Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We pay special tribute to the Choctaw Nation members who have served and given their lives to protect our freedoms. Their courage, strength, and dedication will never be forgotten.

As we reflect, we honor their legacy and stand in gratitude for the sacrifices made by them and their families.

The Choctaw Nation extends our heartfelt support and prayers for Fort Smith Police Officer Kyle Newman, Officer Newman’s family, and the entire Fort Smith Police Department following this tragic incident.
We are praying for Officer Newman as he remains in critical condition and ask our communities to join us in lifting him up in prayer for strength, healing, and recovery. We also stand beside his loved ones, fellow officers, and all first responders affected during this incredibly difficult time.
The Choctaw Nation honors Officer Newman’s courage and remains committed to supporting our fellow agencies, first responders, and the communities they serve.

This National Police Week, we pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Lighthorse Police for their unwavering dedication, courage, and commitment to serving and protecting. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed, and your service is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for standing on the front lines, for your strength in the face of adversity, and for your continued commitment to justice and safety.

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May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW).

Today, we stand in remembrance and raise awareness for Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who are missing or have been taken too soon. This day shines a light on the ongoing crisis and the need to address the systemic issues impacting Native communities.

We honor their lives, support their families, and commit to continuing the fight for justice, safety, and awareness.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Chief of Police Mike Woodruff represented the Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety at the annual Missing in Oklahoma Day in Edmond, Oklahoma.
This important event is dedicated to supporting families and friends searching for missing loved ones. Representatives from partner agencies were on hand to help initiate new missing persons' reports and provide updates on ongoing investigations. Families also had the opportunity to enter information into national databases such as NamUs and, if they chose, submit DNA samples to assist with investigative and genealogical searches.
During the event, Chief Woodruff connected with key partners and resources, including representatives from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), reinforcing ongoing collaboration in efforts to bring missing individual's home.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Officers Floyd Murray and Trac Maynard proudly represented the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police at the Choctaw Nation Kids Fair, held at the Choctaw Nation Event Center in honor of Child Abuse and Foster Care Awareness Month.

They had a wonderful time connecting with families, handing out children’s stick-on badges, showcasing their patrol vehicle, and taking photos with kids throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event so memorable—we’re proud to be part of such a strong and supportive community!

🍎📚 Happy National Teacher Day!

Today we recognize the dedication, passion, and impact of teachers who inspire and guide the next generation every day. We are especially proud to honor our Choctaw Language teachers, whose commitment goes beyond the classroom.

Yakoke (thank you) for preserving and sharing the Chahta language, keeping our culture, history, and identity alive for future generations. Your work ensures that our language continues to be spoken, learned, and celebrated.

Please join us in showing appreciation for all teachers—and especially those who are helping keep Chahta anumpa strong. ❤️