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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Sergeant Franky Dreadfulwater of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service was honored recently by the Tahlequah Elks Lodge No. 2601 as Officer of the Year for the Marshal Service. Each year, the Elks Lodge awards outstanding officers from the four law enforcement agencies who serve Cherokee County, including the Marshal Service, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the Tahlequah City Police. Officers who receive awards are selected by their supervisors. A dinner was held by the Elks Lodge on September 28, for the officers and their families, and each honoree received an engraved plaque, donated by the Elks.

According to Captain Sharon Wright of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Dreadfulwater was selected because he is always ready to assist wherever needed within the department. "He’ll help in any endeavor we have," said Wright, adding, "We know we can count on Franky, and he has been responsible enough to be promoted to a supervisory position." She also commended him for his work in Cherokee communities, teaching the D.A.R.E. program and volunteering with other initiatives.

Dreadfulwater has worked with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service for nine years. This is his second Officer of the Year award.