Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

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For Immediate Release: April 11, 2006

Senator Jonathan Nichols

Highway Patrolman Honored by Senate

The State Senate on Monday honored the exceptional service of Colonel Gary D. Adams, a 38-year veteran of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, approving a resolution in his honor wishing him well upon his retirement. Senate Resolution 88, authored by Senator Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, commends a lifetime of uncompromising dedication to public safety.

“Colonel Adams has devoted the entirety of his professional life to public safety in Oklahoma,” said Nichols. “Adams is held in high esteem not only in Oklahoma, but both nationally and internationally for the development of training methods. Colonel Adams’ service to the state will be greatly missed, and we wish him the best as he retires.”

The Noble resident joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1968 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1986. He served as Turnpike Liaison for ten years, and was promoted to the rank of Chief of Patrol in 1997. Currently, he is Chair of the Southern Region of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, State and Provincial Police Division and also is on the Advisory Committee for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and the Advisory Committee at the Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City campus.

“It’s been a great honor to have served you,” said Adams. “You’re remembered by the hearts and souls you touched, and I know I’ve been touched by many, but I’ve also left behind a lot of me in those 38 years.”

Adams attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City University and Northern Oklahoma College. He is a graduate of the 131st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the 95th session of the Dignitary Protection Seminar held by the United States Secret Service.

Adams was awarded the Distinguished Medal of Valor and the National Defense Award for his service as a Marine in Vietnam.

“Since Col. Adams was a young man, he has been serving his community,” Nichols said. “He’s served as an eagle scout, as a Marine fighting in Vietnam, as a Trooper on long stretches of road, and eventually as a Chief. I think it is an extraordinary accomplishment to have started at such a young age serving his community and state.”

For more information contact:
Senator Nichol's Office - (405) 521-5535