The Oklahoma State University Police Department celebrated excellence and a new officer in a special ceremony on July 29. Attending the event were the officers’ friends and families, along with OSU President Jim Hess and Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Jason Ramsey.

Officer Chris Royston 

Officer Chris Royston was recognized for being nominated for the Officer of the Year Award, a program launched by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. To qualify to be nominated, officers must have performed admirably in the line of duty within the last 18 months.

Royston, who became a law enforcement officer in 2019, was honored in April along with another officer and Colvin Recreation Center staff after they rendered aid to a student who collapsed during a basketball game. Royston was one of many who took turns providing CPR and using an Automatic External Defibrillator. Thanks to their efforts, the student survived.

On Nov. 2, 2024, Royston was dispatched to OSU’s Lake Carl Blackwell after a rider was thrown from a horse and injured on the equestrian trails. Royston covered about 1.5 miles on foot until he located the victim, began triage, coordinated with other riders in the area and directed medical personnel to the woman’s location.

Senior Police Officer Leslie Grotheer and Patrol Sergeant Blake O’Dell 

Senior Police Officer Leslie Grotheer and Patrol Sergeant Blake O’Dell were recognized with a life-saving award. In the heat of fall 2025, the OSUPD was dispatched to the Cowboy Marching Band practice field, where a band member had collapsed. The pair performed CPR until medics arrived.

“Thanks to the quick response of the officers, that student survived,” OSU Police Chief Mike Beckner said.

Lt. Richard E. Balfanz 

OSUPD 19-year veteran Richard Balfanz was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Beckner said the process, which had four internal candidates, was very competitive.

“We are fortunate at OSUPD that it was such a difficult decision,” Beckner said. “Each of the candidates is capable of leading well. Lt. Balfanz will create an environment of accountability, which will serve the university police department well moving forward.”

Officer Payton McNabb

Beckner swore in new officer Payton McNabb at the ceremony.

McNabb, a 2021 OSU graduate with a degree in international business, was part of OSU’s ROTC program. Prior to joining the OSUPD, McNabb served in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Riley. He is currently a captain in the Oklahoma National Guard.

Payton said he chose to be a police officer at OSU because of his love for the university and Stillwater.

“Being a police officer allows me to give back to OSU while helping others,” he said. “I really love this job.”

He’s attended CLEET training and will be completing field training with the OSUPD.

Serving the Cowboy community OSUPD recognizes outstanding officers