Retired OHP Trooper Starts Nonprofit To Help Families Of Fallen Officers Heal From Tragedy

A retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper's nonprofit is helping Oklahoma families heal from tragedy. The families have lost a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice, an officer who has died in the line of duty. 

The nonprofit recently announced the family of Edmond Officer C.J. Nelson will receive the trip of a lifetime. The Nelson family is preparing for an all-expenses paid retreat to the Bahamas. 

The Washington County Sheriff's Office flag flew high during a Spring Break getaway in the Bahamas. Kristen Davis and her children were the first recipients of the Ten-Seven Retreat, the name of Shelley and Dwight Durant's nonprofit that helps families of fallen officers. The Davis’ lost Washington County Deputy Kyle Davis in 2021.

“The serenity and peace of the Bahamas is just so amazing, and we were wanting to share it with somebody,” said Dwight Durant, Ten-Seven Retreat Founder. “What better way to do it.”

The Durant's welcome the families on their retirement boat. The couple said the retreat is all about healing from tragedy.

“We’ll get them down there and there won’t be any cell phones or internet,” said Durant. “It will just be them and nature for basically seven days.”

Durant said the next trip they are planning will be the beginning of a new chapter for the Nelson Family. Jenefer Nelson and her two children lost Edmond Police Department motorcycle Officer C.J. Nelson last July. Nelson died in a crash the week of his 13th anniversary with the department. The Durant's are in the process of raising funds for the Nelson family's trip.

“They won’t spend a dime until they get back home,” said Durant.

The retired OHP Trooper said the donated funds come from fellow officers and citizens from all over the country.

“The payoff isn’t just for that family, it’s that everybody sees what their money is going to,” said Durant. “And that this one family is getting something spectacular.” 

The public can support Ten-Seven Retreat by donating to the organization or by calling (918) 814-9428.