Former Oklahoma City Police Chief and Assistant City Manager M.T. Berry died Friday after a prolonged battle with brain cancer, city officials confirmed. Berry was 75.
From community service officer to police chief
Berry's career with the Oklahoma City Police Department began in 1970 when he joined as a community service officer and was sworn in as a police officer the next year. He rose through the ranks over nearly three decades and in 1998 became the city's 47th police chief — and its first Black police chief.
After retiring from the department in 2003, Berry continued serving the city as an assistant city manager, a role he held until announcing his retirement in 2019. His combined municipal service spanned nearly five decades, a stretch that civic leaders say helped guide Oklahoma City's transformation in recent decades.
"a trailblazer"
In a Facebook post, Mayor David Holt called Berry “a trailblazer” and credited his work with helping to set the standard for the city’s recent renaissance. The Oklahoma City Police Department also issued a statement noting Berry "led with quiet strength and a profound sense of purpose," and said his legacy continues to strengthen the community.
What his career looked like
Berry's long tenure folded into both public safety and city administration during a period when Oklahoma City expanded economically and underwent significant civic changes. Local leaders and colleagues have pointed to his leadership as influential in shaping municipal practices.
- 1970 — Joined OKCPD as a community service officer.
- 1971 — Sworn in as a police officer.
- 1998 — Named the city's 47th police chief; first Black individual to hold that post.
- 2003 — Retired as police chief and became an assistant city manager.
- 2019 — Announced retirement from assistant city manager role.
| Role | Years (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Community service officer / Police officer | 1970–1998 |
| Police chief | 1998–2003 |
| Assistant city manager | 2003–2019 |
Local impact and legacy
Berry's appointment as police chief marked a milestone in Oklahoma City's history. Colleagues and elected officials have described his leadership as steady and quietly influential — qualities they say helped the city through years of growth and change.
As Oklahoma City continues to grapple with questions about policing, representation and civic trust, Berry's career stands as part of that longer story: a law enforcement leader who moved into city management and remained a public figure for decades.
Family details and funeral arrangements were not released in the initial city statements. Officials and residents wishing to share remembrances or learn about memorial services can monitor formal releases from the city and the Oklahoma City Police Department.
This article will be updated as additional information becomes available.
