As the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance recognize the men and women of law enforcement and first responders across Okmulgee County in today’s special Salute to Hometown Heroes section included in today’s edition, we pause to highlight a department whose work often happens behind the scenes – but whose impact is felt every day by students, educators, staff and visitors alike.
The OSUIT Campus Police Department plays a critical role in maintaining safety, security and preparedness on campus and beyond. Under the leadership of Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Matthew Wooliver, now in his 18th year of service, the department continues to uphold a strong tradition of professionalism, vigilance and community-focused policing.
Working closely with campus administration, including OSUIT Vice President of Operations Chris Benge, who is in his third year, the department serves not only the OSUIT campus but also the GOPO dormitory in downtown Okmulgee and provides limited security services for Green Country Technology Center. Their presence helps ensure that learning, training, and daily campus life can continue in a safe and secure environment.
The OSUIT Campus Police Department’s responsibilities extend well beyond traditional law enforcement. Officers are tasked with law enforcement services, emergency management, communications, environmental health and safety, traffic and parking enforcement, and the careful compilation and dissemination of Jeanne Clery Act Campus Crime Statistics. Each year, the department prepares and releases the Annual Security Report, a federally required document issued by Oct. 1, reinforcing transparency and accountability for the campus community.
Supporting this wide-ranging mission is a dedicated team of full-time and part-time officers, each bringing valuable experience to their roles.
— Campus Police Personnel
• Sgt. Bunnie Jesse – 6 Years
• Officer Sam Matthews – 14 Years
• Officer Gary Makinson – 3 Years
• Officer Jaylen Mayfield – 2 Years
• Officer Donovan Crockett – 1 Year
• Officer Jeremy Reed – 1 Year
• Part-Time Officer Chris Cantrell – 14 Years
• Part-Time Officer Patrick Zickefoose – 4 Years The department is also supported by Environmental Health and Safety Officer Brian English, now in his first year, whose role adds another layer of protection and preparedness for the campus community.
— 2025 Year in Review
During calendar year 2025, OSUIT Campus Police remained actively engaged in both enforcement and service-oriented responses. The department generated 85 official ODIS reports, reflecting its ongoing commitment to documentation, accountability and public safety.
In addition to formal reports, officers provided more than 75 vehicle assists to students, faculty and staff – helping with jumpstarts and vehicle unlocks. These routine but essential acts of service underscore the department’s role not just as law enforcers, but as everyday problem-solvers for the campus community.
As part of this year’s Our Hometown Heroes recognition, the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance extend sincere thanks to the OSUIT Campus Police Department and to all law enforcement officers and first responders throughout Okmulgee County. From city streets and rural roads to campuses, classrooms and community centers, these men and women work long hours – often unseen – to keep our cities and towns safe.
Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to serve make a lasting difference every day. To each officer, dispatcher, firefighter, medic and support staff member: thank you for answering the call and for carrying on the vital work that protects and strengthens our communities.
