Tulsa Police says goodbye to Chief Franklin

TULSA, Okla. — Wednesday is Chief Wendell Franklin's last day as chief of the Tulsa Police Department.

Franklin has served the Tulsa Police Department and the city for over 27 years and was promoted to chief in 2020.

Tulsa Police shared that Franklin has led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of Sgt. Craig Johnson and attempted murder of Officer Aurash Zarkeshan . The centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a ransomware attack on the city, a mass shooting at Saint Francis and the June Father's Day storm also occurred during his time as chief.

Tulsa Police highlighted that the department's Real Time Information Center (RTIC) opened under Chief Franklin in August of 2023.

Chief Franklin announced his retirement and future plans as Director of Corporate Security for BOK Financial in May.

Tulsa Police shared their appreciation for Chief Franklin's service to both the department and city of Tulsa in a Facebook post on Wednesday.