Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is inviting local seniors to a free Financial Security Training event aimed at protecting community members age 55 and up from scams, fraud, and financial threats.

Set for Thursday, September 4th, 2025, the training will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Western Technology Center in Elk City. Lunch will be provided.

The event is part of a new outreach initiative led by Assistant Chief John Cook, who said the department wanted to do more for the older generation in Elk City.

"You know, we do a lot of stuff for kids — like the DARE program in schools — but we've never really put something together for the older folks in our community," said Cook.

Cook explained that the idea was sparked through a conversation with long-time friend Kevin McCullough, an investigator with the Oklahoma Department of Securities.

"He's developing a program for seniors about scams — especially email and phone scams — and I thought, man, I’d like to bring that to Elk City," Cook said.

The event will feature two key presentations:

• Carissa King, of King Legal in Weatherford, will share insights on financial planning and maintaining financial health during retirement.

• Kevin McCullough will walk attendees through common scam tactics, how fraudsters operate, and how to stay safe.

Cook emphasized the importance of this training, noting that many seniors are targeted because of the values they were raised with.

"The people who do these scams are very good at what they do. It's not the fault of our seniors — they come from a time when your word and a handshake meant something,"* Cook said. *"We want to give them tools to protect themselves."

The event is free, but RSVPs are encouraged. To reserve a spot, contact Assistant Chief John Cook at cookj@elkcity.com or 580-225-1212.