of the Year Awards program, inviting law enforcement around Oklahoma to recognize officers who have gone above and beyond in service to their communities. A statewide winner and four regional winners will be recognized at a special ceremony to be held in October.
“Oklahoma's law enforcement officers face extraordinary challenges every day, and they meet them with courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Drummond. “The Officer of the Year Awards are our chance to shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who exemplify the very best of this noble profession. It is an honor to recognize these dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep Oklahomans safe.”
Officers serving in all Oklahoma law enforcement agencies – including college, university, municipal, county, state, tribal and federal agencies – are eligible. New this year, K-9s can also be nominated. To qualify, officers must have performed admirably in the line of duty within the last 18 months.
Regional winners will be selected by judging panels composed of city, county, tribal and state criminal justice professionals. The state Officer of the Year will be chosen from among the regional winners by the Office of the Attorney General.
This is the third year for the awards. Grady County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kenton Blumenthal was named the 2025 Oklahoma Officer of the Year. 2025 regional winners were Investigator Darren Gordon from the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office (Northwest Region), Officer Nicholas Winters from the Coweta Police Department (Northeast Region) and Detective Gary Colley and Officer Aaron Thomas from the Stringtown Police Department; Sheriff Kody Simpson from the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office; and Lt. Jimmy Taylor from the Atoka Police Department (Southeast Region).
Law enforcement can nominate deserving officers by visiting the Officer of the Year webpage. All nominations must be submitted by July 30.
