In Memory of Lieutenant Earnest Oldham

Texas residents were saddened to learn that they had lost yet another officer to the coronavirus pandemic. Texas has lost more law enforcement officers to the COVID19 virus than any other state. On September 16th, 2021, Lieutenant Earnest Oldham, badge number 1333, died from complications from contracting the virus through his duties as an officer. Policing is one of the occupations in which it is always challenging to practice social distancing, and the risk to officers is very high. COVID19 has become the number one line-of-duty cause of death in the past year. Lt. Oldham was 57 years old.

Lieutenant Oldham served his community as a law enforcement officer with the Plano Police Department for more than 34 years. Oldham began his career with the Garland Police department in 1987 then moved on to the Plano Police Department in 1992.

Oldham had touched many lives throughout his career. He was well-liked and respected in the community. He was a family man who loved spending time with his twins. He had one teenage girl and boy; Oldham enjoyed family activities whenever he could. He liked being active and spending time outdoors.

Plano Police Department, Texas

Lt. Oldham served his local community with the Plano Police Department. The PPD has been doing a great job consistently in keeping crime low in the city. Plano has a population of around 250,000 residents. Twice in the past twenty years, the city was nominated as the safest city in the US for its size.

The agency has more than 414 sworn officers, 178 full-time civilian employees, and about 75 part-time. In addition, the agency is fully accredited and part of the Crime Stoppers program as a North Texas Crime Commission member.

Remembrances

Lieutenant Earnest Oldham leaves behind a wife and two teenage twin children. The future of every community depends on the youth of today. Support will be needed for the many children left without the adult, parent, grandparent who would have been the guiding influence in their lives.

The Plano Police Department posted the following announcement for residents. “The Plano Police Department is sad to announce the passing of Lieutenant Earnest Oldham. Lieutenant Oldham passed due to complications of COVID-19. Oldham began his career with the Plano Police Department on January 27, 1992. Before Plano, Oldham worked as a police officer for the Garland Police Department from October 1987 until being hired by Plano. Lieutenant Oldham leaves behind a wife, teenage twins, a son and daughter, and a host of other family and friends. He will be missed greatly. Lieutenant Oldham, thank you for your dedicated service to our community. May you rest in peace, sir.

The Fraternal Order of Prince George’s County Police posted shared condolences for the Oldham family and his coworkers. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and comrades in arms of Lieutenant Earnest Oldham of the Plano Police Department, Texas. End of Watch Thursday, September 16, 2021.”

Gregory Carey, a local realtor, and Plano Police supporter posted shared grief and news of the loss from both himself and his wife on Facebook. “Kim and I are saddened by the loss of Lt. Earnest Oldham from the Plano Police Department, who passed from COVID-related issues. Oldham leaves behind a wife and two teenage twins. Please keep them in your prayers as Mrs. Oldham raises two teenaged children alone. Thank you, LT, for your years of service and outstanding leadership. You will forever be remembered in the hearts of Plano, TX.