2 Tulsa Police Officers Injured In The Line Of Duty To Receive Oklahoma Purple Heart

Governor Kevin Stitt will be presenting the Oklahoma Purple Heart to the two Tulsa police officers on Tuesday after they were shot during a traffic stop last June. These are the first state-level awards for heroism presented through the Oklahoma State Awards Program.

Related Story: Tulsa Says Goodbye To Sgt. Craig Johnson

Governor Stitt is presenting the Oklahoma Purple Heart Award to former Officer Craig Johnson and Officer Auresh Zarkeshan. Johnson was shot and killed and Zarkeshan was shot in the head, resulting in severe injuries and months of physical therapy before he was able to fully return to work.

Johnson’s award will be presented posthumously to his family.

Related Story: Officer Zarkeshan Returns To Work After Being Shot On Duty

This award is given specifically to first responders, living or deceased, who were seriously injured in the line of duty. The awards will be presented this afternoon by Stitt in Oklahoma City. News On 6 will have a team of reporters there to bring you the full story.

Oklahoma City Police Officer Zachary Barby is also being given the Oklahoma Purple Heart today for when he was injured trying to stop a murder and kidnapping suspect.