From Dispatch to patrol officer, officer enjoys Lighthorse duties.

FROM DISPATCH TO PATROL OFFICER

ADA, OK - While growing pu in Ada, D. Michael Holloway had a strong interest in law enforcement. When a dispatcher position wit the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Opened in 2004, he seized the opportunity.

ADA, OK -- While

     Fast forward about four years and Holloway can now be found in a patrol car working as one of the newest Lighthorse Police Officers.

    "I am the rookie around here," he said.

     Many people who work with the Chickasaw Nation recognize his name. That's becuase as a despatcher, he would email inclement weather updates.

     He enjoyed working as a dispatcher to be a police officer was the right choice for him.

     Since becoming a commissioned officer this year, Holloway is now experiencing law enforcement form a different perspective. He intends to further his knowledge and career. He aspires to join the LHP SWAT and dive teas and has plans to work as an investigator.

     During his four years at LHP, Holloway completed a wide variety of training, from hostage negotiations to taser training.

     He is one of the only dispatchers in  the state to complete the basic telecommunications operator training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, N.M. He has had extensive computer software traiing, and maintains an Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telephone Support certification.

     His most recent accomplisment was completion of Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) courses in January 2009.

     "I started out with no knowledge, I just knew I wanted to be in law enforcement," he said.

      Although, he has never worked anywhere but Lighthorse Police, he says he knows he is with the best agency.

      He describes working with other Lighthorse officers as "family life."

      "Everyone treats you like family," he said. "If you need something they are willing to help. And when you take the initiative for addition training they back you up."

     A citizen of the Citizen Potawatomie Tribe, Holloway was "born and raised" in Ada and graduated from Ada High School.

     His interests are varied. He is a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, thanks in part to a family-owned martial arts studio in Ada.

     "Ever since I could walk I have been doing Tae Kwon Do," he said.

     Martial arts cpmptetion has taken hi mfrom Seattle to Puerto Rico. He had won five state, two regional championship titles and first and second place at an international competition.

     When not working, Holloway and his wife Ashlee are busy with their two sons, one-year-old Bradon and three-year-old Braxton.