September 27, 2019 Issue, Page 8 of 26

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PG8 HOMETOWN HEROES, Friday Undersheriff inspired by others’ example on dark day worked at the SO since July 2015. He latter of which would be equipment and started in law enforcement in Erick in personnel, among other components. April 2001, working there until June Miller said his grandfather was in law 2005. He was the police chief for the enforcement, and since Miller was 7- or last 18 months there. He then went to to 8-years-old, law enforcement is all he Elk City Police Department, where he wanted to do. worked for 10 years. He worked on pa- “When I was 21 and eligible, I ap- trol and was a patrol lieutenant for the plied at Erick and that’s where I started last seven years. and that’s what I’ve been doing it ever At the SO, he said 99 percent of his since,” Miller said. job is investigating mostly felonies and The most rewarding part of the job is following up with stuff that patrol offi- the satisfaction when one does right by cers don’t have time to deal with. Most the victim, and that includes, for exam- of the felonies are property crimes and ple, finding and arresting a suspect and frauds. gaining justice for a victim, Miller said. Wilson grew up in Snyder and had Wilson said the SO appreciates the worked at the Altus Walmart store in community’s assistance in coming for- "Detective Jeff Miller, left, and Undersher! ff Andrew customer service before going to work ward to report crimes in recent times Wilson work at the Beckham County Sheriff's Office. in law enforcement. He has worked for that in the past they might not have re- the Beckham County SO since 2013. ported. Staff photo by Don Munsch. “It’s all about making people happy “T think that here, we have one of the and making sure they get what’s best best communities probably anywhere for everybody,” Wilson said, when that is real supportive in law enforce- By Don Munsch, Editor giving them the tools and resources asked about the similarities between ment and first responders,” Miller said. working at Walmart and being in law He said his and Wilson’s jobs are just Beckham County Sheriff’s Office they need to make the best difference enforcement. one piece of larger puzzle, and he cred- Undersheriff Andrew Wilson became for the people in our county,” he said. His duties consist of overall oversight its others for helping them do their jobs, inspired to choose his career path when Wilson and SO Detective Jeff Miller he when was in the fifth grade, when the recently sat down at the sheriff’s of- of operations, such as the jail and its such as dispatchers and folks who work 9/11 attacks occurred. fice to discuss their jobs in ensuring the personnel, and asset management, the in the field. “Tsaw onthe TV, right after everything well-being of people in a county that happened, the firefighters, the EMS and covers around 900 square miles. police officers working together,” Wil- “The vast majority of first responders Thank you to our law son said. “I always thought that unity of pour their heart and soul into making enforcement agencies in our area ' not working toward anybody’s personal sure that their worst possible day is just goals but a common goal of just helping a slight bit better in any way they can,” people was something that inspired me Wilson said. We appreciate the leng well into my adult life.” Miller said he just wants people to un- go through to keep us Wilson found a rewarding career in derstand that law enforcement officers’ law enforcement. desire to get to the facts in a situation assist in times of né “Tt used to be just helping people, but — work that requires a bit of patience to now, the role I have is enabling others piece all the information together. to help people in the best possible way, Originally from Erick, Miller has “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; THRU TUBING it must be achieved.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Hammon Fire Department for your service! Tyson Trout Agency \_ 5th and Main St. Hammon « 580-339-1733 a The Trout Agency will offer a complete line of a Financial, Farm, Auto, and Commercial Coverage. 7501 E 20th St, Elk City, OK 73644 - 580-225-6977