April 8, 2024
Provided Press Release
My name is Wes Henry I am a republican and I am running for Beckham County Sheriff. In my 20 years of law enforcement experience, I have trained and worked in every facet of criminal investigations. From criminal interdiction traffic stops, crime scene processing, undercover narcotics investigations, white collar crimes, to sexual assaults. I have trial experience on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes putting them where they belong.
I want to make Beckham County the premiere place to live and raise our children in the State of Oklahoma. With my ideas, leadership, and your help and support we can achieve that goal. On Tuesday, June 18th, let’s work together to progress our values by electing Wes Henry as Sheriff.
I was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. At the age of 10 years of age the Boy Scouts of America became a large part of my life. I earned the Rank of Eagle Scout and was nominated for the National Leadership Award and was runner up to meeting then President Ronald Reagan in Washington DC.
I moved to Louisville, Kentucky working for UPS Hub loading planes for international flights. During this time I started my Degree of Wildlife Management & Fisheries Ecology at the Jefferson Community College where I was also a member of Phi Pheta Kappa. After earning my Associates Degree in Science, I was hired on with the State of Washington Fish & Game as crew supervisor at the Issaquah Fish Hatchery marking Coho and Chinook salmon. In the evenings I’d work as assistant manager for the Big 5 Sporting Goods Store in Bellview Washington.
On September, 11 2001 I was packed and ready to make the drive to the Great State of Oklahoma when I heard the horrific news of two planes crashing into the twin towers in New York. Although a very gloomy day for our Country it was the start of a Great relationship for me and the people of Oklahoma.
I moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma and commuted daily to Stillwater Oklahoma where I finished my bachelor degree at the great Oklahoma State University. During my studies at OSU I assisted in a graduate project studying wetlands and a PHD project studying elk populations in Oklahoma. In 2002 I was awarded the John Lowrey Jr. Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Oklahoma Game Warden Association. My senior year at Oklahoma State University, I became a Reserve Police Officer for the Guthrie Police Department. In 2005, I received Reserve Officer of the Year award. At this point in my life I had to make the life changing decision of which dream I wanted to pursue; a game warden or a canine law enforcement officer. After being a public servant for the City of Guthrie, I chose to work towards the goal of becoming a canine law enforcement officer with the Guthrie Police Department.
Once I graduated from Oklahoma State University I became a full time Officer for the Guthrie Police Department. In 2008 I reached my goal and became Guthrie’s Canine Officer.
In 2010 my canine partner “Rudy” and I were recruited to the Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Department by Sheriff Dennis Banther. Numerous interdiction and narcotic arrests were made during this height in my career. I also helped the Cashion Police Department as a reserve canine officer under former Police Chief Jesse Ritchie.
I met my lovely wife Bekah, and 2 children Ava and Jude in 2012. Again I was at a cross road in my career. I decided starting a new family I would leave law enforcement and do subcontracting security work. After a year of absence, I missed law enforcement and moved to Beckham County with my family where I was hired on to the Beckham County Sheriff Department by Scott Jay. I am presently the Chief of Police of the Erick Police Department and have been for the past 4 years.
My family and I fell in love with the community and bought property in Sweetwater. Ava is currently attending college for a nursing degree in Oklahoma City after graduating from Sayre High school. Jude a freshman at Sweetwater High School. Jude currently is involved in track, baseball, cross country and plays basketball.
My candidacy is neither a sudden decision nor is it one undertaken recklessly. I love the work and believe in the integrity of law enforcement. My commitment to this candidacy is simple. It’s because I believe I can do the job, and I would like to do it for you.
By announcing my candidacy today, I assume the obligation to make public before the election how I propose to carry out the duties sheriff and why I believe my candidacy is worth your support. I feel I will bring the sheriff’s office enthusiasm and confidence which any office requires if it is to be done well. So I am submitting myself for consideration with the hope that, when it is time to choose I will be the people’s choice.
Some of the improvements I would like to make as your sheriff if I am elected.
First and foremost, responsible stewardship of taxpayer’s money.
Aggressive and proactive community policing.
A much needed emphasis on improvements of law enforcement patrol and investigative functions.
Bring back the honesty, integrity and professionalism to our sheriff department.
