HOMINY, Okla. — An Oklahoma corrections lieutenant is about to obtain a nationwide Medal of Honor after stepping in to assist a police officer throughout a violent off-duty encounter.
Lt. Tyler Gaines of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections was chosen to obtain the Bronze Medal of Honor from One Voice United, a nationwide group that acknowledges extraordinary braveness, service and professionalism amongst corrections professionals.
The recognition stems from Gaines’ actions in September 2025 in Hominy, Oklahoma, when he encountered a police officer scuffling with a suspect who was making an attempt to achieve management of the officer’s firearm.
At the time, Gaines — then a sergeant — was driving by on his approach to meet household when he observed Hominy Police Officer George Calkins having problem throughout an arrest, ODOC mentioned.
“I could see things weren’t going well for him,” Gaines mentioned. “Two or more TASERs had little to no effect. It made me think this guy is under the influence of something.”
According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the scenario escalated when the suspect tried to seize Calkins’ weapon.
“With the guy much larger than I am, under the influence of something and my stature, it was going to be hard to fight somebody off,” Calkins mentioned. “I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”
Gaines intervened, serving to pull the suspect’s fingers away from the firearm and helping in securing him in handcuffs.
“When he came over to help, he said, ‘I deal with guys like this at the prison. There is no way I was going to let you go through that alone,’” Calkins mentioned.
Hominy Police Chief Kenny Underwood mentioned the intervention doubtless prevented the scenario from turning lethal.
“It could have turned deadly very quickly,” Underwood mentioned. “But thanks to the ODOC officer, we were able to keep everyone safe.”
Calkins suffered a damaged hand throughout the wrestle.
The suspect, recognized as Benjamin Levi Walton, was booked into the Osage County Jail and faces a number of prices, together with aggravated assault and battery on a police officer, first-degree housebreaking and public intoxication.
The One Voice United National Medal of Honor program acknowledges corrections professionals who go above and past the decision of obligation. This 12 months, 94 professionals from 24 states had been nominated, with three chosen to obtain Medal of Honor awards.
“Tyler’s willingness to step into danger to protect another first responder reflects the very best of our profession and this national honor is well deserved,” ODOC Director Justin Farris mentioned. “I’m extremely proud of all our officers and this highlights the selfless dedication they demonstrate every day to protecting public safety and making Oklahoma stronger.”
Gaines is scheduled to be honored on the One Voice United National Medal of Honor ceremony on May 1 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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