Patrick Ballard, former sheriff of Washington County, buried

Becky Burch
| Bartlesville Examiner-Company

Dispatcher: “All units, Sheriff Pat Ballard is not responding. This is the final call for retired Sheriff Pat Ballard. … He passed away on July 10, 2024. … His dedication to the law enforcement community was truly unmatched. … His legacy lives on to inspire all who truly believe in what a hero is. … Sheriff Ballard is now 10-7.”

The last words he spoke over the police radio at the funeral of retired Washington County Sheriff Patrick Jay Ballard were the law enforcement code “10-7” — also known as “off duty” — a symbolic farewell marking the end of his watch.

Ballard, 77, died on July 10 surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer.

Ballard, one of the most influential peace officers in Washington County, was known for his strength, leadership and dedication to law enforcement. His deep voice exuded authority, but also comforted those in need, whether it was the public he was protecting or family and friends.

He served in law enforcement for 43 years, starting with the Bartlesville Police Department, where he retired as a lieutenant in 1993. His retirement was short-lived, as he went on to work as a deputy sheriff with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and was appointed sheriff in 1994, a position he held until 2008.

“Pat was a great man, officer, friend, father, grandfather and uncle to many,” said current Washington County Sheriff Scott Owen. “He will be greatly missed.”

Undersheriff Jon Copeland served under Ballard as a deputy sheriff who advanced his career.

“Pat Ballard has a keen eye and was a great mentor,” Copeland said. “I owe him a great deal for his guidance, leadership and the opportunities for growth he gave me and many others.”

Retired District Judge Janice Dreiling swore Ballard in as sheriff after former Sheriff Larry Silver died in 1993. Larry Silver’s son, Rick Silver, succeeded Ballard in 2008.

“Pat Ballard treated the public, including those wearing orange, with respect and dignity,” Dreiling said. “His annual food drive for families in need showed that he truly cared about the people in the county where he grew up.”

Prior to the funeral service, approximately 400 people attended the Bartlesville Community Center Community Hall, including various law enforcement agencies, city and county officials, friends and family members.

District 1 Washington County Commissioner Mitch Antle, who served as a deputy commissioner under Ballard, read the poem “The Final Inspection.”

“Pat was one of a kind, larger than life, and had an immense influence on my life,” Antle said. “The lines between family and subordinate colleagues were always blurred. He did everything he could to help people get through life and make them all better.”

Charlie Spencer, former Bartlesville Police Chief, spoke of the sharp humor that made Ballard approachable and a beloved and trusted figure in the community.

Following the service, Ballard’s body was taken to Dewey Cemetery by law enforcement and the Regulators Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. At one point, the procession was more than a mile long, with cars stopping and pedestrians watching in silence and others saluting respectfully.

The casket was carried to a final resting place by family members, including three grandsons who are officers with the Bartlesville Police Department. Ballard’s granddaughter is a Washington County sheriff’s deputy. His son, Bryan Ballard, is a former officer with the Bartlesville Police Department and the Little Rock Police Department.

Bryan Ballard said he and his family are truly amazed by the community’s response: “It shows the kindness and professionalism of the law enforcement community and the people of Washington County.”

Owen presented Bryan Ballard with the American flag draped over his father’s casket. Before the “final call” over the police radio, Pat Ballard was given a gun salute and a mournful “Taps” was played.

Ballard was buried next to his wife, Beverly Virden Ballard, who died in 2019 after 39 years of marriage.