Chickasaw oral history and archaeology reveals our ancestors migrated to the historic Chickasaw Homeland centuries ago with protection provided by Ofi' Tohbi' Ishto (Large White Dog).
Ofi' Tohbi' ranged far ahead of the traveling procession. He was a faithful guard and scout, always on alert and quick to sound an alarm should danger be encountered.
Today, a team of specially trained dogs carries on the spirit of Ofi' Tohbi' Ishto in their service to the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. The four dogs — Gaucho, Wit, Tolo and Miko — are more than just loyal police partners. Like Ofi' Tohbi', they are highly skilled, dedicated companions who help keep our people and our communities safe.
According to Chickasaw Lighthorse Chief of Police Chris Palmer, Lighthorse K-9s have served key roles in public safety and department ambassadorship for more than two decades.
“The Chickasaw Lighthorse K-9 program has existed since the reestablishment of the department in 2004,” Palmer said. “Our K-9 program plays a critical role in modern policing, serving as a force multiplier and also a community engagement tool.”
Lighthorse K-9s engage with the public at dozens of community events and presentations annually, and their all-purpose training offers great advantages in solving cases, protecting police officers and keeping drugs off the street.
“Our K-9s are trained in narcotics detection, search and rescue operations, evidence recovery, criminal apprehension and officer protection,” Palmer said. “These varied skills greatly increase both the efficiency and the effectiveness of our department.”
While the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department includes a team of more than 160 sworn police officers, just four officers have the privilege — and responsibility — to care for and train a furry, four-legged partner.
Lighthorse’s current K-9 handlers are Sgt. Trenton Ellis, Criminal Investigator Jeremy Stein, officer Tucker Halstead and Officer Login Light. Each of these officers accepts the responsibilities of a K-9 handler in addition to their normal, full-time department duties.
Capt. Chad Hillis oversees the Lighthorse K-9 program and served for many years as a K-9 handler himself. According to Capt. Hillis, a good K-9 handler distinguishes themselves with a strong work ethic and well-rounded skillset.
“When selecting K-9 handlers, we look for strong work ethic, passion for animals, patience and strong communications skills,” Hillis said. “Other important qualities we seek include physical fitness, a willingness to learn new things and high levels of integrity and professionalism.”
Once selected to be a Chickasaw Lighthorse K-9 handler, an officer will attend an initial six-week handler school. K-9 handlers then train a minimum of 16 hours monthly to maintain proficiency and remain in compliance with their law enforcement certification.
When a devoted Chickasaw Lighthorse police officer is paired with an exceptional dog, the result is a strong partnership. These are the four unbeatable teams working side-by-side daily to enhance public safety throughout the Chickasaw Nation.
Gaucho and Sgt. Trenton Ellis
Gaucho is a 5-year-old German Shepherd who began his law enforcement career in 2022 and is the most veteran canine serving the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. Gaucho and Sgt. Trenton Ellis serve in the Ada precinct and have been paired together for more than two years.
“Gaucho has a very loving personality. I trust him around my kids and other people,” Ellis said. “He always wants pets and scratches, but when it’s time to work, he is ready to go.”
Like all Lighthorse K-9s, Gaucho is trained in narcotics detection, tracking and officer protection, though he is best known for being playful and perhaps sometimes ornery.
“Gaucho will literally make a toy out of anything,” Ellis said. “His favorite toy is a KONG, but he plays with brooms and even my cellphone when he steals it.”
Wit and Criminal Investigator Jeremy Stein
Wit is a 2-year-old Belgian Shepard recently assigned to the Ada precinct to serve alongside Criminal Investigator Jeremy Stein. Not only is Wit just beginning his law enforcement career, but he is also new to the United States.
“A fun fact about Wit is that he was imported from Poland,” Stein said.
Wit is one of several Chickasaw Lighthorse K-9s born outside the United States. Police canines often come from overseas, particularly Europe, because countries like Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic have excellent genetic pools for working dogs, said Capt. Hillis.
Wit has adapted well to his new home and co-workers since arriving in Oklahoma and joining Lighthorse.
“Wit’s personality is that he loves attention,” Stein said. “He wants all the love from everyone.”
Tolo and Officer Tucker Halstead
Tolo is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois with a reputation for being strong, independent and full of never-ending energy. Tolo joined Lighthorse in February 2025 when he was assigned to serve the WinStar Precinct with Officer Tucker Halstead.
In many ways, Tolo’s energy and enthusiasm for law enforcement mirror those of his human partner.
Halstead is an accomplished officer and a member of the Lighthorse SWAT team. He was recently named the 2025 “Indian Country Officer of the Year” by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for his bravery and selfless lifesaving actions while responding to an apartment fire in Ardmore.
“Tolo has a very high drive and loves to work,” Halstead said. “He loves all aspects of the job, but he favors the apprehension portion of K-9 trainings. That is where he excels.”
Miko and Officer Login Light
Miko (written with the ‘i’ italicized) is a Chickasaw word meaning “leader.” The modern form of the term, “minko,” can be seen in the names of several prominent Chickasaw leaders, including Piominko and Tishominko.
K-9 Miko is a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd who joined Lighthorse’s Newcastle Precinct in 2024. It did not take long for him to make an impact on his new department.
Miko was called to assist with a traffic stop June 23, 2024, on Interstate-35. During an open-air sniff around the vehicle, Miko gave a positive alert. Officers conducted a probable cause search and located 1 gram of marijuana, a small pipe with burnt residue that tested positive for methamphetamine and $66,950 in U.S. currency. The cash was determined to be proceeds from drug activity and was seized.
Despite a keen nose for illegal drugs, Miko is known for his playfulness and great partnership with Officer Light.
“Miko is energetic and task-driven, but he loves to play,” Light said. “His favorite toy is a KONG with rope.”
Community Partnerships
Gaucho, Wit, Tolo and Miko have proven their worth to the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department many times, but they make equally valuable contributions to Lighthorse’s many partners.
Chief Palmer says Lighthorse K-9s are often called upon to assist other law enforcement agencies, some of which may not have a K-9 unit of their own.
“A principal of our department is strong community partnerships, including 83 cross-jurisdictional agreements with law enforcement agencies both within and outside the Chickasaw Nation,” Palmer said.
These cooperation agreements with local, state, federal, tribal and university law enforcement agencies multiply available resources and enhance public safety for all individuals and communities in south-central Oklahoma.
“Our many partnerships enhance law enforcement response, ensuring a safe and secure environment for First Americans, community members and visitors throughout the Chickasaw Nation,” Palmer said.
“The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department stands ready to assist our partnering agencies.”
About Chickasaw Lighthorse
The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional law enforcement services to people residing within Chickasaw Nation treaty territory, which encompasses 7,648 square miles and includes all or parts of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma.
The current Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department has served Chickasaw Nation communities for more than 20 years. Reestablished in 2004, the department strives to protect lives and property, reduce crime, preserve peace and provide a safe environment while working in partnership with local communities to enhance their quality of life.
The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department has three precincts, located in Ada, Newcastle and Thackerville. The department has more than 160 full-time sworn law enforcement officers serving the Chickasaw Nation.
For more information, visit ChickasawLighthorsePolice.net.