Two Oklahoma Troopers Head to Ohio for National Top Trooper Competition

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers Byron Pletcher and Summer Smith are heading to Ohio next week to represent the state at the 2nd Annual National Top Trooper Competition. The event takes place at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, where troopers from across the country are tested in driving, physical fitness, firearms and leadership assessment. Both troopers were recognized this week by Chief Joe Williams after being named top troopers in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has some recent history at this event. Trooper Mike Brown took top honors at last year’s national competition, which means Pletcher and Smith arrive with a standard to match and plenty of motorists back home watching. The skills on display are the same ones troopers use daily on I-44, Highway 62, and every back road between Lawton and the Wichita Mountains.

There’s also a possibility Oklahoma hosts next year’s competition at its new state training facility, which would bring the country’s best troopers right here. The department will share updates throughout next week as Pletcher and Smith compete. Keep an eye on our page for results.

Who are you cheering for, Pletcher or Smith? Let us know in the comments.