Kevin Ward – Undersheriff

Kevin was born and raised in Bethany, Oklahoma. He attended Putnam City Schools graduating from Putnam City West in 1980.

He began his law enforcement career at the Bethany Police Department in 1979 as a dispatcher. After graduating high school, he joined the Department of Public Safety as a Mansion Security Officer in 1980. Kevin graduated from CLEET basic police academy C83B3.

In 1985, Kevin graduated from the 41st Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy as a state trooper. His initial assignment was to the El Reno detachment of Canadian County. While in this assignment he was assigned to the Highway Patrol's Tactical Team. He has resided in Canadian County ever since.

In 1990, Kevin was transferred to the Highway Patrol's Governor's Security detail. He provided personal protection to Governors Bellmon and Walters and their families. In 1991, Kevin was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and put in charge of Governor Security matters.

In 1994, Kevin graduated from the 176th FBI National Police Academy in Quantico, Virginia. On return to Oklahoma, he was reassigned to the Highway Patrol's Troop A Headquarters in Oklahoma City.

In 1996, Kevin was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to the Department of Public Safety's Commissione's Office. He was assigned legislative liaison duties on matters concerning the Department and the state legislature. In 1998, Kevin was promoted to Captain.

In 2000 Kevin was appointed to Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety by DPS Commissioner Bob Ricks.

In 2003, Kevin was named the Commissioner of Public Safety by Governor Brad Henry. In 2004, Kevin was also appointed to Governor Brad Henry's Cabinet as the Oklahoma Secretary for Safety and Security. In 2009, Kevin graduated from the FBI's National Police Executive Institute. He retired from the Department in 2011.

Soon after retirement, Kevin's desire to continue working in law enforcement led him to join the Canadian County Sheriff's Office. He was appointed as Captain over the Investigations Division.

In 2017, Sheriff Chris West appointed Kevin as his Undersheriff.

Kevin has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Oklahoma. He possess an advanced CLEET peace officer certification. He is a certified firearms instructor, criminal investigator, and other law enforcement related areas. He is a 2005 Leadership Oklahoma graduate.

Kevin married Renee Padgett in 1987. She teaches high school English. They have two adult sons, Matt and Mark. Kevin and Renee are members of Discovery Church in Yukon.