Head – Healdton names new police chief Sub – Former OHP captain takes over leadership role

The Healdton Police Department is under new leadership. Don Westbrook has been hired to serve as the new chief of police. Westbrook graduated high school from Velma-Alma and earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Management and Ethics at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City. He also served in the United States Marine Corps. Westbrook entered the law enforcement profession with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1988. He retired from OHP as a captain in 2024. Westbrook has experience as a firearms instructor, field training supervisor, traffic crash and shooting reconstruction in addition to drug recognition expert and intoxilyzer supervisor. City Manager Gus Handke said the city is proud of Westbrook's previous service and excited about his future service with the city. Healdton resident faces animal cruelty charges Healdton resident Lauren Murray has been charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty. Murray was charged following an investigation by the Healdton Police Department. Officers Jadrein Monroe and Landon Copeland responded to a report of animal cruelty in the area of Scott Street on July 26. They received a report that dogs were eating a dead puppy due to not having any food. When shown where the dogs were located, several malnourished dogs were located along with other dogs attempting to eat the remains of another dog. Murray, the owner of the house, was reported staying at another location on Scott Street. Officers located additional puppies who appeared to be malnourished at that location. On July 28, Murray was located and taken into custody. She was transported to the Carter County Detention Center. There were 19 dogs initially collected and impounded. Other dogs have since been located. Murray made an appearance in Carter County District Court Thursday and charged with a bond set at $2,500. A preliminary conference has been set for 8:30 a.m., Sept. 11.