Chickasaw Lighthorse and Moore Police Department collaborate for joint training academy

The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Moore, Oklahoma, Police Department recently strengthened their commitment to public safety through a collaborative training academy for new officers — an effort leaders say highlights the two departments’ long-standing relationship and shared values of professionalism and service.

The Moore Police Academy began in September 2024 when two Chickasaw Lighthorse recruits, Carlos Savala and Brycen Ingrum, joined five new recruits from Moore PD to learn and train together.

The effort and vision to create the joint academy began much earlier, according to Chickasaw Nation Commissioner of Tribal Law Enforcement Randy Wesley.

“Moore Chief of Police Todd Gibson researched our department and was impressed with the caliber of officers we hire,” Wesley said. “He approached me to see if we would be interested in sending our cadets to their academy.”

Moore Deputy Chief Blake Green said the new collaboration is a natural extension of strong existing relationships and cooperation.

“This partnership was a natural fit,” Green said. “Commissioner Wesley and Chief Gibson have an extremely productive professional relationship, and this partnership is the fruit and evidence of that.”

The 24-week academy was conducted in Moore and brought together recruits and instructors from each agency to share knowledge, develop practical skills and build relationships that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries.

Cadets received extensive instruction in patrol and self-defense tactics, firearms, law enforcement driving, communication skills, legal procedures and scenario-based training designed to prepare officers for real-world situations.

Officer Savala said the academy was an outstanding experience from the very start.
“I couldn’t ask for a better introduction into law enforcement,” Savala said. “On day one we were made to feel like a team. From Chief Gibson to the training staff and all the other officers at Moore PD, everyone wanted to see us succeed.”

Lighthorse Assistant Chief of Police Terrance Bush said academies such as the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center provide excellent foundational training for law enforcement, what sets this academy apart is the opportunity to reinforce those foundations by working closely with an agency that shares a similar philosophy and approach to policing.

“We chose Moore PD because they emphasize professionalism, accountability, community service and high officer standards – just as we do,” Bush said. “Working together, we ensure graduating officers have the skills, mindset and values consistent with both departments.”

High standards of skill, professionalism and partnerships were constant themes throughout the academy.

“The standards that both agencies agreed to for this academy are some of the highest in the state,” Green said. “By going above and beyond the minimum necessary requirements, we ensure that our constituents receive the best possible service our agencies can provide.”

Because public safety does not stop at city limits or treaty territory, Wesley said strong relationships like the one developed with Moore PD are necessary to ensure agencies are ready to work together whenever needed.

“Strong partnerships help foster better working relationships and improve the exchange of information to aid in solving criminal cases between agencies,” Wesley said. “Partnerships are important to Lighthorse.”

The academy concluded Feb. 21 when the seven graduating officers received their badges in a pinning ceremony at First Moore Baptist Church. Chickasaw Nation Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby and Moore Mayor Mark Hamm provided remarks to the officers and their families during the ceremony.

After graduation, the seven newly badged officers returned to their respective departments ready to hit the ground running with field training. Savala will begin his Lighthorse career serving at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma, while Ingrum will serve at the Newcastle Precinct, which serves the northwestern region of the Chickasaw Nation.

“I look forward to using what I’ve learned and applying it with Lighthorse to better serve the Chickasaw Nation,” Ingrum said. “My experience training with the Moore Police Department was excellent.”

A typical law enforcement academy is approximately six months in length, but the skills and relationships developed in the Moore academy will serve officers of both agencies well into the future and throughout their careers.

“When two departments operate with a strong commitment to the same core principles, we can share knowledge and ensure we are preparing our respective officers to meet the challenges of modern law enforcement,” Bush said. “This partnership will have a lasting impact for years to come.”