El Reno Honors Fallen Sgt. Thomas Duran with Community Support

UPDATE: The community of El Reno, Oklahoma, is uniting in a heartfelt tribute to Sgt. Thomas Duran, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on October 17, 2023. Duran was struck by a vehicle while serving his community, prompting an outpouring of support from residents and law enforcement across the state.

In a poignant moment captured Thursday night, family, friends, and fellow officers honored Sgt. Duran during an emotional honor walk at OU Medical Center. Chief Ken Brown expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating, “We took that call knowing it’s one of yours, one of your own, and it’s difficult. Imagine even a loss or injury to a family member.”

Amidst the sorrow, Sgt. Duran’s commitment to helping others continued as his family honored his wishes to become an organ donor. Mark Nelson, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, remarked, “It’s admirable beyond words that even in the worst times, Sgt. Duran is still giving back to this community.”

Community members have placed dozens of flowers on police cars outside the El Reno Police Department, a visible sign of the community’s grief and support. Nearby, the Elks Lodge is raising funds for the Duran family. Jared Holden from the Elks Lodge confirmed, “100% of everything that comes in tonight, including tips, is going right back to the family.”

As part of the fundraising effort, a $10 spaghetti dinner is being held, providing a gathering point for the community to support one another. “It’s been a beautiful coming together as well to support this event,” Holden added. “You don’t just have people from our community come in and support it; you have people from other communities. This shows that this community is strong and there’s nothing going to hold us down.”

The tragic loss of Sgt. Duran not only impacts his family but also resonates deeply within the El Reno community. Officials are urging residents to continue showing support as they navigate this difficult time together.

The community’s efforts to honor Sgt. Duran exemplify the resilience and unity of El Reno, demonstrating that even in the face of tragedy, compassion and support can prevail. As the situation develops, the community remains focused on healing and remembrance.