Reserve Deputy Jim Dutton, a founding member of Oklahoma County's Reserve Program, passed away this last week from natural causes at the age of 94. A World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was a tireless volunteer and trusted advisor to Sheriff John Whetsel, and to Captain Paul Snyder, Commander of the Reserve Division.
Still serving and a 30-year veteran of OCSO, Jim managed Reserve Deputy recruitment, and the planning and implementation of annual academies that were the gold standard for RLEO training in Oklahoma.
Jim also served a key leadership role in the Reserve Division's operations, overseeing deputy assignments and organizational structure. All special event taskings were routed through Jim, who also coordinated with other departments throughout the agency, as well as with dozens of law enforcement agencies throughout central Oklahoma that routinely request - and rely on - manpower support from OCSO's Reserve Division.
His funeral procession was two miles long, and included a number of full time LEOs who began their careers as OCSO Reserve Deputies. Jim graduated from OCSO's first reserve academy, in 1981.
You could find Jim at every event held by the OCSO, from monthly employee appreciate cook-outs and ceremonies, to major special events and critical incidents. All who knew Jim were proud of him, and looked forward to his wisdom and colorful stories about the history of the Reserve Division. God Bless you, Jim. Keep looking out for us.
