06/30/2026
Every photograph. Every badge. Every worn uniform. Every report. Every piece of equipment tucked away in a box has a story to tell.
But those stories aren't just about sheriffs and deputies.
They're about the families they served. The communities they protected. The neighborhoods that grew around them. The tragedies that tested us. The celebrations that brought us together. They are pieces of our story.
The future home of the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office Heritage Collection is now complete as part of the Sheriff's Office's $17.5 million headquarters renovation. With the space ready, the next chapter begins.
Since 2013, picking up where former Sheriff John Whetsel began, Staff Sgt. Bradley Wynn has worked to expand and preserve the Collection. What started as a passion project has grown into a collection of thousands of artifacts spanning more than 135 years of service to Oklahoma County. But that collection has now grown beyond what one person can reasonably preserve alone.
Now we need your help.
The collection must be carefully cataloged, researched, photographed, and preserved so future generations can better understand not only the history of the Sheriff's Office, but the history of the people and communities it has served.
Because history isn't simply about remembering the past.
It's about understanding where we came from, recognizing the people whose lives shaped our own, and discovering the connections that bind us together. Every one of us is a thread woven into a much larger tapestry. When we preserve those threads, we preserve something far greater than artifacts. We preserve identity, community, and the stories that remind us who we are.
We're looking for volunteers who are interested in history, museums, archives, genealogy, photography, preservation, or research—or simply have a desire to be part of something meaningful. No special experience is required. Just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help preserve a legacy that belongs to all of us.
Sheriff Tommie Johnson III has a long-term vision of establishing a foundation to support and protect this collection for generations to come. Until then, the success of this effort depends on people who believe that preserving history matters.
If you've ever wondered how you could make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity.
Help us preserve more than artifacts.
Help us preserve the stories that connect us all.
Our history. Our story.
If you're interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact Staff Sgt. Bradley Wynn.
Email: [email protected].
Text: (405) 833-1727
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