Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department

It has been a blessing and my great honor to serve the citizens of the Chickasaw Nation as Governor. After much prayer, thought and discussion with my family, I have decided it is time to retire and entrust leadership to a new generation of dedicated and capable leaders. I will, therefore, resign as Governor, effective at noon on June 26, 2026, and invoke Article XV, Section I of the Chickasaw Nation Constitution, whereby Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby “shall immediately become Governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.”

This moment is bittersweet as I reflect on a lifetime of service to this mighty tribal nation. However, I have full confidence in the servant leaders, currently elected, appointed and employed to continue the momentum we have forged together and stay true to our mission, to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.

The strength of the Chickasaw Nation lives and breathes within every Chickasaw. Chikasha poya – we are Chickasaw, and united, we will continue to thrive.

God bless you and the Chickasaw Nation.

Please join us in congratulating Capt. Michael Huff and Capt. Justin Blackshear for their recent advancements in the Chickasaw Leadership Academy. Capt. Blackshear completed Bronze Level and Capt. Huff completed Silver Level. Great work, gentlemen!

Capt. Huff serves our department in many roles, including as the leader of our peer support team. He was assigned as captain of the WinStar Precinct in 2024. Capt. Blackshear previously served as a patrol lieutenant and patrol sergeant before being promoted earlier this year to captain of the Newcastle Precinct. We are grateful for their years of dedicated service!

Celebrating the Chickasaw Leadership Academy graduation with the two captains are (from left) Chief of Police Chris Palmer, Commissioner of Tribal Law Enforcement Randy Wesley and Assistant Chief of Police Terrance Bush.

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This spotlight recognizes Sgt. R.W. Vietzke, who recently completed the Chickasaw Leadership Academy Gold Level. Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (left) and Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby recognized Sgt. Vietzke and other Chickasaw Leadership Academy graduates during a recent ceremony in Ada.

The Chickasaw Leadership Academy enhances professional growth by offering Chickasaw Nation employees opportunities to develop functional management skills while focusing on various aspects of leadership, including planning, communicating, motivating and evaluating.

Sgt. Vietzke, we appreciate your dedication to our department and to your own professional development. We look forward to your continued success!

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It is with heavy hearts that we remember and honor Shandy Wegrzyn-Smith, who faithfully served the LPD and our community from 2019 until her retirement in 2024.

Shandy began her Lighthorse career as a patrol officer in our Ada Precinct. Through her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those she served, Shandy was promoted to criminal investigator, a role in which she excelled until her retirement.

Shandy was the kind of officer every department hopes to have. She was compassionate, loyal, and deeply committed to helping others. She approached every case with a victim-first mentality, ensuring that those experiencing difficult moments were treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care. Her compassion was unmatched and her dedication to seeking justice never wavered.

Beyond her accomplishments, Shandy will be remembered as a trusted colleague, a loyal friend, and a person whose kindness left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. We extend our deepest condolences to Shandy’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Her legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to others will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Rest easy, Shandy. Your watch is over, but your impact on this department and community will never be forgotten.

We congratulate officers Collin McMahan (left) and Trent Denny (right) for their recent graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Indian Country Basic Police Officer Training Academy.

Lt. Billy Bond (center) traveled to the FLETC academy in Artesia, New Mexico, to attend the graduation ceremony and celebrate this milestone in the two officers’ careers.

Officer McMahan excelled at the FLETC academy, receiving the physical fitness award at graduation. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer in our Ada precinct. Officer Denny received the Top Shot award for fi****ms proficiency. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer in our WinStar precinct. Congratulations officers!

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May is ! Join us in recognizing Amanda Rhynes, Tingba’ Ona (The First to Get There) program manager and project director.

The Tingba’ Ona program is a trauma-informed certified first responder counseling program that provides therapeutic services to Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department officers including individual, couple and group therapy. They work closely with the Lighthorse peer support team and provide crisis intervention, debriefings across the Chickasaw Nation and respond to critical incidents.

To learn about current opportunities and for more information on how to start and navigate your employment endeavor with the Chickasaw Nation, visit Careers.Chickasaw.net.

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Today marks nine years since we lost Capt. Vincent Walters.

Capt. Walters’ dedication to our department and the Chickasaw Nation were unparalleled. He distinguished himself as a police officer, a leader and a skillful instructor devoted to education.

Capt. Walters was a Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certified instructor and held additional certifications in law enforcement driver training, SCUBA diving instruction, federal fi****ms instruction and field sobriety testing instruction. Capt. Walters was also a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center U.S. Indian Police Academy.

With his wide-ranging expertise, Capt. Walters played an integral role in shaping our department into the agency it is today. He was a mentor and friend whose legacy continues to guide us.

We join Americans everywhere in remembering the many brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of the United States. Thank you for your sacrifice, and may we never forget the price you paid for our freedom.

We also take this moment to thank all first responders serving selflessly today, while many of us enjoy a day off work. We are grateful for your commitment and sacrifice.

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Safety is a team effort, not an accident. Every SWAT team deployment begins with a safety plan and the right equipment. Your holiday weekend should be no different.

Here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy Memorial Day:

- Designate a sober driver.
- Never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Always use seat belts, regardless of how short the trip is.
- Never swim or boat alone.
- Supervise children at all times, especially in or near water.
- Only use barbecue grills outdoors and in safe areas.
- Never leave a grill or campfire unattended.
- Monitor weather, stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

If you see something concerning or illegal, always report it to the nearest police department, and remember that any crime, accident or suspicious activity within the Chickasaw Nation can be reported to us anonymously.

To share a tip with us, call (866) 928-7384 or visit our website, ChickasawLighthorsePolice.net.

Thousands of law enforcement personnel from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week to fellowship, learn, and honor fellow officers who died, or have been disabled, in the line of duty.

Capt. Michael Huff, criminal investigators Stuart Hoffman and Micha Current, and Tingba’ Ona’ program manager Amanda Rhynes represented our department at the event. We are grateful for their service in this important role and pleased to join police departments everywhere in remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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