Gov. Stitt invites unvaccinated out-of-state law enforcement to join OK's Highway Patrol - KOKH FOX25
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Calling all out-of-state law enforcement officers, regardless of vaccination status, Governor Stitt has an offer for you.
Monday, the governor took to social media to announce a first-of-its-kind Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy aimed at recruiting officers nationwide.
This, of course, comes at a time many are at risk of losing their jobs for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
"If you’re an out-of-state law enforcement officer who is tired of politicians not having your back, I want you here in Oklahoma," said Gov. Stitt in a video posted to OHP's Facebook and Twitter accounts, "As governor, I will always support our law enforcement and defend our freedoms. Come join our team."
As vaccine mandates kick in across the country, OHP is now offering a ‘Bridge Academy’ for those located outside state lines.
Anyone with at least two years of law enforcement experience can join. It’s also an accelerated program, taking the typical 20 weeks of training down to just 13 weeks.
"It just kind of cuts out some of the mandated, you know, teaching," explained the head of recruiting for OHP, Trooper Eric Foster, "Because they're already experienced in some of the things that we teach in our home patrol academy.
Salaries will even start at second-year trooper pay, which is around $52,000 annually.
Foster admitting, they’re hoping the program will help combat a worsening staffing shortage.
"Nationwide, law enforcement is down and so we are down, you know, a large amount," he said.
However, this comes despite the fact COVID-19 is currently the leading cause of on-duty deaths, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Their data shows 282 officers lost their fight against the virus this year. Which is more than five times the number of those who died from gunfire.
"Tons of people in Oklahoma, actually 2.5 million Oklahomans have received the vaccine and that’s great, but we will never mandate that to a one size fits all for every single citizen," said Gov. Stitt.
"We're not apologetic about the fact that if you are a law enforcement officer, you're experienced and you want to come to Oklahoma, come to Oklahoma. You don't have to worry about your personal freedoms and rights being stepped on in Oklahoma," said Foster.
The first Bridge Academy will take place in April and be offered to a maximum of 45 officers. There is a possibility more could soon follow.
Those interested in applying can click here for more information.
source: https://okcfox.com/news/local/gov-stitt-invites-unvaccinated-out-of-state-law-enforcement-to-join-oks-highway-patrol
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