Annual Memorial Service For Fallen Deputies Held By Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office held a memorial service Thursday to honor those who have died in the line of duty.

TCSO does this every year at Chandler Park during National Police Week.

There have been 13 deputies killed in the line of duty since 1909, and their names were all read at the service to make sure they will always be remembered.

Sergeant John Harris is the most recent deputy to die in the line of duty. Harris died in 2021. His friends said he is missed every day.

"John was as fiercely a police officer as he was a father,” said Major Jason Morrison with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. “He loved his children. He loved his family; very big family man."

Harris and the other 12 deputies who died in the line of duty had their names called to honor their sacrifice.

"It's important that we remember that service,” said Sheriff Vic Regalado with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. “I think we have forgotten that the most honorable thing that you can do is be of service to others."

Regalado said he's thankful for chances like this to pay his respects.

"It's a special day, but it's also a solemn day,” said Regalado. “But it's a time to remember, and so we gather here today to do that, and we're grateful."

Regalado said the deputies, and the people of Tulsa County, will never forget those who sacrificed their all to protect and serve citizens.

"For the families that do come, it's a time for them to share that remembrance with us, and for the families that don't, they can rest easy knowing that their loved ones name will last for an eternity," said Regalado.

Morrison said he's glad he got to be there, not just for his friend, but for all of the other deputies who gave their lives.

"There's no more ultimate sacrifice that you can do for your community than that,” said Morrison.

Five hundred and fifty-six officers have been killed in the line of duty in the state of Oklahoma.