Pawnee County Sheriff's Office

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Pawnee County Sheriff's Office Pawnee County is located in North Central Oklahoma and was established in 1894.

10/16/2026

On October 16, 2026, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Cowskin Bay, South, area of Keystone Lake after receiving reports of a body being observed floating in the water. Pawnee County Deputies, with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Oklahoma Game Wardens, recovered the remains of an unidentified white male.
No obvious signs of trauma were observed on the deceased. The Office of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner responded to the scene and took custody of the body. The person has not been identified at this time. This case is still under investigation.

SHERIFF DWIGHT CALVIN WOODRELL, JR.End of Watch: 10/13/2001Some dates carry a weight that time can never diminish. On th...
10/14/2026

SHERIFF DWIGHT CALVIN WOODRELL, JR.

End of Watch: 10/13/2001

Some dates carry a weight that time can never diminish. On this day in 2001, one of our former Sheriffs made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Today, we honor the life and sacrifice of Sheriff Dwight Woodrell. Sheriff Dwight Woodrell was shot and killed while investigating suspicious activity outside of an oil and gas drilling company at approximately 0300 hours.

He and other officers had completed a search warrant for an unrelated case when the sheriff decided to check on the business. While on the scene, he radioed for backup, and when other units arrived, they found him in his patrol car with five to six gunshot wounds. He was still conscious and was able to give the officers a description and possible name of a suspect before succumbing to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

Two suspects were charged with murdering Sheriff Woodrell. The two had been arrested on unrelated charges and were charged while in jail. The primary suspect was sentenced to life in prison.

Sheriff Woodrell had served with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and four young children.

Our newly renovated Westport Substation recently served as the classroom for a two-day De-Escalation Tactics course pres...
10/05/2026

Our newly renovated Westport Substation recently served as the classroom for a two-day De-Escalation Tactics course presented by the National De-escalation Training Center.

This was more than just classroom instruction. NDTC and its instructors incorporated realistic role-playing scenarios customized to the situations, challenges, and individuals our deputies and jail staff may encounter while serving in their individual roles. Having the opportunity to work through those scenarios in a training environment gave our team a chance to practice communication, decision-making, and de-escalation techniques they can take with them into the field.

We were also glad to have staff from the Pawnee County Jail, as well as surrounding agencies, participate in the training. De-escalation skills are incredibly valuable in a detention setting, where our staff regularly interact with incarcerated individuals who may be experiencing difficult, stressful, or volatile situations.

A big thank you to NDTC and their instructors for bringing this valuable, practical training to our team. And to all of our deputies and jail staff who continue to make professional development a priority.

And of course…we’re pretty happy to see our newly renovated substation already getting plenty of use!

After many long hours and a tremendous amount of hard work, the renovation of the Westport Substation is officially comp...
09/10/2026

After many long hours and a tremendous amount of hard work, the renovation of the Westport Substation is officially complete!

We would like to recognize PCSO Maintenance Supervisor William “Muggs” Fields and inmate trustee Dennis Casey for the time, effort, and craftsmanship they put into rejuvenating this facility. Their work has transformed the building into a clean, functional, and operational space for our deputies, area law enforcement, and the public to utilize.

Many of you have probably already noticed our deputies putting the newly renovated substation to good use. We also look forward to utilizing the facility for training opportunities with area law enforcement in the near future.

For the safety and security of our community, cameras have also been installed to monitor both the interior of the facility and the parking lot. This allows the substation to serve as a safe location for members of the public and travelers passing through the area when needed.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bob Sharp and the Peninsula Fire Department for allowing the Sheriff’s Office to utilize their facilities while this project was underway. Your generosity and support of our office and our community are greatly appreciated.

If you’ve visited the Pawnee County Courthouse recently, you may have noticed a few changes. We wanted to take a moment ...
08/03/2026

If you’ve visited the Pawnee County Courthouse recently, you may have noticed a few changes. We wanted to take a moment to explain what you can expect when coming to conduct business and why these new security measures have been put in place.

The safety of our citizens, courthouse employees, judges, attorneys, jurors, and visitors is a responsibility we take seriously. While we hope we never have to face an emergency situation, being prepared is one of the best ways to protect everyone who walks through our doors.

✅ New Metrasens Screening System – We have implemented a new Metrasens screening tower at the courthouse entrance. Similar to a traditional metal detector, this system helps identify potential threats while allowing for a more efficient screening process. You may be asked to remove certain items or briefly pause while entering the building.

✅ Additional Deputy Presence – In addition to our full-time Courthouse Deputy, several of our deputies have generously volunteered to work courthouse security on their days off. Their willingness to give up personal time reflects their commitment to serving and protecting the people of Pawnee County.

✅ Enhanced Emergency Preparedness – We have also updated and strengthened our emergency response procedures for courthouse employees. Staff members have been provided with clear guidance and instruction so they know exactly how to respond should an emergency ever occur.

✅ Clear Identification - As part of these enhanced security measures, everyone inside the courthouse will be easily identifiable. All courthouse employees will wear official identification badges on lanyards and every visitor entering the courthouse will be issued a clearly labeled visitor lanyard while conducting business. This simple step helps deputies and courthouse staff quickly identify employees and visitors.

We understand that security measures can sometimes add a few extra moments to your visit, but these steps are designed with one goal in mind: protecting every person who enters our courthouse.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we continue working to make the Pawnee County Courthouse a safe place for everyone. 🇺🇸

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of retired Pawnee County Undersheriff Calvin Kester. Calvin or “Cal...
07/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of retired Pawnee County Undersheriff Calvin Kester.

