An era ends at the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office when 2024 comes to a close.

It will mark the retirement of Sheriff Dennis Banther after 20 years in that role and nearly 30 years of service to the sheriff’s office overall.

Banther began with the department in June 1995 and eventually worked his way to undersheriff.

He resigned briefly from the department in order to run for sheriff in 2004.

Banther defeated Rodney Walker, who had earlier defeated incumbent Danny Graham in a primary election, in the November 2004 general election.

“I appreciate the public’s trust in my abilities voting me first into office in November 2004,” Banther said.

Little did he know he’d be taking over sooner rather than later.

Graham resigned the position later that month.

Then-Assistant District Attorney E.A. “Ard” Gates recommended Banther be appointed to fill out the remainder of Graham’s term. Banther was sworn in to office on Nov. 22, 2004, and went to work.

He was sworn in for the term he was elected to on Jan. 3, 2005.

Since then, Banther has been re-elected to office four different times. Some cycles he’s had an opponent while others he’s run unopposed.

The choice to keep going or to retire as the 2024 election cycle approached came down to the wire, he said.

“This was not an easy decision to make and I didn’t truly make a decision until April 1, the first day to file for re-election,” he said. “While there are a number of factors that weighed both for and against the decision to retire, ultimately, I decided I should hand over the keys to the office to someone who can promote new ideas and technology to our work.”

Those keys will go to current Hennessey Police Chief Aaron Pitts, who will be sworn into office Jan. 2, 2025. Pitts narrowly defeat- is now used by the majority of sheriff’s and police departments across the state to combine information between agencies. • Added video recording systems to each vehicle and body cams for each deputy. • Upgraded the fleet to four-wheel drive vehicles so we can access any call regardless of the weather or road conditions. • Added courthouse security.

ed current Undersheriff Jonathan Riedlinger in the election to succeed Banther earlier this year.

While Pitts will strive to make his own mark on the department, Banther made note of several positive changes made during his tenure, not the least of which was a new Kingfisher County Criminal Justice Center.

His department worked closely with the Kingfisher Police Department in conducting several drug raids not long after he took office.

The department concentrated on bogus check warrants, collecting some $25,000 for local businesses early in his tenure.

And there was more. Other changes noted by Banther were:

• Changed the software used to write reports to ODIS (Oklahoma Database Information System) wherein we were a pilot program for the software. It

• Added 24-hour patrol.

• Added software databases to detect items stolen and sold at pawn shops and recycling centers.

• Added software to assist in identifying suspects, known associates, residences, etc.

• Part of the team to combine the Sheriff’s Office, 911 center, Emergency Management and detention facilities in one location. This facility was also designed for future expansion.

• Increased communication with surrounding agencies to allow deputies to work multi-county crime rings. This movement has resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars of locally stolen property as well as provided federal cases through Homeland Security.

• One of the founding members of an organization that brought oilfield companies and law enforcement together for information sharing on oilfield thefts.

• Provided all deputies with less lethal training and the munitions necessary to use.

• Provided deputies with training to be more effective in their interview/interrogation techniques to increase confessions on cases.

• Provided software that will map crime trends and locations in the county to allow deputies to know where to concentrate their efforts.

• Provided an SRO (School Resource Officer) for Loyal/Lomega, Dover and Chisholm Trail Technology Center as well as the training necessary to properly do the job.

• Provided over 15 years of canine presence in the county to help curb the illegal drug problem.

All, the while, noted Banther, he strove to increase the investigative effectiveness of the office while being fiscally responsible.

“We have never gone over budget and have returned funds to the county general fund at the end of each budget year,” Banther said.

There are several aspects to the job Banther says he’ll miss, especially those he’s worked alongside for the last several years.

“I know I will miss the camaraderie of working in law enforcement. There is a bond between officers that most will never understand,” Banther said.

“We have to have complete trust in each other knowing when things get bad, someone is there to help. I don’t know of any other job I could do that has this sense of brotherhood.”

And there are parts he won’t miss.

“I am looking forward to sleeping nights and weekends,” he said. “I’m looking forward to reducing stress levels and allowing my body to heal from years of punishment.”

There’s also another layer. Due to the nature of the job, there are several things Banther was forced to miss throughout the years and it wasn’t a sacrifice he shared alone.

“This job is a 24/7/365 commitment,” he said. “I have had to leave many birthday parties, holidays and weekends because work demanded it. I want to thank my wife Anne for her understanding and always picking up the pieces when I had to leave.

“I also want to thank her for primarily raising our children as I was always working overtime. I also want to acknowledge that spouses live our lives, too. They all too often have to wait during violent calls wondering if everything is okay.”

The Banthers have five children: Noah, 23; Laney, 21; Kiley, 19; Evan, 17; and Hadley, 15. Banther said they, too, sacrificed.

“I would also like to thank my children for their understanding when I had to leave,” he said. “At times, they had to abandon holidays where they were enjoying themselves because of work. They had to grow up differently than their friends.”

So as his time in office comes to a close, Banther refl ects on his career and looks forward to the times ahead.

“To my communities, I appreciate you allowing me to serve in this profession for so long. To my brothers and sisters in blue, I’m just a phone call away if you need me,” he said.

“And to my family, I’m looking forward to what the future holds for each of us.”