City of Choctaw -

City Council will hold a special meeting - workshop on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 3:00 pm at City Hall. Agendas can be found here: https://towncloud.io/go/choctaw-ok

Chief Kelly Marshall: A Trailblazer in Law Enforcement
Chief Kelly Marshall has spent more than four decades breaking barriers, serving her community, and inspiring future generations of law enforcement officers. From becoming the first female dispatcher in Oklahoma County to serving as the first female Chief of Police for the City of Choctaw, her career is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and servant leadership.
Marshall's law enforcement career began in 1983 when she became the first female dispatcher in Oklahoma County, beginning what would become a distinguished 37-year career with the Sheriff's Office.
Throughout her career, Marshall continued to break new ground. She rose through the ranks and became the first female captain to oversee the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Patrol Division, a milestone that reflected both her leadership abilities and the respect she earned within the department.
Following her retirement, Marshall began a new chapter in public service by becoming the first woman to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Choctaw. Since taking the helm, she has championed a philosophy of community policing, believing that strong relationships between officers and residents are the foundation of a safe and thriving community. Under her leadership, the Choctaw Police Department has continued to strengthen partnerships with citizens while maintaining its commitment to professionalism and public service.
Chief Marshall's dedication has earned recognition at every level. In 2017, she received the Fabrienne Vanarsdell Memorial Award at the Oklahoma Buckledown Awards for her leadership and contributions to law enforcement. In 2023, she was honored with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award after being nominated by a military service member she supervised. In 2024, she became the first recipient of the Leadership Impact Award at the Women Empowering Women Summit hosted by Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center.
Her peers have also recognized her leadership across the state. Chief Marshall serves as Parliamentarian for the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, and during the July 21, 2026 Choctaw City Council meeting, she was presented with the 2026 Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Chief of the Year Award, one of the profession's highest honors.
Perhaps the recognition that speaks most to her character is one she never sought to publicize. Earlier this year, Chief Marshall was selected as one of only 25 Americans to be interviewed and featured by The Times, the British national newspaper based in London, in its special publication, The American Dream: 25 Stories to Mark 250 Years, highlighting individuals whose lives and careers exemplify the American dream. In true Kelly Marshall fashion, she preferred to keep the honor to herself. It took some convincing before she agreed to let the City share the news, but her humility is just one of the many qualities that have earned the admiration of those who know and work alongside her.
From making history as Oklahoma County's first female dispatcher and first female patrol division captain to becoming Choctaw's first female Chief of Police, Chief Kelly Marshall has built a legacy defined by courage, compassion, and service. She has opened doors for those who follow, strengthened the communities she has served, and demonstrated that leadership is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the lives you positively influence.
Chief Marshall is more than a trailblazer—she is a role model, a mentor, and a source of pride for the City of Choctaw. We congratulate her on these well-deserved honors and thank her for her unwavering commitment to our community.

https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/americas-250th-birthday-dream-survey-anniversary-2sk0jkfd2?fbclid=IwY2xjawTNwKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeS5RlrsLvGkQWZ-iDOM8kUZY4rynbYLgfvyiDwJXETbQCtDOM4nwhEuxBDHg_aem_kI2YUSXlPkCRfPp9iZId5A