
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.

Traffic Stop on I-40 Leads to Drug Arrests in Custer County
Custer County, OK – A routine traffic stop along Interstate 40 in Custer County led to the arrest of two men on felony drug charges, according to court records. 39-year-old Antonio Gonzalez and 49-year-old Matthew Daniel Boyd

President Trump Appoints Cordell Native as EPA South Central Regional Administrator
EPA Press Release DALLAS (February 6, 2025) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Scott Mason IV to serve as the 14th regional administrator of the EPA’s South Central

Elk City’s Thomas Brothers Earn Back-to-Back Bids at National Western
(ELK CITY, Okla.) — Luke Thomas of Elk City, Oklahoma, once again showcased his dedication and hard work at the 2025 National Western Stock Show Junior Livestock Auction, earning a second consecutive winning bid from Bluepeak for

Three Perish, One Critically Injured in Fatal Collision Near Duke
Jackson County, OK – A tragic two-vehicle collision claimed the lives of three individuals and left another in critical condition Thursday afternoon near the intersection of US-62 and South County Road 194, approximately three miles east of

Candidate Filing Concludes with Races Developing in Thomas and Cordell
The filing period for municipal office candidates in Oklahoma ran from Monday through Wednesday, with candidates submitting their declarations for city council positions in Custer and Washita counties. Custer County Candidates Filing at the Custer County Election

Elk City Police Department Launches Free Citizen’s Police Academy
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is inviting community members to participate in its first-ever Citizen’s Police Academy, a free program designed to provide insight into local law enforcement operations. The academy aims to

Fatal Crash Near Sharon Claims Life of Woodward Woman
Woodward County, OK — A fatal crash occurred early Wednesday morning on OK-34 near E County Road 46, approximately five miles north of Sharon. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision happened at approximately 7:20 a.m.

Sheriff’s Office Scam Targets Residents with Fake Warrants and Intimidation Tactics
Beckham County, OK – Scammers posing as law enforcement officers are targeting residents with a fraudulent scheme designed to trick victims into providing personal information or sending money. The scam, often conducted over the phone, involves criminals

OSBI Investigating Homicide and Fire in Ellis County
Ellis County, OK – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is investigating a homicide in Arnett at the request of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. According to a press release provided by the OSBI, just after

Homicide Investigation Triggers Lockdown at Vici Public Schools
Authorities say a homicide investigation led to a lockdown at a western Oklahoma school district on Monday. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reported that a person was found dead near County Road 200, just west

Fire Crews Battle Grass Fire in Rural Beckham County
Fire crews in the area were busy battling a grass fire in rural Beckham County, northwest of Elk City, on Monday afternoon. Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka said his crews were called out to the blaze

Texas Man Facing Felony Firearms Charges in Custer County
Weatherford, OK – A Texas man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Custer County after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of firearms in his vehicle. Dunyale Latroy Rainer, 43, of Amarillo, Texas,

Fire Crews Rescue Three Dogs from Elk City Camper Fire
Elk City, OK – Firefighters are returning to service this morning after battling a camper fire on the north side of Elk City. Crews arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke pouring from the camper, with

Fatal Crash Near Arnett Claims Life of Arkansas Man
Ellis County, OK – A fatal single-vehicle collision occurred early Friday morning, January 31, 2025, at approximately 7:17 a.m. on U.S. Highway 283 and East County Road 62, about one mile east and two miles south of

Elk City Man Wanted for Alleged Financial Exploitation of Elderly Mother
Elk City, OK — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 38-year-old Robert Wade Leyva, accused of financially exploiting his elderly mother. The charges stem from an extensive investigation by the Elk City Police Department and Adult

Clinton Public Schools Awarded $34.7 Million GEAR UP Grant
Clinton OK – Clinton Public Schools celebrated a major achievement Monday afternoon, announcing they have been awarded a $34.7 million Oklahoma Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduates (GEAR UP) Grant. The seven-year grant aims to make

Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees are Dr. Dennis Friesen, MD, Allen Robinson and Debra Sisemore. They will officially be inducted Tuesday February 4, 2025, between the Elkettes and Elks

Elk City Police Issue Warrant for Two Suspects in Burglary Case
Elk City, OK – Authorities have issued an outstanding warrant for two suspects believed to be responsible for multiple burglaries at the Elk City Walmart Superstore located at 210 Regional Drive. The suspects, identified as 61-year-old David

Arizona Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer in Custer County
Clinton, OK – An Arizona man has been charged with felony assault and battery on a police officer following an incident in Clinton on January 21. Wyatt Eugene Cole Collins, 32, of Glendale, Arizona, was arrested after

Candidate Filing Begins in Roger Mills County for Municipal Offices
Cheyenne, OK – Candidates interested in filing for municipal office in 2 Roger Mills County municipalities will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Februrary 3rd. Kelly Tice, Secretary of the Roger Mills County Election Board,

SWOSU Earns Top Spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Rankings
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has been recognized as one of the top institutions in the region in the recently released 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges and Best

SWOSU Student Rescued After Medical Emergency During Training Exercise
Weatherford, OK – A Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) student is recovering after a medical emergency during a National Guard training exercise at the university pool on Tuesday morning. According to SWOSU officials, the student experienced a

Man Arrested in Elk City After Alleged Assault on Officers and Restaurant Staff
Elk City, OK – A Weleetka man is facing multiple charges after a violent altercation at an Elk City restaurant escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement. According to authorities, officers responded to a disturbance at El

Students Attend Education Expo
By Landry Brewer Several area high school students mixed with college, university, and technology school representatives at the recent Western Oklahoma Education Expo at Elk City’s Convention Center. The 34th annual event sponsored by the Elk City

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Wheeler Man
Gray County, TX – A single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Saturday evening resulted in the death of 62-year-old Gary Forrester of Wheeler, Texas. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, at approximately 7:39 p.m. on State Highway 152,