The Fraternal Order of Police Honor Guard

The harsh reality of being a police officer can be tragic. This was the case in 1971, when Officer J. Thurman Spybuck died in the line of duty.

With this tragic event, several members of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 93 decided that something should be done to recognize the service of police officers like Officer J. Thurman Spybuck. 
They knew that several had died before him and unfortunately several would die after him. So these members decided to create the Tulsa Police Honor Guard.

A group of officers who were interested in paying tribute to fallen officers was then formed. They went to the Chief of Police and presented their idea. The Honor Guard was then formed within the Lodge, with the approval of the Chief of Police.
By having the Honor Guard as a part of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 93, it gave the membership the freedom to be a representation of police officers for police officers. The members of the Fraternal Order of Police were also willing to fund the project and continue to do so today.
Within years, this small group of twelve officers soon grew to thirty. They continued their service to pay tribute to those officers who have died in the line of duty. They also believed that it was important to pay tribute to those who served as police officers in their community, who after retirement, died.
Through the years, the members of the Honor Guard have paid tribute to many officers of the Tulsa Police Department. But that service did not stop there. They also have traveled to other cities when police officers have died in the line of duty.

Every May, the Honor Guard represents the FOP Lodge and the Tulsa Police Department at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D. C. They also attend a memorial service that is conducted in Oklahoma City at the Law Enforcement Memorial at the Department of Public Safety.

As the Honor Guard grew, so did the way of providing a lasting tribute to those officers, who have died in the line of duty. A movement within this organization (Members of the Honor Guard, the FOP and the FOP Auxiliary) started the Tulsa Police Memorial Committee. This group is now seeking funding for the building and preservation of a police officers memorial here in Tulsa.

The mission of the Honor Guard is to never forget those who have served.