TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation’s team of 72 Deputy Marshals and 27 tribal safety officers took their annual Oath of Office in the Cherokee Nation Council Chambers at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex on January 28.
This team of 99 marshals and officers, sworn in by Marshal Daniel Mead, has seen an increase of 17 members since last year’s ceremony.
The Cherokee Nation Deputy Marshals pledge their Oath of Office annually, promising to serve and protect while upholding the Cherokee Nation constitution, promoting its culture, heritage and traditions, and acting in the best interests of the Nation.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, Council Speaker Johnny Jack Kidwell and Marshal Daniel Mead each addressed the tribe’s Deputy Marshals and other Marshal Service personnel during the ceremony.
“Our Marshal Service sets the tone not only for Indian Country, but for the entire country, as an agency that works well with others. One of the principles that the Cherokee Nation and its Marshal Service adhere to is the respect for the rule of law, to be driven by the law. In the 21st Century, we are positioned to exercise our sovereignty, protect our own rights, to govern ourselves, to manage our own affairs, and to protect and defend our citizens like no time in the last five centuries,” Chief Hoskin said. “This is a difficult responsibility that you each carry with integrity and honor. You protect and serve, not to appease any elected official, but to protect human rights, civil rights, and human life.”
The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service is committed to public safety across the Cherokee Nation Reservation’s 7,000 square miles. Cherokee Nation has exclusive tribal law enforcement authority over the reservation, and maintains cross-deputization agreements with nearly 100 law enforcement agencies operating within its reservation.
Since 2022, the Cherokee Nation has invested $184 million into the Cherokee Nation Office of the Marshal, including Public Safety, Marshal Service, and Justice Services.
“I am proud of the integrity of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and so grateful that these men and women work daily to serve and protect not only our Cherokee citizens, but everyone who lives and works within our reservation,” Deputy Chief Warner said. “No matter what kind of day they are having, I have seen our deputy marshals again and again show up to keep our communities safe. Our deputy marshals make a shining example of what a law enforcement agency can and should be.”
Members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, including Speaker Johnny Jack Kidwell, were present for the ceremony.
“The renewal of the Oath of Office is a profound moment, a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred duty our Marshal Service undertakes to protect our people and uphold the laws of the Cherokee Nation. It is a reminder that their authority is rooted in the trust of this community. This Council will always stand firm in its support of the Marshal Service, ensuring they have the resources and advocacy needed to fulfill that duty,” said Speaker Kidwell. “More than that, we hold in the highest esteem the personal qualities this demanding role requires: the integrity to act justly, the compassion to serve with humanity, and the unwavering vigilance needed to keep our communities secure. They carry the honor of the Nation with every call they answer.”
Marshal Daniel Mead initiated the Oath of Office for the Deputy Marshals during the ceremony.
“It is an honor to stand before you all once again to lead your Oath of Office. I am amazed, every day, at the work, the sacrifice, and the dedication that you all perform. I have witnessed you put aside your own needs to make sure that the Cherokee Nation Reservation is safe. It has been incredible to watch you put your oaths into action, seeing them as a reality. Each of you is an inspiration, and I’m grateful for your service,” said Marshal Mead.
Also during the ceremony, three Deputy Marshals received the Cherokee Nation Lifesaving Award, presented by Marshal Mead, Chief Hoskin, and Deputy Chief Warner.
Deputy Marshals Tony Elizondo and Cody Colburn received the award for observing and providing medical aid to a child in distress until EMS arrived on scene. Deputy Marshal Kyle Whitmire received the award for performing the Heimlich maneuver to an elder who had choked during a recent event.