Senator Deevers Honors Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Sen. Deevers, R-Elgin, today honored the courage and public service of Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor following the Department of the Interior’s announcement that Taylor passed while rescuing residents from their homes threatened by or burning from the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County.

“David Taylor spent his final moments doing what he had devoted his life to doing — serving his country and protecting others,” Senator Deevers said. “When families were in danger, he ran to help them escape. His courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty represent the very best of Oklahoma and the United States. David was a strong Christian man and laid down his life to rescue others.”

Taylor, 38, was assisting local emergency crews with door-to-door evacuations on August 29. His last communication with dispatch came while he was helping a family leave its home.

Taylor spent 20 years in naval service on active duty in the United States Navy and remained a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve completing five deployments. He also served as a federal wildlife officer at Rio Mora and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

“Our prayers are with David’s wife, children, loved ones, fellow officers, and the men and women who served alongside him,” Senator Deevers said. “The family deserves both our gratitude and its privacy. My office and our church body, where they attended, is assisting the family so that every benefit, honor, and measure of support due to them is pursued.”

”Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” - John 15:13

For those wishing to donate to the surviving wife and family, donations can be sent through this link.