Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Remembers Sergeant John Harris

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office is grieving the loss of one of its own who died yesterday from COVID-19. Friends of Sergeant John Harris say no one could fill a room with kindness as he could and while COVID-19 robbed him of more time here on Earth, nothing can erase the memories they've made, or legacy Harris left behind.

Sergeant John Harris lived a lot of life in 43 years. He was a loving husband, a father of four and a friend to everyone.

"I think John just has a love for people. And he's always been a public servant and that transcends from his job in the field to his coworkers," said Captain Michael Heisten.

While he got fewer days than his loved ones hoped for, Harris' former squadmate Captain Michael Heisten will tell you he accomplished more than most ever will.

Sgt. Harris joined the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office in 2009. His first field training officer, Major Jason Morrison said he knew early on that Harris was different.

"When he put his mind to the grindstone, he did what he wanted, and he found a way to do it and you know didn't cut corners or anything. He took his lumps, he took his 'no's' and turned them into 'yes','" said Major Jason Morrison. 

Captain Kyle Fickett said Harris helped establish the Officer Assistance Program which gives counseling and mental health services to law enforcement.

"We're accustomed to handling people that are having bad days, you know. But John's level of that was over the top. In everything he did, he saved lives," said Captain Kyle Fickett.

The Sheriff's Office believes Harris contracted COVID-19 while on the job.

"He's not just another statistic - not another notch of COVID's belt," said Captain Michael Heisten.

Harris died yesterday after battling the virus in the hospital for weeks.

"He made everyone at this agency proud. Big shoes to fill. I don't know that we'll ever be able to fill those shoes," said Captain Michael Heisten.

The Sheriff's Office said Harris' funeral arrangements are still being made.

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