And last and certainly not least as your sheriff I will “ALWAYS “ be accessible to your needs.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Leadership Team from SWOSU Places in Top 10 Nationally
Weatherford, OK – A team of students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) earned a top 10 national finish in the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a notable achievement in only the university’s second year of participation. Competing
Clinton VFW Post Renamed in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Earl Plumlee
Clinton, OK — A Clinton veterans organization has paid tribute to one of its own in a meaningful way. The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Clinton has officially been renamed the MSG Earl Plumlee Post 4465,
Elk City Schools Expanding Meal Programs to Support Student Success
Elk City, OK — Elk City Public Schools are continuing to build on academic growth by focusing on a key need outside the classroom, making sure students are fed. Superintendent Mike Sparks said the district’s goal is
Elk City Public Schools Honors Staff of the Year
Elk City, OK — Elk City Public Schools recognized two standout employees during a professional development day last Friday, naming its 2025–2026 Support Staff and Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Mike Sparks said the annual awards highlight
Old Town Museum is Getting New Look
Elk City, OK – An Elk City landmark is showing its true colors. According to museum curator Anna Wray, the Old Town Museum has undergone lots of structural work from top to bottom, and this is being
SWOSU Names Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Danni Sottile of Elk City, Oklahoma as the Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar for Academic Year 2025-2026. Sottile is a senior majoring in Mathematics Education. The
Western Oklahoma Cities See Spring Growth in Latest Sales Tax Distribution
Oklahoma City, OK – Sales tax collections distributed April 9 by the Oklahoma Tax Commission show solid growth across much of western Oklahoma, with several communities posting year over year gains. The April 9, 2026 distribution of
Severe Thunderstorm Winds Cause Semi Rollover on I-40 in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – A commercial vehicle driver from Minnesota was injured Tuesday afternoon after strong winds from a severe thunderstorm caused a rollover crash on Interstate 40 in Beckham County. According to the collision report provided
Elk City Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over Deer Release Program, Agency Inaction
Elk City, OK — State Rep. Nick Archer says a lack of coordination and follow-through between state agencies has led to the release of captive-raised deer into the wild without a formal program or scientific framework in
SWOSU Foundation Raises Over $60,000 at First-ever Chairman’s Tower Shoot
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation, Incorporated (SWOSUF) hosted its first-ever Chairman’s Tower Shoot recently. The premium event was organized to benefit scholarships for SWOSU students from southwest Oklahoma. “We are deeply grateful to
Pagliasotti Earns National Recognition as SWOSU Faculty Athletics Representative
Weatherford, OK – Dr. Bo Pagliasotti, chair of the Department of Kinesiology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), continues to earn national recognition for his work as the university’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), a role he has
Burns Flat–Dill City Schools Facing Budget Deficit, Considering Cuts
Burns Flat, OK — Burns Flat–Dill City Public Schools officials say the district is facing a projected budget deficit driven by multiple financial pressures, prompting a review of staffing, programs, and overall operations. In a letter dated
Sayre Man Arrested After Allegedly Exposing Himself, Confronting Officers During Welfare Check
Sayre, OK – A Sayre man was arrested after police said he repeatedly exposed himself and threatened officers during a welfare check at his home, according to a probable cause affidavit. William Glenn Meserole, 67, of Sayre,
Clinton man charged after alleged hidden cameras found in bedroom
Clinton, OK — A Clinton man is facing a felony charge after police say he secretly placed cameras inside a woman’s bedroom and captured images without her consent, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Custer
RUSO Board Selects Dr. Joel Kendall as President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Dr. Joel Kendall to serve as president of Southwestern Oklahoma State University after appointing him interim president in January. Kendall brings extensive
Missouri Hunter Airlifted After Accidental Shooting Near Mangum; Investigation Underway
Mangum, OK – A Missouri man was seriously injured Thursday in an accidental shooting during a hunting trip in Greer County, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Authorities said the man was hunting with another
Community Open House at Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University invites alumni, community members, and residents of Weatherford and the surrounding area to an open house for the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health on Saturday,
Scooter Rider Injured in Beckham County Collision
Sayre, OK – A Sayre woman was injured Thursday night after being struck from behind by a vehicle along U.S. Highway 283, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at approximately 9:05 p.m. on April
Two Injured in Jackson County Crash on U.S. 283
Jackson County, OK – Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday morning along U.S. Highway 283, approximately 10 miles south of Altus, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m.
Oklahoma Launches First U.S. Runway-to-Space Competition at State Spaceport
Burns Flat, OK – Oklahoma is aiming for the edge of space with a new research initiative designed to put the state at the forefront of aerospace innovation. The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority has announced the
Oklahoma Aerospace Enters New Era with Dual Rebrand
Burns Flat, OK – A press release provided by Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority outlines a major step forward for aerospace development in Western Oklahoma, highlighted by a dual rebranding effort and state-level merger. OSIDA announced a
Coordinated Effort Leads to Arrest in Threat Case
Sayre, OK – A coordinated response between local law enforcement agencies helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said his office assisted the Mangum Police Department
Motorcyclist Injured in Beckham County Rollover Crash
Beckham County, OK – A 45-year-old Arizona man was injured Tuesday evening in a motorcycle crash along Interstate 40 in Beckham County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at approximately 6:13 p.m. on April
Rear-End Collision Reported on Highway 54 in Custer County
Custer County, OK – A two-vehicle collision was reported Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, at the intersection of State Highway 54 and County Road 960 in Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The collision occurred
Burglary at Elk City store results in theft of 12 firearms
Elk City, OK — The Elk City Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect following a burglary that resulted in the theft of multiple firearms. The burglary occurred in the early morning
