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.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
Dr. Kalie Kerth Named Director of SWOSU College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Kalie Kerth has been named director of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center. A SWOSU alumna and longtime member of the College of Pharmacy
SWOSU Names King Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced that Mr. Garrett King will assume the role of Executive Director of the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement, effective immediately. This move comes as
Unsung Heroes
By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – Shooting fireworks July 4th at Ackley Park is a lot of fun, but it leaves a big mess. Somebody has to clean that mess. About 100 City employees spent the morning
Candidate Filing Begins for Board of Education
Beckham County, OK – Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candidacy to the Beckham County Election Board July 28th, 29th or 30th, between the hours of 8
OSIDA Board to Discuss Infrastructure, Leasing, and Marketing Plans at July 9 Meeting
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to convene on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s First Floor Commission Room in Oklahoma City. The
Texas Pair Charged in 2023 Elk City Car Wash Burglary
Elk City, OK – Two Texas residents have been formally charged in connection with a 2023 car wash burglary in Elk City, with outstanding warrants now issued in Beckham County. Jennifer McPherson, 46, of Stinnett, Texas, and
Beckham County Sheriff Urges Caution After Gun Stolen From Unlocked Vehicle
Beckham County, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning is reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables after a pistol was recently stolen from a rural area. “In this part of the country, and we’re
REAP Meetings Set for July in SW Oklahoma – Local Entities Encouraged to Attend
Burns Flat, OK – Entities in Southwest Oklahoma are urged to attend one of the upcoming REAP (Rural Economic Action Plan) meetings hosted by SWODA (South Western Oklahoma Development Authority). These meetings are key for communities seeking
Foss Lake Christmas in July Set for This Weekend
Foss, OK — One of Western Oklahoma’s most anticipated summer celebrations returns this year as Foss Lake Christmas in July brings two full days of fun to Foss State Park, July 11 and 12, 2025. Festivities kick
Beckham County Sheriff Offers Heartfelt Words on Texas Flood Tragedy
Beckham County, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning shared an emotional message in response to the devastating floods in Texas, calling attention to the pain felt by families, first responders, and entire communities caught in the
Teen Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun, Firing Shots Near Canadian River Bridge
Custer County, OK — A Watonga teenager is facing criminal charges after allegedly pointing a loaded handgun at two individuals and firing multiple rounds into the air near the Canadian River Bridge on June 29. Cole William
High School Students Experience College Life Through SWOSU Upward Bound
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – High school students from western Oklahoma are spending part of their summer at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where they are getting a firsthand look at college life while building academic
Oklahoma Space Industry Agency merges into Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
By Sandra Shelton, ODAA Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) welcomes the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, (OSIDA), on July 1, as the state’s space industry agency merges into the Department.
PSO Urges Customers to Beware of Utility Scams Underway in Oklahoma
PSO Press Release Tulsa, OK – PSO is reminding the public and its customers across Oklahoma to remain vigilant against ongoing scam attempts. Recent reports indicate that individuals posing as utility representatives are demanding immediate payment for
Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Nears Completion Despite Rain Delays
The Oklahoma wheat harvest surged forward over the past five days, though progress varied across the state due to scattered rain and persistent humidity. According to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, high humidity limited working hours even during
West Winds Motel in Erick Named One of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Erick, OK – Preservation Oklahoma has released its 2025 list of the state’s Most Endangered Places, and Erick’s own West Winds Motel has made the list. Built around 1948 by Floyd Pamplin along historic US-66, the motel
Elk City Gears Up for 4th of July Celebration at Ackley Park
Elk City, OK – Elk City’s annual 4th of July celebration is set for Friday at Ackley Park, promising a full day of family fun, summer attractions, and a grand fireworks display to cap off the night.
SWOSU Names New President’s Leadership Class Members for 2025–26
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the 20th class of its President’s Leadership Class (PLC), a selective leadership development program that recognizes high-achieving students with strong leadership potential. Sixteen high
Boater Rescued After Falling Into Canton Lake Without Life Jacket
Canton Lake, OK — A boating incident on Canton Lake prompted an emergency response Sunday evening after a man fell into the water without a life jacket and couldn’t immediately be located. According to the Oklahoma Highway
Firework Safety Reminder from Local Survivor Ahead of Independence Day
Independence Day lands on Friday, and fireworks will light up the skies all across western Oklahoma. But one local man is urging people not to forget how dangerous those explosives can be. Paragon Communications’ Shawn Wilson knows
Expect Crowded Roads and Construction for July 4th Travel
From the Oklahoma Panhandle to Broken Bow, AAA says a busy Fourth of July travel period is on the way. Nearly 643,000 Oklahomans are expected to travel over the holiday, joining 72.2 million Americans on the move.
Study Highlights SWOSU’s $360.9 Million Economic Impact on Oklahoma
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) contributed more than $360.9 million in total economic output to the State of Oklahoma in fiscal year 2024, according to a new study by the University
Deputies Recover Stolen Vehicle Using Surveillance Footage, Arrest Suspect
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County deputies recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect Friday (June 20) after a sharp-eyed deputy and some solid police work helped crack the case. According to Sheriff Derek Manning, the
SWOSU Announces Spring 2025 Graduates
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the list of graduates for the Spring 2025 semester. Graduation ceremonies were held in May at the Pioneer Event Center on the Weatherford campus.
