Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Officer named Indian Country Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

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By Chickasaw Nation Media

February 18, 2026

For his courageous and selfless actions while responding to an apartment fire in Ardmore, Chickasaw Lighthorse police officer Tucker Halstead has been named the 2025 Indian Country Officer of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

This prestigious IACP award honors police officers who demonstrate exceptional valor in service to the people of Indian Country. Officer Halstead received his award in El Cajon, California, at a banquet hosted in his honor by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

Halstead is grateful for the award.

“I was honored to be chosen for this award,” Halstead said. “I am also just thankful I was able to be there in that moment and complete the job I am tasked with every day, which is to preserve life.”

The moment officer Halstead found himself in was a harrowing situation of flames, fear and desperation for dozens of Ardmore residents. 

Fire destroys apartment building

Feb. 24, 2024, officer Halstead responded to a multistory apartment building that was rapidly burning, with residents still inside. Without hesitation, officer Halstead climbed the building's exterior to reach a second-floor balcony, where he evacuated a woman and small child who had no other way of escape.

With the help of Ardmore Police officers, officer Halstead continued assisting other residents who were in imminent danger. Ultimately, multiple residents were safely evacuated from the burning building.

As the building became fully engulfed, officer Halstead then provided lifesaving measures to injured residents who were hurt while jumping from the balcony to escape the fire.

Halstead’s bravery and quick response saved countless lives, and his courageous service serves as an example to everyone who wears the Lighthorse badge, said Chickasaw Lighthorse Assistant Chief of Police Terrance Bush.

“Officer Halstead is the kind of officer every department hopes to have,” Bush said. “He is calm under pressure, compassionate in the community, and he consistently demonstrates the professionalism expected of a Chickasaw Lighthorse police officer.

“What really stands out is officer Halstead’s willingness to step forward when others need help, without hesitation and without seeking recognition. Those qualities make him not only a good officer, but an exceptional one,” Bush said.

Although officer Halstead did not seek recognition, he has received multiple awards for his heroic actions. Halstead was honored with a commendation from the Ardmore Police Department and a Lifesaving Award from the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. Additionally, he received a commendation from the Oklahoma Attorney General for being a 2024 Oklahoma Officer of the Year Nominee.

Halstead is quick to thank the fellow officers who responded beside him and the excellent training that made their response instinctive and effective.

“I did not act alone in this incident,” Halstead said. “I want to recognize Sgt. Eller as well as officers Copeland, Cantwell, Gerren and Sotto of the Ardmore Police Department.

“I also appreciate my own department for going above and beyond to ensure that all Lighthorse officers receive the training they need, and then some. Our department takes pride in having highly trained officers, and they give us all the tools needed to ensure we always make it home safe to our families.”

Assistant Chief Bush said family is an important aspect of the department’s culture, and every Lighthorse employee enjoys an extended family of co-workers who support each other in times of need and celebrate each other for a job well done.

“I want people to know that officer Halstead’s actions in this incident reflect exactly who he is every day, both at work and away from work,” Bush said. “He serves with integrity, humility and a strong sense of duty. We are proud to have officer Halstead as part of our department, and this award highlights the outstanding service he provides.” 

The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department employs innovative methods and cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding law enforcement services to residents within the Chickasaw Nation treaty territory, which covers 7,648 square miles and includes all or parts of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma.

The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department has three precincts in Ada, Newcastle and Thackerville. The department employs more than 160 full-time sworn law enforcement officers.

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