Turner Recognizes Local Heroes at State Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, on Tuesday at the state Capitol recognized two men he describes as heroes.

First was Haskell County Assistant District Attorney James Green who received the 2025 Award of Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence, presented by the Office of the Attorney General in collaboration with the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council and the Native Alliance Against Violence.

The second recognition was for Stigler Assistant Police Chief John Vail, who in August was credited with saving a man’s life by rescuing him from a burning car after witnessing his vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near Sallisaw.

“Both of these men display the very best of what it means to serve and protect the people in our local communities,” Turner said. “It was and honor to take part in celebrating them at the state Capitol among their peers, family and friends.”

The Award of Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence is intended to recognize front-line individuals who are dedicated to responding to domestic violence incidents and/or providing services to victims of domestic violence. Nominees must have shown outstanding efforts that go above and beyond what is expected to serve victims and hold domestic violence offenders accountable.

The original nomination for the award came from Amanda Prewett, a social worker with the Choctaw Nation Family Violence Prevention Program in Stigler. She pointed out in her letter of recommendation that Green leads a staff of only three full-time members from his small rural office, yet he worked tirelessly to bring justice to survivors or domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

“Under ADA Green’s leadership, the Haskell County DA’s office has sent a clear and unwavering message: violent and abusive behavior will not be tolerated, and the legal system will stand with those who need it most.”

Turner and state Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, along with Gov. Kevin Stitt, presented Vail with a citation noting his extraordinary bravery and selflessness in rescuing the driver trapped inside a burning vehicle after he crashed in a wooded area.

“Displaying remarkable courage, he made repeated attempts to free the victim despite the intense heat and smoke,” the citation reads. “The extraordinary quick thinking and unwavering determination displayed by Assistant Chief Vail directly saved a man’s life, exemplifying the highest standards of bravery and service in law enforcement.”

Also noted was Oklahoma Corporation Commission Transportation Division Enforcement Officer Hayden Cantell, who helped render aid during the incident.

 

Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.