(STILLWATER, OK) – Earlier today, the Stillwater Police Department (SPD) honored Sergeant Steve Hoffman with a ceremonial “walkout” for his 38 years of service. The ceremony included police, fire, elected officials, family, friends, and fellow personnel from city and county offices.
Sgt. Hoffman’s career with the SPD has multiple noteworthy initiatives that provide additional safeguards to residents and visitors. Hoffman was one of the founding members of SPD’s SWAT Team and eventually became a SWAT Team Commander. He served as a Field Training Officer for new officers, served as the department’s Training Coordinator for many years, and was a member of the department’s Honor Guard Unit.
He was a founding member of SPD’s Mounted Unit, whereas officers patrol on horseback for increased visibility, which served the community for many years. The Mounted Unit helped with crowd control and crime prevention during large celebrations such as Oklahoma State University Homecoming festivities and Eskimo Joe’s weekend.
“For more than 38 years, Sgt. Hoffman has been the epitome of who a Stillwater Police Officer should be, unequivocally committed to protecting and serving our citizens. The initiatives he has helped develop have been a safeguard for many years and will continue to be utilized. While his thumbprint as an officer is admirable, above all else – Steve was a friend and a leader to those he worked with daily,” said SPD Chief Jeff Watts.
Most recently, Sgt. Hoffman served on SPD patrol and watched over the Stillwater City Council meetings and other important events at City Hall.
City Manager Norman McNickle, Mayor Joyce and Councilors acknowledged Sgt. Hoffman Monday evening during the meeting. McNickle included about Hoffman, “he has been your guardian angel for the past several years, he has been a faithful servant to the citizens, to the council, and we most certainly appreciate his service. We wish him and his family the best in his retirement and this new chapter in their lives.”
The ceremony included a final call from dispatch to Sgt. Hoffman.
Dispatcher: “Central 51”
Hoffman: “51”
Dispatcher: “Sergeant Steve Hoffman, badge number 51, has served our citizens for over 38 years as a Stillwater Police Officer. He has held many roles during his tenure. Sgt. Hoffman was one of the founding members of the Stillwater Police Dept.’s SWAT Team and Mounted Unit, which served our citizens for many years. The Mounted Unit was most impactful during large celebrations such as Eskimo Joe’s weekend. Sgt. Hoffman served as a Field Training Officer, member of the department’s Honor Guard Unit, SWAT Team member, and SWAT Team Commander. Sgt. Hoffman was the department’s Training Coordinator for many years prior to his rotation back to the Patrol Division. Above all else, Steve was a friend and a leader to those he worked with daily. Congratulations, Sgt. Hoffman, we wish you and your family the very best and we are all grateful to have worked alongside you. End of broadcast, KKD361.”
Hoffman: “51 Central, I’ll be 10-7. Thank you, love you guys.”
Dispatcher: “Congratulations.”
Sgt. Hoffman plans to continue serving and protecting the community in another capacity.
Sgt. Hoffman’s “walkout” ceremony is available for viewing on the Stillwater Police Department Facebook page.
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For inquiries, contact Dawn Jones, PIO, Communications Department at (405) 742-8214 or email dawn.jones@stillwater.org.
