Attorney General Gentner Drummond has officially declared Bryan County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Murray as Oklahoma Officer of the Year—a first in the state’s history. This accolade was handed down during an Oklahoma City ceremony, as stated in an announcement by the Office of the Attorney General. Alongside Murray, regional officers of the year were also honored, amidst a cohort of distinguished nominees from various branches of law enforcement across the state.
Deputy Murray's recognition follows his notable bravery during an earlier incident that saw him injured from several gunshot wounds while intervening in a dangerous domestic situation. "Deputy Murray is highly deserving of this honor," Drummond commented on the Office of the Attorney General. "He is an exceptional law enforcement officer whose heroism brought a safe end to a tremendously dangerous situation." The Attorney General underscored the sacrifices made by officers who often work long hours, during holidays, and without much acknowledgement.
The August confrontation that underpinned Murray's award unfolded when he responded to reports of a man, identified as Wesley Buford, who had chased his wife and children in a pickup truck, causing their vehicle to crash. Murray engaged Buford as he reached for a firearm, which led to an exchange of gunfire where Murray was able to subdue Buford despite being hit three times. Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian, who nominated Murray, expressed his validation of the deputy’s conduct: "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 said on the Office of the Attorney General, acknowledging Murray's steadfast character and sense of duty.
A four-year veteran with the department, Murray also recently received the Medal of Valor from the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association and was declared one of four Regional Officers of the Year last month. Officers Lauren Cunningham of the Oklahoma City Police, Trooper Derek Fry of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Norman Master Police Officer Benjamin Gomez were also named regional award winners. Collectively, 44 law enforcement officers were in the running for the Officer of the Year, honoring their service and commitment to law enforcement across Oklahoma.
The prizes for these regional winners included a Glock 17 pistol, while Deputy Murray, as the state's Officer of the Year, received a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, thanks to sponsors Cline Construction, Post-Tension Services of Oklahoma, and Randy Bowen Chevrolet. Hosted at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum—a backer of the Officer of the Year program.
