Local officer triumphs at charity boxing event
Downtown Tulsa was alive April 27 as the 9th annual “Smoke & Guns” charity boxing event unfolded at the BOK Center. The event, which featured the Tulsa and surrounding areas finest firefighters and police officers swapping their roles for boxing gloves, saw 32 participants engaging in friendly combat under the lights, all for a cause dear to many.
Among the competitors was Tyler Logan, an officer with the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority, who emerged as one of the night’s victors. Logan’s participation in the event wasn’t just about the sport; it was about contributing to a greater cause. The proceeds from the event went to various local charities, including Special Olympics Oklahoma, Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp and Folds of Honor, ensuring that the hard hits in the ring translated into hard cash for those in need.
Logan, a repeat winner from last year’s Smoke & Guns, faced off against an undefeated firefighter from Broken Arrow in a thrilling match that showcased his skills honed through years of mixed martial arts training. “This year was on defending back to back champion from Smoke and Guns for 155 pounds,” he said. His commitment to the sport is profound, having been involved in wrestling since the age of five and later pursuing jiu jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing.
The officer’s journey into law enforcement was equally fueled by his passion for community service and his prowess in martial arts.
“I joined the force during a time when there was a lot of criticism directed at the police. I saw a need where I could contribute positively, especially with my skills in handling situations safely and effectively,” Logan explained.
The Smoke & Guns event also serves as a platform for camaraderie and community building, something Logan is deeply passionate about.
“Not only is it just a wonderful event to raise money for charity, it’s a fun event. Even though you see the firefighters and the cops fight, at the end of the day we’re all on the same team. It’s all about serving the community,” he said.
This year’s event was particularly memorable not only for the intense matches but also for the backstage solidarity displayed when both firefighters and police officers came together to handle a disruptive individual.
“Smack talk happens between the cops and the firefighters. But there was someone being a little bit irritable backstage, and all the firefighters and all the cops, push him out of the backstage and we did that together. A whole 36 man crew who got this guy away from the security woman because he was screaming and yelling.”
As for the future, Logan is enthusiastic about returning to the ring for next year’s event and beyond.
“Every year I learn more, not just about martial arts but about myself and about leading in the community,” he said.
Beyond his commitments to charity events and law enforcement, Tyler Logan, who is recognized in the MMA world as “The Iron Will,” has an active fight schedule ahead. He is set to compete on June 1 in Austin, Texas.
Additionally, he may fight on June 29th at the River Spirit Casino, either in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, and on July 25, he potentially has a match in Shawnee for the Peak Fighting Championship.
Tyler Logan serves as a true example of strength, discipline, and dedication, both in his law enforcement role and in the boxing ring. His victories point to his hard work and his commitment to giving back to the community through service and sport.
As Logan continues to train and serve, he remains a figure in Okmulgee County that is respected not only for his physical capabilities but also for his deep-rooted desire to make a difference – one fight at a time.
For more information about Smoke & Guns charity events, visit 918fullyinvolved. com. 918 Fully Involved is a nonprofit organization of Oklahoma firefighters and police officers dedicated to serving other charity organizations and the community.
