TULSA, Okla. — Mayor G.T. Bynum named the next chief of the Tulsa Police Department: Dennis Larsen.
Bynum selected Deputy Chief Larsen to take over for Chief Wendell Franklin when he retires at the end of July.
“I am excited to announce that Dennis Larsen will serve as the next Chief of the Tulsa Police Department," Mayor Bynum said. "The most important criteria for me in selecting the new Chief of Police were that they keep Tulsa safe and that they take care of the men and women who serve our city in the Tulsa Police Department. I believe Chief Larsen will do an excellent job in both regards. His love for the Tulsa Police Department shines through in all he does.”
In a 45-year career with TPD Larsen rose to the rank of Deputy Chief in charge of the investigations bureau, a role he’s had since 2011. He’s also been Deputy Chief in charge of the Operations Bureau and Major in both Special Operations Command and the Uniform Division Command for Riverside.
Larsen graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and completed two leadership training programs through the FBI.
He’s also been active in the community, founding the Mayor’s Police and Community Coalition and working with numerous non-profits in Green Country.
Larsen is married to longtime 2 News Oklahoma Anchor Karen Larsen. They have three children.
The hiring process for the next chief started not long after that. The announcement is being made at City Hall at 3 p.m.
Earlier this week, the city announced five potential candidates in the running to be the next chief.
- Deputy Chief Jonathan Brooks
- Deputy Chief Eric Dalgleish
- Maj. Laurel Roberts
- Deputy Chief Dennis Larsen
- Maj. Matt McCord
Tulsa Regional Chamber president, Mike Neal, congratulated Larsen on his appointment.
“The Tulsa Regional Chamber congratulates Deputy Chief Dennis Larsen on his appointment as the next Chief of the Tulsa Police Department. We are grateful for Chief Wendell Franklin’s years of service to Tulsa and are confident that Chief Larsen can fill the big shoes Chief Franklin left and continue to enhance the safety and well-being of our community. Chief Larsen has been a dear friend of mine for a long time, and knowing his character and dedication, I am certain he is an outstanding pick to fill this important role for our city.”
The announcement comes less than a month after current Police Chief Wendell Franklin announced his retirement.
Franklin's final day with Tulsa Police Department is July 31.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
