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Incident
Detective Lieutenant Jerry Bratcher was killed in an automobile crash on Oklahoma 9 approximately five miles east of Norman while investigating a stolen vehicle. He was returning to Norman when the crash occurred. He was taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City where he succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant Bratcher had served with the Norman Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and one son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Lieutenant Bratcher gave the Norman Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Norman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Lieutenant Bratcher.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Norman Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Jerry is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 3 officers in OK were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 1963, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1963, 67 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 79th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Jerry was 29. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38. Jerry had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jerry was 29. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Jerry had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jerry was 29. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Jerry had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.7% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.3%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Norman Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 8.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Norman Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Jerry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Norman Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
