By Chief Jason DeLonais
When I was appointed chief of police eight years ago, the agency was in shambles. Several officers were under investigation by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training for misconduct, and the citizens of Fletcher had lost all trust in us. The first step in rebuilding the department — and restoring that trust — was redefining what we stood for. Within this challenge was opportunity: a rare chance to lead by example and define who we are and how we serve the public trust.
Though we lacked the sprawling structure of larger agencies, we weren’t bogged down by red tape. One overlooked advantage small departments have is agility — the ability to implement change quickly. When led with intention, small and rural agencies can do more than survive. We can lead.
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The peace officer rebrand
Fletcher PD officers are referred to as peace officers — a deliberate shift from enforcers to protectors. The title often sparks curiosity from the public and invites meaningful dialogue about who we are and the values behind our work.
Peace Officer is displayed prominently on our badges, marked on our vehicles and worn boldly across our external vest carriers. It’s a daily reminder — to both the public and our officers — of the role we serve and the standard we uphold.
We also use the title across our social media and official communications. Local news outlets have adopted it when referencing our agency, making Fletcher PD the only department in the region regularly identified this way. This consistent language reinforces our mission and builds public recognition.
We’re not just enforcing laws — we’re defending peace, protecting life and building trust.
A mission with meaning
Fletcher PD’s mission is simple but powerful: To serve as community protectors, safeguarding life, keeping the peace and upholding law and order.
We lead with life and peace — enforcement is a tool, not the goal. People come first. That message guides our internal culture and our external service. We see ourselves, and are seen by our community, as stewards of peace and justice.
Core values that reflect action
Our values reflect what we do — not just what we believe. Developed collaboratively, they align with our mission:
- Safety – Protecting life above all else
- Security – Promoting a stable, peaceful community
- Vigilance – Staying proactive and alert in service and protection
- Collective responsibility – Sharing accountability with the community
Fletcher peace officers are evaluated on how well they uphold these tenets. Our values are built into how we discipline, mentor and recognize personnel.
A patch with purpose
The most visible symbol of this transformation is our redesigned shoulder patch:
- Shield – Defense and protection
- Crossed swords – A reminder that peace sometimes requires strength
- Torch – Guidance
- Defensor Pacis – Defender of the peace (our adopted motto)
- Custos – Keeper and guardian
This is more than a patch. It’s a visual mission statement — a reminder that we are protectors by design, not enforcers by default.
Why this matters for small departments
Identity-building isn’t just for large, well-funded departments. It’s deeply personal for small-town agencies. We coach youth sports, sit in church pews and shop alongside the people we serve. A clear, values-based identity helps us navigate those dual roles with purpose.
Leadership without a budget
We didn’t hire consultants or secure outside funding. We led with intention and a commitment to do more than survive — to serve with pride and purpose. That’s something any small agency can replicate.
Write your own mission and values. Make them personal and authentic. Use symbolic language to reflect your vision. And most importantly, model it from the top — because culture mirrors leadership.
📌 Implementation tips for small agency rebrands
- 📝 Rewrite your mission and core values with officer input to ensure buy-in and authenticity.
- 🚔 Update vehicle graphics, uniforms and patches to reflect your identity and values.
- 📣 Use consistent language like “peace officer” in all public and internal communications.
- 🧵 Reinforce values in mentoring, discipline and recognition systems.
- 🗣️ Hold roll-call discussions on how identity guides daily decisions and public contact.
- 👥 Lead from the top — model the identity you want your team to embody.
Final thought: Identity is a leadership choice
Leadership isn’t about saying more. It’s about saying what matters with clarity. Identity shouldn’t happen by accident — it should be a conscious, strategic decision.
Fletcher peace officers are committed to building trust, protecting life and preserving peace. That identity drives every decision and every interaction.
In the past eight years, Fletcher PD has gone from the brink of closure to becoming a model for small agencies. We’ve earned state and national recognition, contributed to high-profile cases, and appeared in positive media coverage. But our greatest honor is hearing that we are the pride of our town.
And it all started with two words: Peace Officer.
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About the author
Jason DeLonais is the Chief of Police in Fletcher, Oklahoma, with over 25 years of experience in public safety, government administration, and military service. He is a U.S. Navy veteran, holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University, and is a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command (Class 546) at Northwestern University.
Chief DeLonais is committed to advancing public safety through training, leadership and accountability, particularly in rural and small-town policing.
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