Photo by Christian ToewsNew Patrol Cars Pay Tribute to Original Choctaw Lighthorse Police
Published June 28, 2022
DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation Tribal Police (CNTP) have revealed new patrol cars that combine enhanced safety elements and Choctaw culture throughout the design.
The creative design includes using the Choctaw language, Apohkochi micha Intoksvali (Protect and Serve) and Chihowa II Anukcheto (In God We Trust). It also incorporates a historic photo of original Choctaw Lighthorsemen taken in 1893 in Antlers, Oklahoma.
The decision to make a design change came after the CNTP began having difficulties purchasing police vehicles due to the struggling car market and needed decal wraps that would be transferable to other vehicle models and colors.
“The new design is important as it pays tribute to both culture and history,” said Choctaw Nation Chief of Police Jesse Petty. “The Choctaw Lighthorse of yesteryear paved the way for our current day police officers. Their commitment and experienced hardships to enforce law and protect tribal citizens was nothing short of incredible.”
According to Petty, there are currently 17 new patrol units across the Choctaw Territory, and they plan to release 24 more as they become available.
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About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
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