Date: April 19, 2025
U.S. News | History | Public Safety | WORLD TODAY
the nation marks the anniversary of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing, Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin is reflecting on the horrific aftermath he witnessed firsthand — not as a chief, but as a young bomb squad commander in the immediate response team.
On April 19, 1995, a truck bomb detonated outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds more. It was the deadliest domestic terror attack in U.S. history.
A Memory That Still Haunts
In an emotional interview, Chief Franklin recalled the chaos, devastation, and trauma he witnessed while leading part of the response team. As a then-member of the Tulsa Police Department’s bomb squad, Franklin and his colleagues were quickly deployed to help with rescue and recovery operations.
“It was unlike anything I had ever seen. The destruction, the sorrow — it was overwhelming,” said Franklin. “Even today, I remember the faces, the fear, and the silence that followed that blast.”
The Role of the Bomb Squad
Franklin explained that his team’s role was to search for additional explosives, assist federal investigators, and help ensure the area was safe for first responders. The scale of destruction meant working long hours in dangerous conditions.
The incident deeply shaped his career and his views on domestic extremism and public safety.
From Bomb Technician to Police Chief
Now leading the Tulsa Police Department, Chief Franklin says those days helped define his approach to leadership, community protection, and crisis response.
“It taught me how important communication and trust are during emergencies. And how critical it is that we never forget the past.”
Honoring the Victims
On this anniversary, Franklin joins thousands of others in remembering the victims, survivors, and heroes of the bombing. Memorial services were held at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, where names of the victims were read aloud.
The Oklahoma City bombing left an indelible mark on the nation — and on people like Chief Franklin, who served during its darkest hours. As we reflect on the past, voices like his remind us of the strength, sacrifice, and unity that emerged from the rubble.
