Former Chief of Police Andy Blizzard and Assoc. Chief of Police Justin Durrett were honored by Oklahoma State legislators and the City of Checotah last month during a Memorial Highway Dedication on Nov. 19. Oklahoma Rep. Tim Turner along with Oklahoma Rep. Neil Hays, Senator Bryan Logan and Senator Avery Frix pushed for the memorial signage to forever immortalize these officers’ names for the community they served and the family they left behind. The ceremonial memorial highway is located at the section of U.S. Highway 266 beginning at the intersection of South 4230 Road extending east to the intersection of South 4250 Road east of Checotah.
Rep. Turner stated it was an honor and privilege to be able to dedicate this strip of highway to his mentor Andy Blizzard and his best friend Justin Durrett.
“Both these men loved their families and their communities and it is only fitting and proper to pay tribute where tribute is due. May their contributions to our communities and our law enforcement never be forgotten.”
Justin Durrett was only 34 years old when he succumbed to injuries of a vehicle accident on Feb. 11, 2018. On Feb. 26 he passed leaving behind his young children, Ashtyn and Tristan, and a community that mourned his death. Durrett had formerly worked at the Muskogee County Jail before being hired by Chief Andy Blizzard to join the Checotah Police Dept. He served as patrolman then as a K-9 officer before being promoted to Sergeant, then to Lieutenant. Durrett was also commissioned as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration and served as a member of District #25, District Attorney’s Drug and Violent Crime Task Force as well as a member of A-ONE Association of Oklahoma Narcotics Enforcers. On July 20, 2017, Durrett was promoted to Checotah’s Assistant Chief of Police by Chief Darren Glover. The pavilion at Checotah Sports Complex is named after him.
Andy Blizzard was only 59 years old when he left this old world on Dec. 22, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment to his family, friends and community that is still cherished today.
Checotah Mayor Daniel Tarkington had this to say about his former chief of police, “It was a privilege to have known Andy Blizzard and to have him serve our community as police chief for many years. He was an outstanding leader in our community who always had a positive attitude and let others know their worth. He was also a huge family man who loved big and made a difference everywhere he served.”
Checotah Chief of Police Darren Glover wiped away tears as he recalled his time of service with Blizzard, crediting Blizzard with why he became a police officer.
“He was one of my biggest inspirations to go into law enforcement,” Chief Glover said.
“I was just a kid when I got to ride along with Andy in his patrol car and that single ride made me who I am today.
Blizzard was known to always be open with everybody and always in a good mood.
McIntosh County Sheriff Kevin Ledbetter had known Blizzard for over 40 years and stated he had benefitted from Blizzard’s advice since 1992 when he went into office.
“I’ve known Andy since we moved out to east of Checotah by his mom and dad in 1980,” Ledbetter said. “I remember him going to work at the Eufaula Police Department and then the Checotah Police Department where he was eventually elected to several terms as Chief of Police before going to work as lead investigator for the district attorney’s office. Law enforcement in Oklahoma and the citizens of McIntosh County lost a friend the day Andy died.
Blizzard began his law enforcement career in 1988 and was also a volunteer firefighter in Checotah. He became police chief in 1994 and served for 14 years before going to District 25 District Attorney’s office where he was eventually promoted to Chief Investigator on the violent crime task force. He was a black water certified diver who also dove during the I-40 bridge disaster in 2002.
Over his many years of service he was involved in the DARE anti-drug program, different booster clubs for high school football and baseball, deacon and treasure at the Church of Christ where he taught teen classes and was even named JC Outstanding Young Oklahoman in 1996.
With so many accolades no wonder Blizzard was named McIntosh County Democrat Citizen of the Year in 2016.
However, if anyone could ask him today what his greatest accomplishment was he would say being married to the love of his life, Karen, for 39 years and leaving behind a legacy in his children and grandchildren.
Turner stated he was pleased with the turnout of law enforcement and city officials who came to pay tribute to both men at the highway dedication and he hopes their families know how much their service meant to everyone who knew them.
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