The IACP/FirstNet Indian Country Officer of the Year award provides international recognition to law enforcement officers who have demonstrated exceptional valor in service to the people of Indian Country, thereby exhibiting the highest traditions of law enforcement.

The IACP Indian Country Law Enforcement Section (ICLES) honors Officer Tucker Halstead of the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department as the 2025 Officer of the Year. 

Pictured below from left to right: Assistant Vice President Carrie Johnson, FirstNet Built w/ AT&T; Chief Bill Denke, Pechanga Tribal Rangers/ICLES Chair; Chief Charles Palmer, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department; Officer Tucker Halstead, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department; Assistant Chief Terrance Bush, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department; Executive Director Shawn Butler, Catawba Indian Nation/ICLES Vice Chair; Tribal Affairs Specialist Angel Benally, FirstNet Built w/ AT&T

On February 24, 2024, Officer Tucker Halstead responded to a call for service from Ardmore, Oklahoma, Police Department (APD) regarding a structure fire at an occupied apartment building. Upon arrival, Officer Halstead observed that the building was almost entirely engulfed in flames. He then noticed a woman and a young child trapped on a second-floor balcony who were unable to use the staircase to escape. Officer Halstead quickly ran toward the structure, scaled the side of the building, and reached the balcony where they were calling for help. Officer Halstead was able to successfully evacuate both the child and mother without injury.

After climbing down from the balcony, Officer Halstead then heard screams coming from the opposite side of the building and rushed around the building to locate those in need of assistance. Along with APD officers, Officer Halstead kicked open apartment doors to evacuate occupants who were in imminent danger. Thanks to their prompt actions, multiple residents were safely evacuated from the burning building. At this point, the entire building was on fire, and the second story was starting to collapse. While backing away to maintain a safe distance, however, officers soon heard more screams coming from the center of the building. 

Without hesitation, Officer Halstead and the APD officers re-entered the building in an attempt to locate the trapped individuals. They found a male and female stuck on another second-story balcony. With no other option left, the couple jumped from the balcony. After they landed, they were unable to move, so the officers carried them to safety where medical personnel were waiting.

Thanks to Officer Halstead’s bravery and selfless actions, countless individuals were rescued from the brink of disaster, preserving lives that could have been lost without his intervention.