Choctaw Lighthorse Police Names Woodruff Chief of Police

DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police has named Michael D. Woodruff as chief of police. Woodruff has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 25 years with the Durant Police Department, most recently as the deputy chief of police. He also has served with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department and the Madill Police Department.

Woodruff holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a two-time Durant Kiwanis Lawmen of the Year recipient. He came to Choctaw Lighthorse from the Oklahoma’s Regional Organized Crime Information Center, where he served as law enforcement coordinator.

He also graduated from the FBI National Academy.

“I’m very humbled and honored to be selected as chief of police for the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department,” said Woodruff. “The Choctaw Nation is committed to protecting our members and our neighbors in southeast Oklahoma. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with the more than 75 local, state and federal agencies we share cross-deputization agreements with. Cooperation is the key to enhancing public safety”, Woodruff said.

“The Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police is fortunate to have such an experienced law enforcement professional come to lead our department,” said Michael Hall, executive director of public safety. “As chief, he will direct and coordinate our daily operations across the 13 counties of the Choctaw reservation.”

Woodruff’s wife, Nancy, is also an associate at the Choctaw Nation, and their two children are Choctaw tribal members. Their son Jake is a sergeant with the Texas Highway Patrol, and their daughter, Kortney, is training as a nurse practitioner.