December 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the Tulsa Police Department's monthly newsletter! We've had a fun and fulfilling few weeks headed into the holiday season. Let's take a look back and see what we have to look forward to in December.

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No Shave November Results

For the last six weeks, we've been telling you about the Badges and Staches Competition with the Tulsa Fire Department as part of "No Shave November."

It's all an effort to raise money for the Children's Hospital at Saint Francis Health System! Together, we helped raise $3,250 and presented a check at the hospital on Wednesday.

Random Acts of Kindness

Each year, we're proud to take part in the Random Acts of Kindness campaign put on by the Tulsa Police Foundation!

From meal kits, gift cards, toys, and more -- Officers spent the early part of December surprising the citizens of Tulsa with a little holiday cheer!

Here's a video highlighting the events:

Tulsa Police Academy Class 129 Graduation

This month we welcomed 11 new Tulsa Police Officers who graduated from the Tulsa Police Academy.

The Apprentice Police Officers, or APOs, spent more than six months going through the Tulsa Police Academy. Upon graduation, they officially became OITs, or Officers in Training, and will now undergo 16 weeks of field training. It's a full 11 months after they walk into the academy until their initial training is complete.

Shop with a Cop

We were proud once again to take part in a tradition that some of our Officers have participated in for nearly 20 years, made possible by the Rotary Club of Tulsa and the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police!

Shop with a Cop is a great opportunity for Officers to interact with the community and help families in need for the holiday season.

Tulsa Christmas Parade

We were proud to take part in the 98th Tulsa Christmas Parade in downtown Tulsa!

This year's theme for the parade was “Stay Gold, Merry and Bright: An Outsiders House Museum Christmas.”

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Gilcrease Division

Through the CORE Unit, which was established in the spring, Gilcrease Division Officers attended over two dozen documented events.

One of the first events was the Hasty Bake GrillFest, where Officers spent the day engaging with over 2,000 visitors on the University of Tulsa campus. Other notable events included Faith & Blue, the Tulsa Oilers kids game day, and the TFD Tips & Treats Halloween event.

Throughout the year, Officers from the Gilcrease Division connected with children at schools and back-to-school bashes, listened to concerns at community safety meetings, and spent time at nursing homes, block parties, carnivals, and picnics.

The collaboration between the patrol divisions and the CORE Unit has highlighted the numerous unique relationships and opportunities for connection between the Department and the city.

We’re excited to continue working closely with the Officers and building more relationships in 2025!

Mingo Valley Division

The Mingo Valley Division hit the ground running, making 2024 a year to remember with countless community engagement opportunities.

From neighborhood association meetings to school visits for “Touch-a-Truck” events, the CORE unit has been a constant presence, building relationships and spreading positivity. They even joined in on some unique and fun activities like Chicken with a Cop and Car Wash with a Cop, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Several standout events brought the community together in meaningful ways. MVD’s Faith and Blue celebration once again lived up to its reputation as a lively and heartwarming gathering, while Coloring with a Cop continued to bring smiles and creativity to kids of all ages.

It’s been a busy, impactful year for MVD and the CORE Ambassador Unit. As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the connections made and the incredible support from the community. Here’s to an even more engaging and exciting 2025!

Riverside Division

The Riverside Division capped off a busy 2024 in December with George Squad's visit to the residents of St. Thomas Square apartments in an effort to spread holiday joy in the community.

It was just the latest stop in an eventful year of block parties, Coffee with a Cop events, and other meaningful interactions with the public in an effort to bridge the gap in our neighborhoods.

We're looking forward to an even brighter 2025 to spend making meaningful and long-lasting connections!

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On 7/17/2006, Ervin Tolon was found dead from a gunshot wound inside his home near N. St. Louis Ave. and Virgin. Officers found drugs at the scene, and the initial investigation pointed to drugs being a motivation for the murder.

Detectives continued to investigate the case, but an arrest was never made.

In November and December of 2024, Detectives spoke with several witnesses and received new information identifying Bryant Gamble as a suspect.

On 12/10/2024, Bryant Gamble was arrested for 1st Degree Murder and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.

Bryant Gamble was released from prison in February of this year after serving more than 16 years for a 2007 robbery conviction. 

To learn more information about cold cases within the Tulsa Police Department, visit https://www.tulsapolice.org/cold-cases 

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Photos of the Month 📸