Drummond said Blumenthal’s actions in December 2024 to protect citizens during a dangerous, multi-county pursuit exemplify his courage, quick decision-making and commitment to public safety.
“Deputy Blumenthal is highly deserving of this honor,” Drummond said. “He is an exceptional law enforcement officer whose bravery ended a tremendously perilous situation that threatened communities across multiple counties. I congratulate Deputy Blumenthal and thank him for his service.”
A third-generation law enforcement officer who has served Oklahoma communities since 2017, Blumenthal demonstrated exceptional courage during a multi-agency, high-speed pursuit late last year. The armed suspect, who had a history of violence, had stolen a vehicle and endangered citizens across multiple counties and cities for nearly an hour. The suspect rammed through roadblocks, struck a police vehicle, and drove past Blumenthal’s own residence at over 100 mph while the deputy’s child played in the front yard.
When the pursuit ended at the suspect’s residence, Blumenthal and another deputy pursued him on foot through challenging terrain. The suspect concealed himself in tall grass in an apparent ambush attempt, then suddenly stood and drew two pistols, pointing them toward the deputies. Blumenthal made the split-second decision to use deadly force, neutralizing the threat and ending the dangerous situation.
Blumenthal was chosen from regional winners. He represented the Southwest Region. Other regional winners recognized for extraordinary public service were:
- Investigator Darren Gordon of the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office – Northwest Region
- Officer Nicholas Winters of the Coweta Police Department – Northeast Region
- Deputy Chief Gary Colley of the Stringtown Police Department, Sheriff Kody Simpson of the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Jimmy Taylor of the Atoka Police Department, and Detective Aaron Thomas of the Stringtown Police Department – Southeast Region
Regional winners were selected by judging panels of city, county, tribal and state criminal justice professionals.
Sgt. Zachary Havenar of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism was named the Lethality Assessment Protocol Officer of the Year, recognizing his commitment to domestic violence victim safety and trauma-informed use of the LAP screening tool.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the inaugural Johnny Christian Award, honoring the legacy of Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian, who served Oklahoma law enforcement for more than 25 years. Marton “Bo” Williams of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service received the award, which recognizes an officer who embodies Sheriff Christian’s integrity, leadership and dedication to mentoring others.
Drummond created the Officer of the Year program to recognize and celebrate the best and brightest of Oklahoma’s remarkable federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies.
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