Sheriff Chuck Havard Meets Oklahoma’s First Female Highway Patrol Trooper

JASPER COUNTY — Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard welcomed a special visitor to his office this week, meeting a trailblazer in Oklahoma law enforcement history.

Tomi Tatum, a retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, stopped by the Sheriff’s Office during a recent visit. Tatum holds the distinction of being the very first female Highway Patrol trooper in the state of Oklahoma.

Tatum attended the 36th session of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy, graduating in 1978. Over the course of a 28-year career, she rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant before retiring in 2006.

After retirement, Tatum eventually relocated to Jasper in 2023 to be closer to family.

“It was a pleasure meeting Ms. Tatum,” Sheriff Havard said. “She is a true pioneer in law enforcement, and it was a joy visiting with her. We are certainly glad she now calls Jasper County home.”

Tatum’s career marked a significant milestone in Oklahoma law enforcement history, opening doors for women who followed in her footsteps.