Attorney General Gentner Drummond has named Bryan County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Murray as the first recipient of the Oklahoma Officer of the Year award. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Oklahoma City, where Murray was honored alongside other Regional Officers of the Year and nominees.
Drummond highlighted Murray's bravery and dedication to public safety following an incident earlier this year where he protected a woman and her two children during a domestic disturbance. During the event, Murray sustained several gunshot wounds.
"Deputy Murray is highly deserving of this honor," said Drummond. "He is an exceptional law enforcement officer whose heroism brought a safe end to a tremendously dangerous situation. I congratulate Deputy Murray and thank him for his service to his community."
The Officer of the Year program was initiated by Drummond to acknowledge outstanding federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers in Oklahoma. He emphasized that these officers often work long hours without recognition.
On August 11, Deputy Murray responded to a domestic disturbance involving Wesley Buford, who pursued his wife and children in a pickup truck. After forcing their vehicle off the road near Achille, Buford reached for a weapon when confronted by Murray. Despite being shot three times during the exchange of gunfire, Murray managed to subdue Buford.
Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian praised Murray's character and courage: "When faced with a violent assailant, Deputy Murray did not hesitate to put himself in harm’s way to safeguard a mother and her two children," Christian stated.
Murray has been with the department for nearly four years and recently received additional accolades such as the Medal of Valor from the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association. Last month, he was also named one of four Regional Officers of the Year.
Other regional award recipients included Oklahoma City Police Detective Lauren Cunningham, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Derek Fry, and Norman Master Police Officer Benjamin Gomez. A total of 44 officers were nominated across various law enforcement organizations within Oklahoma.
Thanks to sponsors like Cline Construction, Post-Tension Services of Oklahoma, Randy Bowen Chevrolet, each Regional Officer received a Glock 17 pistol while Deputy Murray received a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle as part of his award package.
The ceremony took place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which also supports the Officer of the Year program.