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Congressional Daily Record
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September 17, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of a good friend, retiring Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen.
University with a degree in political science while also serving our Nation in the U.S. Air Force. Dennis joined the Tulsa Police Department in 1979 and spent the better part of the next five decades in public service. During his stellar career, he patrolled the streets of Tulsa, arrested drug dealers while working undercover, and served as a bomb technician.
Dennis earned the rank of deputy chief in 2007. As deputy chief over operations, he was responsible for over 500 officers in all four uniform divisions, as well as budgeting and the personnel and payroll offices. He then became deputy chief over investigations, where he had command over the investigations bureau, which consists of the detective and special investigations divisions, the forensic laboratory, and fleet management.
certifications and advanced training. He is a graduate of the FBI's 185th National Academy and the 42nd FBI National Executive Institute. In addition, he holds certifications in FBI Hazardous Devices, FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction, Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Protection, and U.S. Secret Service Dignitary Protection. During his years serving Tulsa, he earned three Chief Awards, four Departmental Commendations, and the Life Saving Award.
longest serving bomb technician in the United States. Notably, he coordinated the Tulsa Police Bomb Squad's immediate response to the tragic Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and personally spent more than 100 days on site at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, where he assisted the investigation into the worst act of domestic terrorism in our Nation's history. The Federal Government later called on him to serve with a hand-picked group of hazardous devices technicians who developed an anti-terrorism strategy that has since protected millions of Americans across the country. As chief, he represented Tulsa in a variety of key law enforcement issues on a national level through the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Dennis to retire early or exit public service. But his loyalty to the Tulsa Police Department and the city of Tulsa caused Dennis to answer the call to serve as Tulsa's 41st chief of police in 2024. Dennis always maintained that the safety of his officers was paramount, and he proved this by ensuring they had extensive training and the equipment they needed to protect citizens and themselves. As a leader, Dennis was known both for the care he showed his officers and the professionalism, fairness, transparency, team building, and strategic planning he exhibited at every level to ensure Tulsa continued its tradition of policing excellence.
digit drop in crime. Tulsa is a better, safer community because of Dennis's courage, leadership, and service. Standing beside Dennis throughout his career has been another remarkable Oklahoman, Karen Larsen. Married for 37 years, Dennis and Karen share a deep love and faith and are the proud parents of three. In her own right, Karen is a legend in northeast Oklahoma, where she spent 30 years serving the community as an evening news anchor and reporter. A six-time Emmy award winner, Karen's sharp journalism and compassionate reporting won her the respect and appreciation of countless Oklahomans. Dennis and Karen share a true and admirable partnership.
grateful that during my time in office I have simply been able to call Dennis “my friend.” To me and to my staff, Dennis has always been there when we needed him. Night or day, when a problem arose, Dennis was only a phone call away, and I was always able to rely upon his word when he said something would be done. He is a man of uncompromising integrity and character. It has been my honor to work alongside him all these years. While I will miss calling my friend to ask about law enforcement issues, I look forward to calling him to ask about the trips and adventures he and Karen will take together. They have more than earned a long, peaceful, and blessed retirement with plenty of time spent with the kids and grandkids. Hopefully, for Karen's sake, there are quite a few destination vacations already planned.
the people of Oklahoma. We are all grateful, we wish you the very best, and we know that our State is better today because of all you have done for us. May God continue to bless you both in your many days ahead.