Mayor Gary Waters announced his appointment of Major Brent Sugg as Pelham's next Chief of Police during the City Council meeting Monday, Mach 20, 2023. The Pelham City Council affirmed the appointment in a unanimous vote.
In 2019, then-Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Scully appointed Sugg as the 28th Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. During his tenure as Chief, Sugg established operational policies and procedures, created legislation that promoted public safety, incorporated measures to streamline investigations, and managed the implementation of new technology. When Commissioner Scully left office in 2021, Sugg was named Major and Zone Commander, a position he holds today.
"The hiring process was thorough and comprehensive," said Mayor Gary W. Waters. "The search drew qualified candidates from across the country, and we got the best of the best."
Sugg began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the City of Norman, Oklahoma. In 1999, he joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and quickly stood out as a leader, serving as a field training trooper and a member of OHP's tactical and emergency response teams. In 2008, Sugg was promoted to Lieutenant and Patrol Supervisor. In 2013, he achieved the rank of Captain, assuming command of Troop A Field Operations, the Training Section for the OHP and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). He also served as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Section, the Office of Professional Standards Division, and Emergency Services.
Sugg holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. He is also a graduate of the 275th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Sugg begins his new role as Chief of Police in Pelham on April 19, 2023.