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Longtime police chief stepping down

Brandon Clabes speaks during the Midwest City Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. (File photo)

Midwest City police Chief Brandon Clabes is retiring after 21 years as the city’s top law enforcement officer.

Clabes announced he is stepping down to accept a position as director of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

He started his career with the city as a patrol officer in 1979 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Clabes was promoted three times before being named police chief in 1999. He is the longest serving chief in the agency’s history.

Clabes announced the decision to city leaders on Monday. His last day with Midwest City will be May 14. He plans to start with CLEET on May 17.

During his career, Clabes has developed a “community policing” model that relies on strong relationships between police officers and residents. He has also been active with several local, state and national law enforcement organizations.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Clabes serves as a member of the Rose State College Board of Regents, the City of Choctaw Board of Adjustments and other civic efforts.

19 Comments

  1. Ray Sikes on March 23, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    Congratulations to Chief Clabes, one of the finest men l know.

  2. Craig Wiseman on March 23, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    Brandon Clabes is as honorable a man as there is. He has been a stalwart at providing leadership and setting an example of professionalism as Police Chief of Midwest City. I am proud to call him a friend and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. God’s speed old friend!

    • Rickey Barrow on March 24, 2021 at 8:44 am

      Congratulations Brandon! CLEET will be better than ever with you at the helm!

  3. Larry Grant on March 23, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    Congratulations Chief, Cleet will be in excellent hands . Oklahoma should be grateful that you will be at the helm.

  4. Kathy Wyatt on March 23, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    Brandon,

    I wanted to send my congratulations on your new adventure. I know you will give it your best, as you have done in all your endeavors. It has been my pleasure to work with you over the years from opening the police substation in Heritage Park Mall to my long term involvement with the MWC Police Academy Alumni Association. Don’t be a stranger.

    Friends Always,
    Kathy

    • Jami Sue Mitchell on March 24, 2021 at 6:36 am

      So very proud of you!! Thank you and enjoy!!

  5. Joel Buckley on March 23, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    Great man and good friend!

  6. Tony Grasso on March 23, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Congratulations in another phase of your LE career.

  7. Ralph Ashley on March 23, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    This city has been very fortunate to have Chief Clabes for so many years. He will surely be missed!!

  8. Phil cotten on March 23, 2021 at 10:00 pm

    Congratulations. I remember being a part of one of your promotion boards. Great chief. Good luck in New position.

  9. Jay Gamble on March 23, 2021 at 10:25 pm

    Congratulations Brandon and Sandy Clabes. Thank you Sir for your leadership in law enforcement and co-parenting the recent mental health services in Midwest City. You’re truly one of Midwest City’s finest. Best of luck directing CLEET. Sincerely, Jay Gamble

  10. Mike Grimes on March 24, 2021 at 3:08 am

    You retiring as Chief will leave big shoes to fill and the end of a great era. Glad to see you stepping into the CLEET Director’s job great choice. Good luck anyway I can ever be of help let me know.
    Mike Grimes

  11. BJ Dudley on March 24, 2021 at 6:10 am

    Congratulations Chief on your retirement and your position with Cleet

  12. Gary Rudick on March 24, 2021 at 10:06 am

    Congratulations my friend. Looking forward to your leadership with CLEET and your influence on a state level.

  13. Susan Gilchrist on March 24, 2021 at 10:06 am

    Congratulations on your MWCPD retirement and beginning a new adventure with Cleet. Thank you you for all you have done and the assistance you have provided thru the years. You and your presence will definitely be missed.

  14. Gerald Beabout on March 24, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    Nice working with you over the years Brandon. Good luck with your new carrier at CLEET

  15. John Wetz on March 24, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    Congratulations Brandon. You’ve served the city well. Law enforcement in MWC has benefitted from your tireless leadership. CLEET is lucky to have you join their organization. May your new endeavor be blessed with the same success you experienced as Midwest City’s Police Chief.
    Blessings to you and your family.

  16. Steve Thomas on March 24, 2021 at 7:03 pm

    CLEET’s gain is Midwest City’s loss. But he leaves a department so greatly improved on his watch with great people left to care for it. The very best of luck with your new adventure!

  17. Jay H. on April 12, 2021 at 2:54 am

    Congratulations Chief, your a great leader in any venue.🇺🇸🇺🇸

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