Grady County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kenton Blumenthal has been named the 2025 Oklahoma Officer of the Year. The award was presented by Attorney General Gentner Drummond during a ceremony in Oklahoma City, which also recognized regional officers and other nominees from across the state.
Attorney General Drummond highlighted Blumenthal’s conduct during a dangerous multi-county pursuit in December 2024. “Deputy Blumenthal is highly deserving of this honor,” Drummond said. “He is an exceptional law enforcement officer whose bravery ended a tremendously perilous situation that threatened communities across multiple counties. I congratulate Deputy Blumenthal and thank him for his service.”
Blumenthal, who has served as a law enforcement officer since 2017 and comes from a family with a history in policing, was involved in an incident where an armed suspect with a violent background led police on a high-speed chase through several counties. The suspect evaded roadblocks, collided with a police vehicle, and drove past Blumenthal’s home at high speed while his child was outside.
The pursuit concluded at the suspect’s residence. Blumenthal and another deputy chased the suspect on foot through rough terrain. When confronted by the suspect, who drew two pistols and aimed them at the deputies, Blumenthal responded with deadly force to neutralize the threat.
Blumenthal represented the Southwest Region among regional winners selected by panels consisting of criminal justice professionals from various levels of government. Other regional honorees included Investigator Darren Gordon (Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office – Northwest Region), Officer Nicholas Winters (Coweta Police Department – Northeast Region), and a group representing Atoka County agencies for the Southeast Region.
Sgt. Zachary Havenar from the Oklahoma Department of Tourism received recognition as Lethality Assessment Protocol Officer of the Year for his work supporting domestic violence victims using trauma-informed methods.
Additionally, Marton “Bo” Williams of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service received the first Johnny Christian Award, which honors officers exemplifying integrity, leadership, and mentorship inspired by Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian’s legacy.
The Officer of the Year program was established by Attorney General Drummond to acknowledge outstanding contributions from federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement personnel throughout Oklahoma.
