Detective Paula Maker Named 2026 Oklahoma Officer of the Year

A State-Level Recognition of Service

The Officer of the Year program, established by Attorney General Drummond, is designed to highlight exemplary performance across federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement in Oklahoma. Detective Maker was selected from a pool of more than 40 nominees by judging panels composed of criminal justice professionals from various city, county, tribal and state agencies. During the presentation, Drummond praised the detective’s ability to handle difficult investigations while maintaining a high level of professionalism and compassion.

Recognizing Regional Excellence

In addition to the top state honor, the ceremony recognized several other officers for their contributions to public safety across different regions of Oklahoma. These regional winners represent the diverse nature of law enforcement duties, ranging from highway patrol to tribal policing. The individuals honored for extraordinary public service include:

• Trooper Austin Albrecht, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Northwest Region
• Sgt. John Cruise, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Southwest Region
• Lt. Jake Heath, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Southeast Region

The event also changed how the state acknowledges the full scope of police work by including the first recognition of K-9 units. K-9 Dash and his handler, Sgt. Michael Moore of the Oklahoma City Police Department, were named the K-9 Officer of the Year. K-9 Vader and handler Julia Storey of the Hennessey Police Department also received an honorable mention.

Specialized Focus on Victim Safety

Beyond general police work, the ceremony highlighted specific advancements in domestic violence intervention. Investigator Jake Carey of the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office was named the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) Officer of the Year. This award recognizes his commitment to utilizing the LAP screening tool, which is designed to identify high-risk domestic violence cases and provide immediate support to victims.

Geographic Distinctions in Law Enforcement Awards

While the Oklahoma awards focus on state-wide jurisdictional excellence, similar recognition ceremonies have taken place elsewhere in the country, reflecting local community engagement. For instance, the Amity Chamber of Commerce in Connecticut held its own community awards on September 17, 2026. At that event, Detective Denny Peterson of the Orange Police Department and Sergeant Michael Blume of the Woodbridge Police Department were honored as their respective towns’ Officers of the Year.

“Sergeant Blume’s career reflects a commitment to law enforcement, leadership, and service, as well as a willingness to step forward when his training, experience, and leadership are needed most,” noted Woodbridge Chief of Police Ronald E. Smith. Saving Award. Woodbridge Chief

The Evolution of Police Recognition

The recognition of K-9 officers and the LAP Officer of the Year in the 2026 Oklahoma awards reflects the state’s efforts to honor diverse roles within law enforcement.

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