Oklahoma law enforcement honored in 2024 trooper of the year awards

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Oklahoma troopers were awarded for going above and beyond in their service to protect Oklahomans.

Dozens of highway patrolmen and women along with some dispatchers were recognized on Wednesday during the annual Department of Public Safety's awards luncheon.

Two particular troopers received the 2023 Trooper of the Year award.

Troopers Derek Fry and Will Landsheft shared their powerful stories and what it means to serve.

"Super, super honored. Super grateful. Just very thankful," said Fry, 2023 Trooper of the Year recipient.

"I'm very fortunate for the training that I received in the academy for the highway patrol," said Landsheft, 2023 Trooper of the Year recipient.

Both men displayed two inspiring acts of heroism in two very different circumstances.

Trooper Landsheft got the call regarding a child suffering from a gunshot wound.

"That was the only time I've been afraid while I worked," said Landsheft. "Your sole focus is just to keep this person alive."

Landsheft was the only first responder on scene and the clock was ticking.

"We got him in the back of my car and we started driving down the hill," explained Landsheft. "Immediately started communicating dispatch that we needed a helicopter fast."

For fellow Trooper Fry, heart pounding moments came while chasing an armed robbery suspect out of Kansas.

"I was probably 60 miles away at the time and the route I took, I kind of headed the suspect off who was fleeing southbound on the interstate," explained Fry. "He had passed a note at a bank that he had a bomb, so that was kind of our belief."

Landsheft shot at the suspects car and caused him to eventually crash out.

Two public servants, meeting the challenge.

"I'm grateful. I'm thankful," said Landsheft.

"Not only do they give us the skills to work this job, but they also give us the mindset," said Fry.