Tulsa Man Is Third Generation To Join Tulsa Police Force

A Tulsa man became the third generation in his family to join the Tulsa Police Department Friday. News On 6 is on the story with how Jake Huff is hoping to carry on his father and grandfather's legacy while creating his own.

This is a dream 23 years in the making. Jake Huff’s dream started when he was just a kid, growing up watching his dad, retired Tulsa Homicide Sgt. Mike Huff.

"He had a sleeping bag in my office at the station,” said retired Tulsa Police Sgt Mike Huff.

Mike Huff served on the Tulsa Police Department almost four decades. As Jake grew up, he says he watched his dad put in long hours at work week after week, catching bad guys and trying to find justice for families of homicide victims.

"I didn't want to influence him; I wanted him to do his own thing," Mike Huff said.

Years later, after his dad retired, Jake found his way back through the police department doors.

"With how much they mentioned him throughout the academy, I felt like he was with me all the time. Twenty-nine weeks later to have him sitting there and to have his badge pinned on me is wonderful,“ said TPD graduate Jake Huff.

Related Story: Former Homicide Sergeant Mike Huff Inducted Into Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall Of Fame 

That badge, is the badge Jake's dad wore for years, and on Friday it got a new owner.

"It has scuff marks on it, but I liked it. I thought maybe I would add a few myself," said Jake Huff.

This is a dream 23 years in the making. When he was 10 years old, Jake even wrote it down on paper saying “My dad is my hero. When I turn 23 I am going to be a cop just like him."

"He has a lot of qualities that I wish I had, and he will be a better police officer than I was. He is not Mike Huff's son, he is Jake Huff, the police officer," said Mike Huff, retired TPD homicide sergeant.

Officer Huff graduated alongside of 19 other men and women. He tells me his first day on the job is next week.