Kevin Ward
Encyclopedia
Captain Kevin Ward, OHP
(born 1963) is an American
police officer
and politician
from the US state of Oklahoma
. Ward previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security
, having been appointed by Governor of Oklahoma
Brad Henry
in 2004 and serving until 2011. Ward served concurrently as Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety
.
. He graduated from Putnam City West High School and the University of Central Oklahoma
in Edmond, Oklahoma
.
Police Department. He joined the Department of Public Safety in 1980 serving on the Governor's Mansion Security
before his appointment the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
in 1985. Upon joining OHP, Ward was assigned to the El Reno, Oklahoma
, detachment of Troop A, which is responsible for patrolling the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area
. He would continue in that position until 1990 when he was promoted to second lieutenant
and became the head of the Executive Security Division, which is responsible for providing security for the Governor of Oklahoma
, the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
, and their immediate families.
In 1994, Ward attended the FBI National Academy
in Quantico, Virginia
. Upon his return, Ward was reassigned back to OHP Troop A to become the supervisor of state troopers in Lincoln
and Oklahoma Counties
. In August 1996, Ward was assigned to the Office of the Commissioner of Public Safety
and promoted to rank of first lieutenant
. As first lieutenant, Ward became the chief liaison for the Department to the Oklahoma Legislature
. He was promoted to the rank of captain
in September 1998 and continued to serve as the chief legislative liaison.
On June 30, 2000, Cabinet Secretary and DPS Commissioner Bob Ricks
appointed Ward as Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, the Department's second highest position. Ward would continue to serve as Assistant Commissioner until October 20, 2003, when Governor of Oklahoma
Brad Henry
appointed him the Interim Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety following the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Ricks.
, in 2004 Governor Brad Henry appointed Ward to served concurrently as his second Secretary of Safety and Security
. As Secretary, Ward is responsible for overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections
, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
, and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
. Governor Henry, at the same time he appoint him Safety and Security Secretary, appointed Ward as the Commissioner of Public Safety
, giving Ward direct control over the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
.
Ward served as Henry's Secretary of Safety and Security until the end of his term in 2011.
, with his wife Renee and two sons Matthew and Mark.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is a major state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. It is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was legislatively created in 1937 due to the growing problem of motor vehicle accidents, the expansion of a...
(born 1963) is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
police officer
Police officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
and politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
from the US state of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
. Ward previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security
Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security
The Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security is a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary serves as the chief advisor to the Governor on public safety and...
, having been appointed by Governor of Oklahoma
Governor of Oklahoma
The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma...
Brad Henry
Brad Henry
Charles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
in 2004 and serving until 2011. Ward served concurrently as Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state...
.
Education and early career
Ward was born in Bethany, OklahomaBethany, Oklahoma
Bethany is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 20,307 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bethany is located at ....
. He graduated from Putnam City West High School and the University of Central Oklahoma
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma, often referred to as UCO, is a coeducational public university located in Edmond, Oklahoma. The university is the third largest in Oklahoma, with almost 18,000 students and approximately 434 full-time and 400 adjunct faculty...
in Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the population was 81,405, making it the sixth largest city in the state of Oklahoma....
.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol service
Ward began his law enforcement career in 1979 at the Bethany, OklahomaBethany, Oklahoma
Bethany is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 20,307 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bethany is located at ....
Police Department. He joined the Department of Public Safety in 1980 serving on the Governor's Mansion Security
Oklahoma Governor's Mansion
The Oklahoma Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of Oklahoma and is located at 820 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.-Construction:...
before his appointment the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is a major state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. It is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was legislatively created in 1937 due to the growing problem of motor vehicle accidents, the expansion of a...
in 1985. Upon joining OHP, Ward was assigned to the El Reno, Oklahoma
El Reno, Oklahoma
El Reno is a city in Canadian County, Oklahoma, United States, in the central part of the state. A part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area, El Reno is west of downtown Oklahoma City...
, detachment of Troop A, which is responsible for patrolling the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area
Oklahoma City metropolitan area
-Metro-area suburbs and exurbs:The following communities are suburbs and exurbs of Oklahoma City with populations of at least 1,000 found within the bounds of State Highway 33 to the north, State Highway 18 and US-177 to the east, State Highway 39 and State Highway 9 to the south, and US-81 to the...
