Sergeant Joe Gamble was killed after being stabbed by an inmate at the Oklahoma State Reformatory, low maximum-security prison.

As officers began locking down the prison for a head count, the suspect began to attack Officer William Callaway in a common area of the prison, stabbing him 16 times in the back of the head and back. Officer Callaway was able to escape.  When Sergeant Gamble heard the call for help, he went in. He had no regard for his own life or safety, he just knew that another officer needed him. Upon responding to assist the other officer, the inmate ambushed him, stabbing him in the throat with one of two homemade knives he had. The suspect was taken under control after a brief standoff with the prison’s emergency response team.

Both officers were transported to a local hospital where Sergeant Gamble died the next morning.  He had been with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for three years.

The suspect, who was serving a 10 year sentence for drug possession and tax fraud, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on October 26, 2001.

Sherri Gamble didn’t just lose her husband Tuesday.  She lost her best friend and soulmate. And her four boys lost their daddy. At only 28 years old, Joe gave his life protecting his community from those sentenced to time behind the walls.

On June 5, 2000, life forever changed for the families of Sergeant Joe Gamble and Officer William Callaway.  While Officer Callaway survived with his life, he did not walk away unscathed.

The sacrifice Sergeant Gamble made has not been forgotten. His community and family have remembered him, who he was and what he did that fateful day. In recognition of such, the facility was renamed in his honor.

“It is an honor to rename this facility in recognition of Sgt. Gamble who gave his life for his coworker, the agency and its mission,” said ODOC Executive Director Steven Harpe. “The memorialization of his sacrifice is highly warranted.”

ODOC held a dedication ceremony to commemorate the renaming of the facility.

Gov. Kevin Stitt also signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 6 Joe Allen Gamble Jr. Day in Oklahoma.

Sergeant Gamble and Officer Callaway, we thank you for your bravery and commitment to service.