Deputy Sheriff Clifford Phillip Payne, Washita County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

Deputy Sheriff Clifford Phillip Payne

Washita County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

End of Watch Saturday, June 18, 1977

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Clifford Phillip Payne

Deputy Payne and an undercover narcotics agent were shot by the stepfather of a 17-year-old male they were attempting to arrest on a marijuana charge at his home about 1:30 a.m.

The stepfather fired five rounds from a snub-nosed .38-caliber pistol, fatally wounding Deputy Payne and striking the narcotics agent in the chin and left hand. The stepfather was wounded in the side by the narcotics agent who fired from the doorway of the residence as he was seeking cover. The 17-year-old fled out the back door when the shooting began. He surrendered to authorities about 9:30 a.m. after a massive eight-hour search of the Burns Flat industrial district.

The stepfather was arrested and charged with murdering Deputy Payne. He testified that he thought Deputy Payne was an armed intruder in his home that night and cited the fact that the deputy had a beard and long hair. The prosecution countered that Deputy Payne was dressed in uniform. The suspect was acquitted by a jury. Deputy Payne was survived by his wife and three sons.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Acquitted

arrest

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 18, 2025