Cleveland County Deputy Put Duty First During Tornado Outbreak

Gan Matthews, News 9

NEWCASTLE, Oklahoma -- Cleveland County Deputy Brandon Hilbun saw the storm approaching his Newcastle home last week, and he knew exactly what to do.

He made sure his family was safe in a shelter then he climbed into his service vehicle and started patrolling Cleveland County.

"Basically that's part of being a deputy," said Hilbun. "I know my family's safe. It's time for me to leave and go to work and maybe help somebody else out."

When he got back, Hilbun found his home still standing, but the tornado had shifted it off its foundation and left several cracks in the walls and ceilings. It will probably have to be torn down.

Cleveland County Undersheriff Rhett Burnett praises Hilbun's devotion to duty.

"He's a great example of the kind of law enforcement officer we want working for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office," Burnett said.