Harry Stege

As Chief of Police 1977 to 1983, five of the officers recognized at the Tulsa Police Officers' Memorial, fell during his term as chief. One of the more tragic incidents was the helicopter crash that killed two officers in one instance. During Chief Stege’s term, many new components were added to the Police Department and the Aviation Unit was one of these new components. Also, as a young officer working I.D. or the 1970's version of "CSI", Stege was among the first officers to respond to Thurman Spybuck when Spybuck was shot and killed in the line of duty. Chief Stege retired and went to civilian life moving to the western United States to take up another career.

Moving back to Tulsa in 2002 he was privileged to become involved in the Tulsa Police Officers’ Memorial Trust. His reason for doing so was simple: The men and women of the Tulsa Police Department should be recognized for the willingness to serve, to honor the Oath of Office and the willingness to go in harms way and to give, ". . . that last full measure of devotion," when called upon. The physical Memorial is a symbol of our continuing respect for the sacrifices made by each of these Police Officers.