Kingston Officer recognized for going above and beyond

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Law enforcement news of a different sort came during the July 9 Kingston Town Council Meeting. Mayor Robbie Kendrick shared a story about an out of town off duty police officer who wanted to commend the Kingston Police Department on a job well done.

On June 23, the Chickasha Assistant Police Chief G.G. Music, Jr. was passing through Kingston on his way to an Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police training seminar in Durant. Music stopped on the side of the road to take a phone call and said one of Kingston’s finest pulled in to check on him.

The traveling officer said he did not get the officer’s name, but was so impressed by the small gesture, he had to give him a shout out. Music said it may seem insignificant to some, yet was most definitely noteworthy to him.

“I contacted the Chief in Kingston to let him know his officer did something that many would see as being minor or insignificant, but to me after being in law enforcement for almost 22 years, it was a sign of an officer taking the time to do what’s right, ‘the little things’ and just checking on people,” said Music. “Granted I was in a marked police vehicle, but he took the time and made the effort to stop and check.”

Music said he contacted the Kingston Police Department on July 1 so the chief could give the respectable officer his thanks and his department’s Challenge Coin, a coin used to enhance morale among law enforcement.

The officer who stopped to check on the passerby was none other than Kingston Assistant Police Chief Chris Watson. He said he wanted to make sure the gentleman did not need any assistance.

“The guy was standing outside of his car on the phone, and I thought he might have been broke down,” said Watson. “So, I made contact with him to make sure he was alright, like every time.”

Watson said it is not uncommon for officers to stop and check on people who might possibly be broke down, or people walking. “We carry bottles of water in our trunks to give people out in the heat, so they can stay hydrated.”

He said that sometimes they carry snacks as well. The assistant chief said there is no reason for fanfare, he was merely doing his job — what any officer in Marshall County would do. “Every officer does this, not just me, and it’s not just Kingston. Marshall County and Madill have grown accustomed to showing compassion, whether they like us or not.”

Watson said they all try to live true to the saying ‘protect and serve.’ He said he appreciates the kudos but is not looking for recognition. He, along with his officers, will continue to make sure every person is safe. “Kingston dedicates 100% of their time to treating everybody with respect and dignity.”

Watson said the officers on the police force are a team, and that he is not doing anything the other officers would not do also