Iraq Combat Veteran John Oisten has been a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with Oklahoma County since 2006. John and I went through the academy together, and he is an absolutely outstanding law enforcement officer - a true pleasure to serve with.
John has taken the lead in fighting to expand legal protection for RLEOs in Oklahoma (see the article about Senator Russell in the national news area). Fortunately, Oklahoma continues to be one of the most progressive states in the nation when it comes to RLEOs and law enforcement reserve programs. The State, and Oklahoma CLEET, strongly support RLEOs as integral parts of the states standing law enforcement capability. In an era of tight budgets, the expanded use of RLEOs makes perfect sense and is rational public policy. Enabling RLEOs to do their jobs is a critical component of this important public policy.
I want to thank John for taking this initiative. I also want to congratulate him on his recent selection as a member of his agency's elite dignitary protecition unit. As John's service proves, RLEOs make a direct, positive, and tangible contribution to the public's safety, and to their agency's mission.
Good Luck, John!
