Earnest “Earnie” Oldham’s career began at the Garland PD in 1987. He joined the Plano PD in 1992 as a Patrolman, later serving as a School Resource Officer and then Motor Officer and Accident Reconstructionist. He was promoted to Sergeant and then Lieutenant, ending his service in Patrol. Earnie contracted COVID-19 on duty and died from complications of the disease.

Lt. Oldham believed in respect and true police work. He was known for his ethics, wit, knowledge, experience, critical thinking and quick decisions, holding his crew to a high standard. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him, especially his wife, Kelli, and twin children, Jeremy and Natali.

Earnie’s legacy is caring for those with whom he worked and led. He was known as “An Officer’s Lieutenant”, which is inscribed on his headstone. His daily goal was to ensure that his crew made it safely home to their families at the end of every shift.