Tulsa's 41st Chief of Police Dennis Larsen has announced his upcoming retirement after more than 47 years of service with the department.
Chief Larsen has been with the Tulsa Police Department for nearly five decades, serving as Captain from 1997-2006 and Major from 2005-2007 before becoming Deputy Chief of Police over Operations in 2007. Larsen previously served as Deputy Chief of Police over the Investigations Bureau and has served as the Chief of Police since May of 2024.
"Chief Larsen has dedicated his life to public service, serving the citizens of Tulsa and men and women of the Tulsa Police Department in ways that will be remembered for years to come," Mayor Nichols said. "I want to thank Chief Larsen for his nearly 50 years of leadership and I wish him and his entire family the very best in retirement."
Chief Larsen is a graduate of the FBI 185th National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. During his time in the department, he has been recognized by the Department of Justice as the third longest serving bomb technician in the United States. Larsen has also received multiple awards from the Tulsa Police Department, including the Life Saving Award, three Chief’s Awards, and four Departmental Commendations.
Under his leadership as Chief of Police, TPD's homicide unit has achieved a 100% solve rate, and overall crime across the city has dropped.
Chief Larsen has informed the City that his last day will be Sept. 30, 2026.
Oklahoma Leaders Weigh In
“Chief Larsen has served Tulsans with honor and integrity for almost 50 years. I’m grateful I’ve had the privilege of calling him my friend for over a decade. He loves his city and I know it has been his honor to serve and protect it all these years. I join many others today in thanking Dennis for putting on his uniform each day and always being willing to step towards danger to keep everyone else safe. He and Karen have more than earned this retirement together and I hope they finally take that trip to Hawaii.”
"On behalf of FBI Oklahoma City, we extend our sincere congratulations to Chief Larsen on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Chief Larsen’s professionalism, integrity, and steadfast commitment made him an exceptional partner and a role model within the law enforcement community. The relationships he built and the positive impact he made on our community will leave a lasting legacy. We wish him all the best as he begins this well‑earned next chapter."
“On behalf of the U.S. Secret Service Tulsa Resident Office, our heartfelt congratulations to Chief Dennis Larsen on his retirement. Chief Larsen’s leadership and steadfast commitment to partnership have been essential in building a strong and effective relationship between the Tulsa Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. His support and dedication to public safety have left a legacy—one that will continue to strengthen our agencies, our partnership, and the Tulsa community for years to come. Congratulations, Chief Larsen, on an extraordinary career. We wish you continued success and fulfillment in your retirement.”
Tulsa Leaders Weigh In
“Chief Larsen is the embodiment of a career public safety servant. The sacrifices he and his family have made to protect our community over multiple decades are nothing short of amazing. He has always been a man of high integrity and good moral standards. His leadership has always instilled those values first and foremost. While I hate to see him go, he deserves the accolades and a restful retirement.”
"Chief Dennis Larsen has dedicated more than four decades of his life to serving the Tulsa Police Department and the citizens of our city. His steady leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety have earned the respect of officers and our community alike.
“While I am disappointed to see him leave, I am incredibly grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he has made on Tulsa. His legacy will be reflected not only in the department he helped lead, but also in the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
“Thank you, Chief Larsen, for your dedication, your integrity, and your lifelong commitment to protecting our community. I wish you nothing but the very best in your next chapter."
"Chief Larsen's retirement will mark the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Tulsa Police Department. Forty-seven years of service represents a lifetime of dedication to protecting our community, mentoring generations of officers, and helping shape the department into what it is today. We wish Chief Larsen and his family nothing but the very best in this well-earned retirement and thank him for his remarkable service to the people of Tulsa.”
Search for New Police Chief
The search for a new police chief will start soon and will follow the City’s standard civil service hiring practices. More information on the hiring process will be forthcoming.
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