Kingfisher’s Keith Lowry- Henry Ellyson Post 5 of the American Legion once again honored three of the best local public servants.

The local post recognized Tyler Girard, Justin Trumbley and Charles Blackburn.

The Kingfisher Fire Department’s Girard was named Firefighter of the Year.

A lieutenant at the Kingfi sher Police Department, Trumbley was announced as the Police Officer of the Year.

And Blackburn, a sergeant at the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office, was named the Deputy of the Year.

All three were presented their honors recently by Post 5 Commander Mark Kirchner.

Girard has been with the fire department since February 2019.

“Since then, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism and courage,” said Chief Ryan Gibson.

In nominating Girard, Gibson said the firefighter’s work extends beyond his call of duty.

“Whether responding to emergencies, mentoring new firefighters or instructing the high school FF1 class, Tyler exemplifies leadership, compassion and teamwork,” Gibson said.

Girard has been attending paramedic school over the past year, which Gibson said enhances his ability to care for others “in their most vulnerable moments.”

“Tyler’s integrity and tireless work ethic have earned him the respect of both his peers and the community,” Gibson said.

“He serves as a role model within the department and a dependable presence in times of crisis.”

Trumbley joined the KPD in October 2008 and was promoted to lieutenant last August.

Chief Travis Gray said Trumbley’s work leading up to that promotion and afterward have been exemplary.

“Since his employment with this department, Justin has been the case agent of numerous complex criminal investigations, some being thefts, embezzlements, rapes and murders. He has also always stood in the ready to help his peers however needed,” Gray said.

“Since his promotion, he has led the way in several changes within our department.”

Some of those changes have had to do with police work and some have not, added Gray.

“This department has been in need of some upgrades, a few being cosmetic and some being structural,” Gray said. “Justin is greatly- versed in the world of carpentry; some may call him a master of the trade. He has utilized those personal skills here in the department and made it possible for some of our upgrades to be completed with a minimal cost.”

Gray said Trumbley has also been at the forefront of the department’s new policy system that’s utilized by municipalities nationwide.

“He has been conducting meetings with Lexipol representatives, planning, organizing, disseminating information and ensuring that the pertinent questions of our officers are answered,” Gray said.

Blackburn has been in law enforcement since 2013 and with the KCSO since 2022.

He currently is assigned as a patrol supervisor, the field training supervisor and investigates crimes against children cases.

“Sergeant Blackburn has been an incredible asset to our office,” said Sheriff Aaron Pitts, who himself took office in January after the retirement of longtime Sheriff Dennis Banther.

“I’ve only had the opportunity to work with him since January, it’s already clear how deeply he cares for both his colleagues and the community we serve,” Pitts said.

Blackburn is a member of the Kingfisher County Multi-Disciplinary Child Abuse Response Team (MCART), the OSBI Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Federal Task Force.

He also is certified as an Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Investigator (ARIDE).

“Promoting him to sergeant was an easy decision,” Pitts said of Blackburn. “And I have no doubt he’ll continue to excel in his role.”

Post 5 has recognized the top local public servants for several years.

“We are proud as an American Legion post to be able to support our community public servants,” Kirchner said. “Job well done to our honored recipients.”