The Town of Luther is looking for a new police chief, and the Board of Trustees is having a meeting on Tuesday night to name an interim police chief. This all follows the resignation of Marcus Thurman who held the position of Luther Police Chief for eleven years. He resigned last Thursday, just hours before the board met to discuss his “employment … resignation … or termination.”
Thurman left no explanation in his one sentence resignation letter, nor are Town officials talking details about his abrupt departure from Luther.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, the Board was unable to name Sgt. Mike Oliver as chief, as was alluded to on the agenda. Oliver has been with the Luther Police Department for almost ten years. Other LPD officers were at the meeting questioning why the second in command, Deputy Mike Class, wasn’t named interim chief.
But Deputy Chief Class is on medical leave and was unable to attend a mandatory police department meeting on Friday with Paxton Cavin, the board police department liaison. Last week Dep. Chief Class told The Luther Register he had served the Town for seven years out of a two decades long law enforcement career, and was ready to serve the Town and its residents.
Cavin said Friday’s meeting went very well.
“Everyone was professional and each officer voiced their priority to do what is best for the Luther Police Department. Deputy Class is still on medical leave, so he was not able to attend. All of the officers had the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide proposals for who they thought would be the best fit for interim chief. Deputy Class submitted a written proposal. All proposals, written and verbal will be presented to the board at Tuesday night’s meeting,” said Cavin.
The meeting is at 7pm on Tuesday night. Yes, the Luther Register will use FB Live to broadcast the meeting. However, comments will be monitored to avoid rudeness, maliciousness and the spread of gossip or false information. Thoughtful comments or questions, as always, are welcome.
Meanwhile, the Town is accepting resumes for a new chief.
The Town of Luther is now accepting resumes for the position of Chief of Police. Digital files can be sent to, Officer Manager, Scherrie Pidcock office@townoflutherok.com, with the Subject line “Police Chief Application.” Hard copy files may be sent to the Luther Town Hall, Police Chief Application, PO Box 56, Luther, OK 73054.
Cavin said the job will be advertised through the Town of Luther’s website and FB Page, as well as with the Oklahoma Municipal League and CLEET websites.
I think you have the chief on staff now, it should be Oliver. He is cery helpful and friendly with everyone.