. He would continue in that position until 1990 when he was promoted to second lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
and became the head of the Executive Security Division, which is responsible for providing security for the Governor of Oklahoma
Governor of Oklahoma
The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma...
, the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor...
, and their immediate families.
In 1994, Ward attended the FBI National Academy
FBI National Academy
The FBI National Academy is an independent program for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. The first session began on July 29, 1935, with 23 students in attendance. At the time, professional development for law enforcement leaders was largely non-existent. The program focuses on...
in Quantico, Virginia
Quantico, Virginia
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...
. Upon his return, Ward was reassigned back to OHP Troop A to become the supervisor of state troopers in Lincoln
Lincoln County, Oklahoma
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population as of 2010 was 34,273. It is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area.Its county seat is Chandler....
and Oklahoma Counties
Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Oklahoma County is a county located in the central partof the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 718,633 at the 2010 census. The county seat and principal city is Oklahoma City...
. In August 1996, Ward was assigned to the Office of the Commissioner of Public Safety
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state...
and promoted to rank of first lieutenant
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
. As first lieutenant, Ward became the chief liaison for the Department to the Oklahoma Legislature
Oklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
. He was promoted to the rank of captain
Police captain
- France :France uses the rank of capitaine for management duties in both uniformed and plain-clothed policing. The rank comes senior to lieutenant and junior to commandant....
in September 1998 and continued to serve as the chief legislative liaison.
On June 30, 2000, Cabinet Secretary and DPS Commissioner Bob Ricks
Bob Ricks
Robert A. "Bob" Ricks is an American law enforcement professional from Texas and Oklahoma. Ricks has worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Governor of Oklahoma and in local law enforcement...
appointed Ward as Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, the Department's second highest position. Ward would continue to serve as Assistant Commissioner until October 20, 2003, when Governor of Oklahoma
Governor of Oklahoma
The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma...
Brad Henry
Brad Henry
Charles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
appointed him the Interim Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety following the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Ricks.
Promotions
| Insignia | Rank | Date |
|---|---|---|
 |
Commissioner | 2004 |
 |
Assistant Commissioner | 2000 |
 |
Captain | 1998 |
 |
1st Lieutenant | 1996 |
 |
2nd Lieutenant | 1990 |
 |
Trooper | 1985 |
Secretary of Safety and Security
Following the resignation of Robert Ricks to become the Chief of Police of Edmond, OklahomaEdmond, Oklahoma
Edmond is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the population was 81,405, making it the sixth largest city in the state of Oklahoma....
, in 2004 Governor Brad Henry appointed Ward to served concurrently as his second Secretary of Safety and Security
Oklahoma State Cabinet
The Cabinet of the Governor of Oklahoma is a body of the most senior appointed officials of the executive branch of the government of Oklahoma. Originally an informal meeting between the Governor of Oklahoma and various government officials, the Governor's Cabinet has evolved into a major part of...
. As Secretary, Ward is responsible for overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state...
, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is a department of the government of Oklahoma responsible for coordinating the response to a natural disaster that has occurred in the State and that has overwhelmed the abilities of local authorities. This is achieved primarily through the...
, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Oklahoma Department of Corrections
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is an agency of the state of Oklahoma. DOC is responsible for the administration of the state prison system. It has its headquarters in Oklahoma City, in the former Mabel Bassett Correctional Center building.The Department of Corrections is governed by the...
, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is an independent state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. The OSBI assists the city police departments of the state and is the primary investigative agency of the state government...
, and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security is an agency of State of Oklahoma that is responsible for reducing the State's vulnerability to acts of terrorism and for minimizing and recovering the damage caused by terrorist attacks...
. Governor Henry, at the same time he appoint him Safety and Security Secretary, appointed Ward as the Commissioner of Public Safety
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state...
, giving Ward direct control over the Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is a major state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. It is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was legislatively created in 1937 due to the growing problem of motor vehicle accidents, the expansion of a...
.
Ward served as Henry's Secretary of Safety and Security until the end of his term in 2011.
Personal life
Ward resides in Yukon, OklahomaYukon, Oklahoma
Yukon is a city in Canadian County, Oklahoma, United States and is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. The population was 22,709 at the 2010 census....
, with his wife Renee and two sons Matthew and Mark.