Senate Honors Norman War Hero/Police Officer

The State Senate this week honored the achievements of Col. Jerry N. Cason of Norman, an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Senate Resolution 14, authored by Sen. Jonathan Nichols, commends Col. Cason on his many achievements and wishes him well upon his retirement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

“Colonel Cason has dedicated his life to protecting the public’s safety,” said Nichols, R-Norman. “Whether serving his country during Vietnam or acting as Chief of the Highway Patrol, he never compromised his duty to protect us.”

Cason served nine years in the U.S. Army, during which time he rose from the rank of Private E-1 to Staff Sergeant E-6. While serving in combat in Vietnam, he received numerous medals and awards for valor and service, including: the National Defense SVC Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Air Medal w/9th Oak Leaf Clover, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Clover and many other.

Cason was hired by the Norman Police Department in 1978, and worked as a member of the Department’s pistol team and Special Operations Unit. In 1982, Cason graduated from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy and was assigned to Cleveland County.

In 1992, he became Troop Commander of Training and Commandant of the 46th Patrol Academy. In 1996, he was promoted to Captain and was assigned Zone Commander and Director of Training. In 1998, he was promoted to Major and assigned Region Commander. Cason was then promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2000, and Colonel in 2006.

“It’s a true pleasure to have the opportunity to honor a man like Colonel Cason,” Nichols said. “Throughout his life, Colonel Cason has exemplified character and courage.”

Cason is scheduled to retire from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on Thursday.