Ceremonial signing held for passage of bill honoring fallen OKCPD officer

OKLAHOMA CITY – A ceremonial bill signing was held at the Capitol on Wednesday for legislation honoring Sgt. Meagan Burke, an Oklahoma City police officer killed in the line of duty. Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, was principal Senate author of the legislation naming a bridge in southwest Oklahoma City in her memory. Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City was principal House author.

Brooks said it will be two years ago next month since Burke was killed in an on-duty, head-on crash with an impaired driver on I-44.

“Although she was only 31, Sergeant Burke had served her fellow citizens for over six years and had a tremendous impact on those who knew and loved her,” Brooks said. “She was well represented at the ceremonial signing by her family, and by fellow officers, including Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley. It is an honor to help pay tribute to her life and service by naming the bridge for her.”

Burke’s mother traveled from Colorado to attend the ceremonial bill signing.

“We are very thankful to Senator Brooks, Marianela Castañeda, and their office for the support they have shown our family in pursuing this bill,” said Patti Burke. “When tragedy happens it can, at times, be hard to feel grateful but we are beyond grateful to their team, as well as the Oklahoma City Police Department, the OCPD Wellness Unit, and Meagan's close friends for everything they have done for our family. Oklahoma is the place that Meagan considered home so it felt very appropriate to memorialize her here and to remind people of her love for this community when they drive over that bridge.”

Brooks said an official dedication ceremony will be scheduled later this year.

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CUTLINE: Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, along with family members of Sgt. Meagan Burke, representatives of the Oklahoma City Police Department, with Gov. Kevin Stitt for the ceremonial signing of a bridge honoring the life and service of Burke, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022.

For more information, contact:  

Sen. Michael Brooks: (405) 521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov