Police Chief Don Sweger honored with a citation from State Legislature

In a commendable acknowledgment of his exemplary service, Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger was recognized by State Representative Collin Duel and State Representative John Talley with a citation from the Oklahoma State Legislature. This honor follows Sweger’s recent accolade as the 2024 Small Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

The recognition took place at the Guthrie City Council meeting on June 4, where Rep. Talley expressed his gratitude to Chief Sweger.

“I would like to thank you personally for letting me bother you all the time,” Talley said to Sweger.

Addressing the council members, Talley emphasized the importance of reliable and honest communication from law enforcement leaders. “When things come across our desk at the capitol and it deals with police, we need people that we trust that will tell us the truth of how it is going to affect all of Oklahoma.”

Rep. Duel read the citation during the presentation, underscoring Sweger’s notable contributions to the community. A small agency, as defined by the OACP, serves a community with fewer than 15,000 citizens. Oklahoma is home to approximately 459 local law enforcement agencies, with 381 of them operating in communities under this population threshold.

Chief Sweger, who has been with the Guthrie Police Department for nearly a decade, has earned widespread respect for his leadership and vision.

“Throughout Chief Sweger’s tenure, he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex issues facing law enforcement and has developed innovative strategies to address them,” stated OACP Executive Director Steve Whitlock. “His leadership has been marked by a strong sense of vision, a commitment to transparency, and a relentless pursuit of justice. I thank him for his dedication and commitment to professional law enforcement in Oklahoma.”

In addition to his role as Chief of Police, Sweger also served as the Outgoing President of the OACP, further solidifying his influence and commitment to advancing law enforcement standards across the state.