Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen announces retirement

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen is retiring after serving 47 years with the Tulsa Police Department.

Larsen, who was appointed the department’s 41st chief on May 24, 2024, announced he will retire effective Sept. 30, concluding a career that included decades of leadership in a variety of command positions.

Larsen says he wants to focus on spending more time with his family. The search for a new police chief will start soon and will follow the City’s standard civil service hiring practices.

Priorities as Chief

When Larsen took over as Tulsa’s 41st police chief, he told News On 6 his top priorities were public safety, officer safety and addressing the department’s staffing shortage.

“Public safety is always number one. Officer safety is just right up there with it,” Larsen said during an interview shortly after taking office. He said every Tulsa police officer should have the training and equipment needed to do the job safely and return home at the end of each shift.

Larsen also pointed to the department’s shortage of 143 officers at the time, saying technology would play a key role in improving efficiency. He highlighted plans to expand the department’s Real-Time Information Center.

Career Spanned More Than Four Decades

Larsen joined the Tulsa Police Department 47 years ago and held several leadership positions throughout his career. He served as captain from 1997 to 2006 and as major from 2005 to 2007 before being named deputy chief over Operations in 2007.

Before becoming chief, Larsen served as deputy chief over the department’s Investigations Bureau.

Larsen is a graduate of the FBI’s 185th National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute.

Awards and Professional Recognition

The Department of Justice recognized Larsen as the third longest-serving bomb technician in the United States. During his career, he received the Tulsa Police Department’s Life Saving Award, three Chief’s Awards and four Departmental Commendations.

He is also a member of more than nine professional organizations and earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Oklahoma State University.

City and State Leaders Reaction

“Chief Larsen has dedicated his life to public service, serving the citizens of Tulsa and men and women of the Tulsa Police Department in ways that will be remembered for years to come,” Mayor Nichols said. “I want to thank Chief Larsen for his nearly 50 years of leadership and I wish him and his entire family the very best in retirement.”

Mayor Monroe Nichols, City of Tulsa

“Chief Larsen has served Tulsans with honor and integrity for almost 50 years. I’m grateful I’ve had the privilege of calling him my friend for over a decade. He loves his city and I know it has been his honor to serve and protect it all these years. I join many others today in thanking Dennis for putting on his uniform each day and always being willing to step towards danger to keep everyone else safe. He and Karen have more than earned this retirement together and I hope they finally take that trip to Hawaii.”

James Lankford, U.S. Senator for Oklahoma

“On behalf of FBI Oklahoma City, we extend our sincere congratulations to Chief Larsen on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Chief Larsen’s professionalism, integrity, and steadfast commitment made him an exceptional partner and a role model within the law enforcement community. The relationships he built and the positive impact he made on our community will leave a lasting legacy. We wish him all the best as he begins this well‑earned next chapter.”

Doug Goodwater, FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge

“On behalf of the U.S. Secret Service Tulsa Resident Office, our heartfelt congratulations to Chief Dennis Larsen on his retirement. Chief Larsen’s leadership and steadfast commitment to partnership have been essential in building a strong and effective relationship between the Tulsa Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. His support and dedication to public safety have left a legacy—one that will continue to strengthen our agencies, our partnership, and the Tulsa community for years to come. Congratulations, Chief Larsen, on an extraordinary career. We wish you continued success and fulfillment in your retirement.”

Douglas Farrell, U.S. Secret Service Tulsa Resident Office Resident Agent in Charge

“Chief Larsen is the embodiment of a career public safety servant. The sacrifices he and his family have made to protect our community over multiple decades are nothing short of amazing. He has always been a man of high integrity and good moral standards. His leadership has always instilled those values first and foremost. While I hate to see him go, he deserves the accolades and a restful retirement.”

Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa County District Attorney

“Chief Dennis Larsen has dedicated more than four decades of his life to serving the Tulsa Police Department and the citizens of our city. His steady leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety have earned the respect of officers and our community alike.

“While I am disappointed to see him leave, I am incredibly grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he has made on Tulsa. His legacy will be reflected not only in the department he helped lead, but also in the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

“Thank you, Chief Larsen, for your dedication, your integrity, and your lifelong commitment to protecting our community. I wish you nothing but the very best in your next chapter.”

Karen Gilbert, Tulsa City Council Chair

“Chief Larsen’s retirement will mark the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Tulsa Police Department. Forty-seven years of service represents a lifetime of dedication to protecting our community, mentoring generations of officers, and helping shape the department into what it is today. We wish Chief Larsen and his family nothing but the very best in this well-earned retirement and thank him for his remarkable service to the people of Tulsa.”