[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DENNIS LARSEN

 Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary career of a good friend, retiring Tulsa Police Chief 
Dennis Larsen.
  A native of Tulsa, OK, Dennis graduated from Oklahoma State 
University with a degree in political science while also serving our 
Nation in the U.S. Air Force. Dennis joined the Tulsa Police Department 
in 1979 and spent the better part of the next five decades in public 
service. During his stellar career, he patrolled the streets of Tulsa, 
arrested drug dealers while working undercover, and served as a bomb 
technician.
  Dennis earned the rank of deputy chief in 2007. As deputy chief over 
operations, he was responsible for over 500 officers in all four 
uniform divisions, as well as budgeting and the personnel and payroll 
offices. He then became deputy chief over investigations, where he had 
command over the investigations bureau, which consists of the detective 
and special investigations divisions, the forensic laboratory, and 
fleet management.
  Chief Larsen's distinguished career is highlighted by multiple 
certifications and advanced training. He is a graduate of the FBI's 
185th National Academy and the 42nd FBI National Executive Institute. 
In addition, he holds certifications in FBI Hazardous Devices, FBI 
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Domestic Preparedness, Department of 
Homeland Security Infrastructure Protection, and U.S. Secret Service 
Dignitary Protection. During his years serving Tulsa, he earned three 
Chief Awards, four Departmental Commendations, and the Life Saving 
Award.
  Dennis was also recognized by the Department of Justice as the third-
longest serving bomb technician in the United States. Notably, he 
coordinated the Tulsa Police Bomb Squad's immediate response to the 
tragic Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and personally spent more than 100 
days on site at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, 
where he assisted the investigation into the worst act of domestic 
terrorism in our Nation's history. The Federal Government later called 
on him to serve with a hand-picked group of hazardous devices 
technicians who developed an anti-terrorism strategy that has since 
protected millions of Americans across the country. As chief, he 
represented Tulsa in a variety of key law enforcement issues on a 
national level through the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
  With this immensely successful career, it would have been easy for 
Dennis to retire early or exit public service. But his loyalty to the 
Tulsa Police Department and the city of Tulsa caused Dennis to answer 
the call to serve as Tulsa's 41st chief of police in 2024. Dennis 
always maintained that the safety of his officers was paramount, and he 
proved this by ensuring they had extensive training and the equipment 
they needed to protect citizens and themselves. As a leader, Dennis was 
known both for the care he showed his officers and the professionalism, 
fairness, transparency, team building, and strategic planning he 
exhibited at every level to ensure Tulsa continued its tradition of 
policing excellence.
  Under Chief Larsen's watch, the city of Tulsa saw a notable, double-
digit drop in crime. Tulsa is a better, safer community because of 
Dennis's courage, leadership, and service. Standing beside Dennis 
throughout his career has been another remarkable Oklahoman, Karen 
Larsen. Married for 37 years, Dennis and Karen share a deep love and 
faith and are the proud parents of three. In her own right, Karen is a 
legend in northeast Oklahoma, where she spent 30 years serving the 
community as an evening news anchor and reporter. A six-time Emmy award 
winner, Karen's sharp journalism and compassionate reporting won her 
the respect and appreciation of countless Oklahomans. Dennis and Karen 
share a true and admirable partnership.
  Though he has earned the title of chief, I am extraordinarily 
grateful that during my time in office I have simply been able to call 
Dennis ``my friend.'' To me and to my staff, Dennis has always been 
there when we needed him. Night or day, when a problem arose, Dennis 
was only a phone call away, and I was always able to rely upon his word 
when he said something would be done. He is a man of uncompromising 
integrity and character. It has been my honor to work alongside him all 
these years. While I will miss calling my friend to ask about law 
enforcement issues, I look forward to calling him to ask about the 
trips and adventures he and Karen will take together. They have more 
than earned a long, peaceful, and blessed retirement with plenty of 
time spent with the kids and grandkids. Hopefully, for Karen's sake, 
there are quite a few destination vacations already planned.
  Dennis and Karen, thank you my friends for all that you have given to 
the people of Oklahoma. We are all grateful, we wish you the very best, 
and we know that our State is better today because of all you have done 
for us. May God continue to bless you both in your many days 
ahead.

                          ____________________