Tulsa Officer Gets National Honor

TOP COP Sgt. Stephanie Jackson: She is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month for December for her actions in drawing a woman armed with several knives away from bystanders.

A Tulsa police officer received a national honor this week for her work with the Tulsa community and her actions that potentially saved several lives.

Sgt. Stephanie Jackson was selected as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's Officer of the Month for December.

The award recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty, according to a Tulsa Police Department news release.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Jackson received the award for her actions in January 2006, when she responded to a call and was able to draw a woman armed with several knives away from bystanders, saving them from injury.

The woman continued to approach Jackson, backing her up against a gate, while threatening her with the knives, and Jackson fatally shot her. The District Attorney's Office later ruled the shooting justified.

Jackson also was nominated for her work with the community, organizing more than 700 community events within a year.

"While community policing is not new to the department, Sergeant Jackson has taken it to another level," wrote Tulsa Police Capt. Travis Yates. "Whether it is placing child seats in cars or telling the public how to prevent crimes, Sergeant Jackson is the model that every officer should reach for."

Jackson, who received an award for her work earlier this year from the Insurance Women of Tulsa organization, said she was surprised when she learned that she had won the national award.

"It's great," she said. "I love making a difference. It's amazing to be honored. I was overwhelmed by the first one -- then this."

Jackson said she hopes to continue her work with the community and help launch a program to help youths seek alternatives to violence during confrontations.

"You can do whatever you want," she said. "Your future is not determined by now; it's what you do with now."

Visit The National Law Enforcement Memorial Page

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Clifton Adcock 581-8367
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.