2023 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Of The Year Awards

The job of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper is tough and oftentimes thankless, but today troopers were awarded for going above and beyond in their service to the state. The OHP gave out 28 Trooper of the Year awards.

“There were some significant events that happened in 2022, and we’re just grateful to be able to honor these folks,” said Trooper Eric Foster, with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.  

This is year 54 for the Trooper of the Year Awards, giving recognition to support staff and troopers for their acts of heroism. 

“It was a pursuit from I-40 and Council to the Kilpatrick turnpike, eventually got on the Kilpatrick turnpike, shots were fired,” said Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Brack Miller. 

When the person being pursued in the high-speed chase began shooting at Trooper Miller, he realized the urgency to bring the situation to an end. 

“Eventually was able to TVI the vehicle and get him off the roadway,” said Miller.  

Trooper Miller was honored as Trooper of the Year. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized among some of the amazing troopers that are in this state, I’m just honored to be counted among them,” said Miller. 

Trooper Destiny Terry was also saluted with the Trooper of the Year award for putting her life in danger to stop a wrong way driver on the interstate. 

“Knowing truly the only thing in my power to do at that point was to take my car and hit that car to get that car to stop so that that car didn’t ram into an innocent civilian,” said Trooper Terry. 

Trooper Terry hit the wrong way driver to prevent him from hitting any other drivers. Trooper Terry exchanged gun shots with the suspect, as he turned his car attempting to run her over. She sustained injuries to her legs, arms, chest, and face all in an effort to keep Oklahomans safe, but doesn’t consider herself a hero. 

“I’m extremely honored. I will always feel not deserving of it, but I’m very grateful,” said Terry. 

There were 28 recognitions given out statewide, and Trooper Eric Foster says it was hard to choose. 

“Last year was a very active year, and troopers were in the right place at the right time doing good work, and so we feel like it’s a great time and a great thing to honor them,” said Trooper Foster.  

The ceremony was noticeably uncomfortable for the troopers, simply because they don’t do the job for recognition, they do it as a service to the state.