Memorial Page

Lieutenant Earnest Oldham

End of Watch Thursday, September 16, 2021

Oldham began his career with the Plano Police Department on January 27, 1992. Prior to Plano, Oldham worked as a police officer for the Garland Police Department from October 1987 until being hired by Plano.

He succumbed to COVID-19, September 16, 2021. Lieutenant Oldham leaves behind a wife, teenage twins (a son and daughter), and a host of other family and friends. He will be missed greatly.

Recruit Andrew Sockwell

End of Watch Friday, October 9, 2020
Age: 29

In the last four days of his life, Andrew started as a Police Recruit for the Plano (TX) Police Department. He aspired to join the police department for many years and wanted to serve in a career where he could help his community.

Andrew was an inspiration & role model to his fellow classmates and will continue to leave a positive lasting impression on them for many years to come.

Officer Dayle "Wes" Hardy

End of Watch Saturday July 7, 2007
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 1503

Officer Dayle "Wes" Hardy was killed when his police motorcycle collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Russell Creek Drive.

He was transported to Baylor Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Officer Hardy had served with the Plano Police Department for 8 years and had previously served with the Wise County Sheriff's Office for 4 years. He is survived by his wife and twin 3-year-old daughters.

Green W. Rye

End of Watch Saturday Feb. 28, 1920

On February 28, 1920 at about 04:45 hours, Plano Night Watchmen Green W. Rye was finishing his rounds at Plano National Bank when two shots rang out. One of the .45 slugs hit Rye in the abdomen and lodged in his spine. Rye staggered about 20ft and was able to shoot five rounds at the burglars as they climbed the fence at the rear of the bank and made their escape. It is unknown whether Rye hit any of the suspects but blood was found on the fence adjacent to a bullet hole from Rye's pistol.

Captain Charles Gunning, Chief of Detectives with the Dallas Police and Sheriff Ed Blakeman of Collin County were called to investigate. Sheriff Blakeman organized a posse. Rye's wife Minnie and 10 year old daughter, Annie were summoned to the house that had been carried to, but arrived too late. Rye died without being able to describe his attackers. Rye's last words were "my poor wife, my poor children". It was discovered that Plano National Bank had been burglarized by a group of at least four people who had chiseled in to the vault and made off with approximately $10,00 in WWI Victory Bonds.