Terrance Yeakey facts for kids

Terrance Yeakey (born November 9, 1965 – died May 8, 1996) was a brave police sergeant. He worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD). Sergeant Yeakey was one of the very first people to help after the terrible Oklahoma City bombing. He saved at least four people that day. He passed away about a year after his heroic actions.

Life and Police Work

Terrance Yeakey was born on November 9, 1965. After finishing school, he served in the military. He even spent some time in Saudi Arabia. In 1989, he joined the OCPD.

Hero at the Oklahoma City Bombing

On April 19, 1995, a huge bomb exploded at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. This event is known as the Oklahoma City bombing. Sergeant Yeakey was the first police officer to arrive at the scene. He played a very important part in helping people and finding survivors. He bravely saved the lives of four or more people from the damaged building.

Medal of Valor

Because of his amazing courage and service, Sergeant Yeakey was going to receive a special award. It was called the Medal of Valor from the OCPD. This award was planned for May 11, 1996, about a year after the bombing.

A Sad Passing

Sergeant Yeakey was found dead in a field near his hometown of El Reno. This happened on May 8, 1996. A friend and fellow officer, Jim Ramsey, thought that Sergeant Yeakey might have felt very sad. He might have felt sad because he couldn't save even more people from the bombing. He was also going through a difficult time with his family. He had recently been unable to see his two young daughters.