Police Chief Norman McNickle named 2007 Leader of the Year

Police Chief Norman McNickle was named the Leadership Stillwater Alumni Association 2007 Leader of the Year.

Karsten Creek was the site of the kick-off reception for Leadership Stillwater Class XVIII. Many Leadership Stillwater alumni were present to congratulate the new class members and to recognize McNickle.

McNickle graduated from Tulsa Edison High School and moved to Stillwater to attend Oklahoma State University graduating in 1974. He initially became a business owner then turned his talents to law enforcement. He began his career with the Stillwater Police Department in 1976. He moved through the ranks of patrol officer, investigator, corporal sergeant, lieutenant and Caption. In 1987, he was asked to serve as interim chief of police, and subsequently, he was appointed to the position.

Chief McNickle worked tirelessly to educate the citizens of Stillwater on the need to pass a bond issue for the renovation to the municipal building and the addition of the new police department. He was involved in every aspect of the construction ensuring there would be space for future growth.

The Stillwater Police Department has seen many changes under Chief McNickle’s leadership, such as the K9 program, mounted patrol, school resource officers, DARE, E911, in-car computers for officers and many other programs.

In 2003, the department achieved accreditation through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation & Professional Standers program. The recognition signifies the department maintains a higher level of standards and policies. Well over $1,000,000 in grants have been obtained through outside funding for numerous projects.

Besides extensive training and graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Chief McNickle has been involved in many civic and law enforcement organizations, often serving in the leadership positions. Payne County Youth Services, Salvation Army, Domestic Violence, Frontier Rotary, United Way, Staring Point II and Mission of Hope are just a few of the organizations he has helped over the years. He is also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater.

He is involved with the Chiefs of Police Association and their many activities, such as the Countywide 911 Board, FBI National Academy and Oklahoma office of Homeland Security.

Chief McNickle is truly a leader by any definition. He is a graduate of Leadership Stillwater Class IV and serves as a positive influence wherever he goes. He leads by example which has earned him the continued respect of his employees and the citizens of Stillwater.

Past Leadership Stillwater Alumni Association Leader’s of the Year include Bud Lacy, Mary Rupp and Andrea Kelly.