TPD Graduation Includes Familiar Name

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Fourteen new members of the Tulsa Police Department were sworn in on Friday. One Tulsa family is making a tradition out of wearing the gold star.

One by one, the newest of Tulsa's finest marched in to hear their first orders.  Among the 14, is a man with a familiar last name in Tulsa law enforcement:  Yerton.

Bob Yerton is retired, sons Jeremy and Christopher work for the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

"This means everything to me. It's something I can honestly say I've been looking forward to my whole life," said Tulsa Police Officer Adam Yerton.

Adam is the latest Yerton to join the fold.  It started with his grandfather, Tom.  He served more than 30 years with TPD.  Adam's father also passed the tradition down to his sons.    

"We get told all the time stories, especially with dad and his father so it's exciting.  It's big shoes to fill, but I think we're doing pretty good at it," said Adam's brother, Christopher Yerton.

"Just a natural thing I think.  Giving back to the community, that's what it's all about," said Adam's father, Bob Yerton.

Besides Adam, Bob, Tom, Christopher, and Jeremy there's another Yerton family member who also wore the badge and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Alan Yerton would be Adam's great uncle.  He died in the line of duty on Christmas Day 1959.  He was killed by a drunk driver while on patrol.

"I've always looked up to my brothers, my father, my grandfather and there's no better way I can spend my life than serving the city," said Tulsa Police Officer Adam Yerton.

Five decades of service for the Yerton family.  Everyone from Dad to his big brothers say with another Yerton on the force, TPD is in good hands.

"I think he'll do okay. He's got a good head on him so he'll be alright," said Adam's brother, Jeremy Yerton.

Adam will spend the next 16 weeks in the field with a training officer.

The graduating class brings the total of officers for Tulsa Police to nearly 800.  Another training class with 12 cadets starts in January.