Friday, May 26, 1978, was one of the deadliest days in the history of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Trooper Billy Young and Trooper Pappy Summers were shot and killed while participating in a manhunt for two escapees from the McAlester Penitentiary.
Young and Summers encountered the fugitives on a county road near Kenefic and were killed in an ensuing gunfight.
Within minutes, OHP aircraft spotted the escapees’ stolen vehicle at a residence in Caddo and directed OHP patrol units to that area. Another gunfight erupted, and 2nd Lt. James “Pat” Grimes was shot and killed.
On Memorial Day, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will honor the three slain troopers with a service in Caddo at the intersections of McPhearson and Court streets.
The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute by the OHP Honor Guard, the posting of a new American flag at the site and the setting of a wreath in remembrance. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.
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Friday, May 26, 1978, was one of the deadliest days in the history of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Trooper Billy Young and Trooper Pappy Summers were shot and killed while participating in a manhunt for two escapees from the McAlester Penitentiary.
Young and Summers encountered the fugitives on a county road near Kenefic and were killed in an ensuing gunfight.
Within minutes, OHP aircraft spotted the escapees’ stolen vehicle at a residence in Caddo and directed OHP patrol units to that area. Another gunfight erupted, and 2nd Lt. James “Pat” Grimes was shot and killed.
On Memorial Day, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will honor the three slain troopers with a service in Caddo at the intersections of McPhearson and Court streets.
The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute by the OHP Honor Guard, the posting of a new American flag at the site and the setting of a wreath in remembrance. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.
