Jackson County First Responder Memorial

05/27/2026

05/24/2026

Aaron Westcott was approved as a line of duty death. We will be working on adding his name to our memorial.

Run Announcement - Mile 2,148 (Raiden's 45th Mile)

On Tuesday evening, May 26th, Raiden will be running one mile (weather permitting) carrying the Red Fine Line Flag in honor of fallen Altus Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services (OK) Fire Inspector Aaron L. Wescott.

The run will take place at 6:30PM Hawaii Time in Honolulu, Hawaii, though we encourage folks from across the nation join us by taking a 1-mile walk or run in your own communities to honor this fallen hero.

To contribute to Running 4 Heroes in memory of this hero and help support the flag our runner will carry in their honor, please visit:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/running-4-heroes-2026-initiative

To sponsor a future flag in memory of this hero, please visit:

https://www.finelineflag.com/products/thin-blue-line-flag-running-4-heroes

Please be advised that our runs will continue to be dependent on a First Responder being present.

Please keep the family and agency of this fallen hero in your prayers.

Last Alarm: 2/15/26
Cause: Heart Attack

05/20/2026

Today we remember James “Bud” Thompson, night watchman for the Eldorado Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on this date in 1921.

Mr. Thompson is honored on the Jackson County First Responder Memorial.

05/15/2026

Today we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.
We especially honor those from Jackson County: James Thompson (Eldorado), Otto Holler (Eldorado), Elmer Carter (JCSO), John Henry Hill (Altus), John Barter (OHP), and J.D. Lovett (JCSO).

05/10/2026

Today begins National Police Week. We appreciate our law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made for our communities.

Each May, our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers. Originally established by presidential proclamation President John F. Kennedy in 1962, National Police Week includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th and a week of observances recognizing officers who given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect our communities with dedication and courage.
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National Police week is both a time of solemn remembrance and a celebration of the men and women who serve with integrity and bravery every day. It reminds us that behind every badge is a story of service, sacrifice and family.

05/04/2026

Today, on International Firefighters' Day, we want to thank all who bravely answer the call to protect their communities, both career and volunteer.

International Firefighters’ Day was born from both tragedy and unity.

On December 2, 1998, during a wildfire in Linton, Australia, five firefighters tragically lost their lives.

In the days that followed, a call went out across the world—
to create a day where firefighters everywhere could be honoured, remembered, and recognised.

May 4 was chosen as a global day of respect.
A day that now unites communities across nations and generations.

05/03/2026

While volunteering at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial weekend, I visited the plaques for each of our Jackson County Firefighters who are honored at the memorial.
The Memorial Service to honor the 204 fallen firefighters who will be added this year will be held Sunday, May 3, at 9:00am central time. It will be streamed live on the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation's page or at firehero.org.

04/26/2026

Each year during the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend, homes, businesses, landmarks, and government buildings are lit up in red to honor the firefighters who died in the line of duty and support their families and coworkers.

Jackson County has three firefighters honored on the memorial - Dee Butchee (Warren VFD), Maddy Clinton (Friendship VFD), and Greg Cross (Altus FD and Friendship VFD).

Show your support and honor our heroes and the 204 who will be added at this year’s event.

Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters is part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend sponsored by the NFFF.

04/20/2026

We send our condolences to the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office after the line of duty loss yesterday.