Calvin or “Cal” as most knew him by, had a distinguished career as a law enforcement officer spanning over 36 years. He served the community in Cleveland, OK as a patrol officer and Assistant Chief of police for 22 years. During this time he also functioned as an instructor, a special investigator and as the K9 handler with his partner, “Benny”. Additionally, Cal was a jail inspector for the State of Oklahoma for 14 years and completed his service to the people as the Undersheriff of Pawnee County before returning to retirement.

Cal will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the people who were fortunate enough to meet him. Our deepest condolences and appreciation go out to his wife Valerie and extended family and friends.

Not every call for service begins with flashing lights and sirens.Sometimes, it starts over lunch.Earlier today, what be...
07/28/2026

Not every call for service begins with flashing lights and sirens.

Sometimes, it starts over lunch.

Earlier today, what began as an ordinary afternoon at Hickory House quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when a patron began choking on a piece of food. Thanks to the quick thinking of those around her, help was on the way within moments.

Deputy Danny Couffer responded immediately and, without hesitation, performed the Heimlich maneuver multiple times, successfully dislodging the obstruction and allowing the woman to breathe again. His calm demeanor, decisive actions, and training made all the difference during a situation where every second mattered.

We would also like to recognize the staff at Hickory House for immediately calling 911 and helping ensure emergency responders could get there as quickly as possible. Their fast actions, along with the responding personnel and EMS, demonstrate just how important teamwork is during an emergency.

We’re grateful to report that after being evaluated by EMS, the patient was doing well and was able to be released.

Outstanding work, Deputy Couffer. Your professionalism, training, and commitment to serving our community were on full display today.

💙 Please join us in giving Deputy Couffer a well-deserved shoutout for a job exceptionally well done!

07/23/2026

On Tuesday evening, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report involving a child who had been taken from a parent during a potentially violent situation.

From the moment the call came in, our deputies, investigators, dispatchers, and Sheriff immediately began working to locate the child and the suspect. An AMBER Alert was quickly requested and issued, and within approximately one hour of the initial call, the suspect was located and the child was found safe.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Cleveland PD and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office for their immediate response and the tremendous resources they brought to this incident. Their professionalism, urgency, and partnership were instrumental in helping bring this situation to a safe resolution.

We also want to recognize our incredible Pawnee County dispatchers, whose calm voices, quick thinking, and behind-the-scenes coordination helped keep this rapidly evolving situation moving forward. While they may not be seen on the front lines, they are often the lifeline connecting responding units, coordinating critical information, and ensuring everyone has what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Successful outcomes like this simply aren’t possible without their dedication, knowledge, and unwavering professionalism.

While this case remains under investigation and charges are currently pending against the suspect, we wanted our community to know that this incident serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with one common goal: protecting the most vulnerable among us.

07/23/2026

🤠🐴 It’s Rodeo Time, Pawnee County! 🐴🤠

There are traditions… and then there are Pawnee County traditions. ❤️🤍💙

For generations, the Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo has brought families, friends, neighbors, and visitors together to celebrate our western heritage. From the grand entry to the last bull ride, there’s just something special about seeing our community come alive under the arena lights.

Join us July 23rd–25th for three nights of world-class rodeo action, great food, family fun, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or it’s your very first time through the gates, there’s something for everyone!
You’ll see our deputies throughout the weekend keeping everyone safe and maybe even sneaking in a funnel cake or two when nobody’s looking. (No promises… and definitely no evidence. 😉🍿)

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to the incredible Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo Committee. Events like this don’t happen by accident. Countless volunteers spend months planning, organizing, and working behind the scenes to bring this one-of-a-kind tradition to our community year after year. We are honored to be included and grateful for everything you do to keep this beloved event thriving.

A few friendly reminders:
⭐ Please drive carefully and watch for increased traffic and pedestrians.
⭐ Be patient leaving the grounds—everyone’s headed home at the same time.
⭐ If you see one of our deputies, stop by and say hello! We always enjoy visiting with the people we’re proud to serve.

The Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo isn’t just an event, it’s a tradition that reminds us what makes Pawnee County so special.

We can’t wait to see everyone July 23rd–25th… we’ll be there, and we hope you will too!

See y’all at the rodeo! 🤠🇺🇸🐂

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of determined patriots decided that freedom was worth fighting for… and we’re p...
07/04/2026

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of determined patriots decided that freedom was worth fighting for… and we’re pretty grateful they did.

Today, we celebrate 250 years of the greatest experiment in liberty the world has ever known. 🇺🇸

Here in Pawnee County, we’re thankful to call this incredible country home and to serve the people who make our community such a special place. Whether you’re spending the day at the lake, around the grill, watching fireworks, or just enjoying time with family and friends, we hope your Independence Day is filled with laughter, good memories, and plenty of red, white, and blue.

A few friendly reminders from your Sheriff’s Office:
🇺🇸 Please celebrate responsibly.
🇺🇸 Don’t drink and drive—we’d much rather wave at you from the parade route than meet you on the side of the highway.
🇺🇸 Keep an eye on your kiddos around fireworks and water.
🇺🇸 And if your dog suddenly believes the sky is falling because of fireworks… they’re not alone.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let’s also take a moment to remember those who built this nation, those who defended it, and those who continue to serve it every day.

From all of us at the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, thank you for allowing us to serve this amazing community.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! ❤️🤍💙

God Bless Pawnee County, and God Bless the USA! 🇺🇸

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500 Harrison Street
Pawnee, OK
74058

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