Nov 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.11

AROUND THE COUNTRYEL

AROUND THE COUNTRYEL RINO, OK.Sergeant Thomas Duran succumbed to his injuries in a hit-and-runwhile at a traffic stop on Watts Street near Wilson Street in El Reno.EL RINO, OK – Sergeant ThomasDuran of the El Rino PoliceDepartment, has succumbedto his injuries in a hit-and-runwhile at a traffic stop on WattsStreet near Wilson Street in ElReno.Shortly before 2:00 a.m. onOctober 17, Sergeant Duran wasflagged down by a pedestrian.While Sergeant Duran was onthe side of the road, talking tothe man, a car struck him andkept driving. The man called forassistance after moving SergeantDuran to safety.Sergeant Duran was flownto the University of OklahomaHealth Center, and after severaldays of intensive care, hesuccumbed to his injuries. Hisorgans were donated after hisdeath.The driver was arrested thenext day and charged with failureto stop at an accident resultingin great bodily injury andassault and battery with a deadlyweapon.Sergeant Duran had servedwith the El Reno Police Departmentfor 14 years and previouslyserved with the Edmond PoliceDepartment as a detention officer.He is survived by his wifeand children.The El Reno Police Departmentsaid that funeral services forDuran will be announced oncearrangements are finalized.To donate to Sgt. Duran’s family,cash, checks and gift cardscan be dropped off at the ElReno Police Department (116 N.Evans Avenue) or mailed to: POBox 1174 El Reno, OK 73036In a statement, the Mayor of ElReno, Steve Jensen said,"It is with great sadness andprofound gratitude that wehonor the life and service of Sgt.Thomas Duran. He was a man ofgreat faith and integrity—a powerfulexample of what it meansto work heartily for the Lord.Sgt. Duran made a tremendousimpact on the officers he servedalongside, as well as those heSERGEANT THOMAS DURANencountered throughout ourcommunity. El Reno was trulyblessed to have him serve ourcity for 14 years.""Please continue to pray for hiswife, Kirsten, his children, andhis family, as well as the officersof the El Reno Police Departmentand all those who have been impactedby Sgt. Duran’s life."OPERATION BLUE SANTACLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATIONDONATE TODAY TO BLUE SANTAFUNDRAISER IN GALVESTON COUNTY46 The BLUES NOVEMBER ‘25

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