Tulsa Police Chief Franklin to retire in July

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Police confirm Chief Wendell Franklin will retire this Summer.

Tulsa Police say Franklin's last day will be July 31 after 27 years with the department.

Franklin was appointed in 2020 when he became the 40th Chief of Police for the Tulsa Police Department.

Prior to his run as Chief of Police, he served the department as a Major in the Headquarters Division, a Major for the Gilcrease Division and the Riverside Patrol Divisions.

Franklin thanked the city for the support it showed him over the years on Facebook.

Tulsa May G.T Bynum released a statement on Franklin's retirement.

“I am profoundly grateful for Wendell Franklin’s service as Tulsa Chief of Police. Chief Franklin led the Tulsa Police Department through some of the most challenging times in our city’s history, and he leaves the Department better than he found it. I wish him nothing but the best in this next phase of his career.

Franklin said in a press release that he will remain in Tulsa while working for BOK Financial as the director of corporate security.