In Memory of Police Officer Jared Lindsey

Oklahoma Loses Officer to Coronavirus

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, Oklahoma lost a law enforcement leader to the Coronavirus. Police Officer Jared Lindsey, age 40, lost his life due to complications from COVID19. Officer Lindsey is presumed to have come into contact through his work as a Tulsa Police officer.

Officer Lindsey began his career in law enforcement with the Tulsa Police Department in March 2005. He worked as a patrol officer. He had recently achieved respect among his peers when he was named to the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police Vice President. Jared worked with the FOP on a national, state, and local level.

Tulsa Police Department

Police Officer Jared Lindsey gave 15 years of his career to the Tulsa Police Department. The TPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is the second-largest law enforcement agency in the state of Oklahoma. Historically, the TPD was officially organized in 1907, when the state of Oklahoma incorporated the city of Tulsa. However, a TPD police presence in Tulsa unofficially dates back to 1905.

Today the TPD is a fully accredited police agency with approximately 1000 employees. Currently, about 915 of these employees are sworn Tulsa Police Officers. It is a requirement for all officers who work for the Tulsa Police Department to have earned a four-year degree from college. Generally speaking, these officers hold degrees in forensic science or criminal justice. The department also does not allow for any direct transfer from another law enforcement agency into their department. Regardless of previous law enforcement experience, all Tulsa Police Officers must complete a six-month training program at the Tulsa Police Academy.

Family Left Behind Picking Up Pieces

COVID19 has destroyed lives and left many families globally to pick up the pieces of their lives to carry on after loss. The Lindsey family is no different. Police Officer Jared Lindsey leaves behind his wife and two sons. The community, fellow officers, and extended family will come together to celebrate the life that Lindsey lived and provide emotional support to his family during these times.

Tulsa 9.12 Project President Ronda Vuillemont-Smith commented on the loss of an officer. “Tulsa lost a hero today. The loss of Officer Jared Lindsey saddens us. His love for our community and the officers that serve our community knew no bounds. His legacy was his commitment to preserving the rights of our police officers and upholding the department’s integrity, paving the way for better policing and community involvement, helping make the Tulsa Police Department one of the best in the nation. Jared will be missed by all that knew him.”

The Tulsa Police Department announced the loss on social media. “It is with a heavy heart that the Tulsa Police Department confirms the passing of one of our active-duty officers. This morning, October 28, 2020, Officer Jerad Lindsey passed due to complications from COVID-19.”

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum expressed his sympathies for the loss. “My friend, Officer Jerad Lindsey, passed away today. Jerad loved the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department deeply. It drove his work as Chairman of the Fraternal Order of Police, and for him, that work was not a job but a calling. My thoughts this morning are with his family. He loved time spent with them, and they have sacrificed much for his service to the city of Tulsa.”