Osage Nation Police Department Promotes Safety for Elders

Communications
ONPD and Elders

On March 16, 2023, Osage Nation (ON) Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety and Chief of Osage Nation Police Department (ONPD), Nick Williams, conveyed the importance of safety to Elders while they enjoyed their Thursday lunch at the Elder Nutrition site in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. 

ONPD Officer Matthew Bennett delivered a safety speech to the Elders.  The content of the speech included: 

  • See Something, Say Something | Report suspicious activity promptly.
  • Safe Practice at Home | Lock doors, and garage doors, keep valuables locked up, and vehicles locked.
  • Safe Practice in Public | Keep your wallet in your front pocket, purses or bags across the body and in front of you, and always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Inclement Weather | Tornado, thunderstorm, and fire season are upon us.  Make sure to stay alert and tuned into either local news or a weather app on your smart device.  Contact Bobby Tallchief to be added to the Emergency Management call list at (918) 636-4578.
  • Emergency Preparedness | Keep medication readily available, and have a bag packed with a few changes of clothing and personal hygiene.
  • Food and Water | Each individual in the household keeps at least a week’s worth of bottled water, canned food items, or emergency long-term food stores in a cool, dry area. 

Elder Nutrition Director Amy Dobbins commented:  “I appreciate Chief Williams and his officers taking the time to come and speak to the Elders.  I feel this fosters a positive connection and familiarity between the department and the public - essential for community safety and awareness.  Elder Nutrition looks forward to future visits from the Osage Nation Police Department.”

“I want to thank our Osage Elders for taking the time to eat and visit with us," said Chief Williams. "I want to thank the elected officials for supporting our department and this initiative to make Elders and safety a priority for the Osage Nation.  We hope that this trend continues throughout our Nation inspiring other departments to come spend quality time with our Elders and youth in the future.”

Elders can visit: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/emergency-management to get up-to-date real-time weather information and other preparedness messages. They can also call Bobby Tallchief, Director of Emergency Management, at 918-287-5225.

For Wildland Fire Preparedness and Prevention, Elders can visit: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/wildland-fire-management  They can also call Ross Walker, Director of Wildland Fire, at 918-287-9767.

For ONPD information, Elders can visit: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/law-enforcement-department 

In an emergency, please dial 911. 

Non-Emergency Hotline: 918-287-5510