On April 19, 1995, a horrifying explosion shook Oklahoma City, forever changing countless lives. The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was reduced to rubble by a truck bomb, killing 168 people, including 19 children, and injuring hundreds more. It’s a day etched in history as the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in the U.S. If you’re curious about what happened and want a front-row seat to the stories of survival, check out National Geographic’s three-part documentary series, Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America, available on Disney+ and Hulu. One survivor who stands out in this gripping series is Luke Franey, an ATF agent who lived through the chaos and shared his incredible story. So, where is Luke Franey now? Let’s dive into his journey—from that fateful day to his life today—at TV Acute, your go-to spot for compelling stories.
Luke Franey’s Escape From the Rubble
Let’s take it back to that tragic morning in 1995. Luke Franey was just doing his job as an ATF agent on the ninth floor of the Murrah Building when the bomb detonated. The blast was so powerful it wiped out a third of the structure in seconds. When Luke came to, he was trapped, surrounded by debris, with no clear way out. Years later, he told 9News, “I couldn’t figure out what was happening at first. I didn’t even realize it was a bombing—just that something had exploded.” Can you imagine the confusion and fear?
Determined to survive, Luke grabbed a tape recorder from the wreckage and started documenting what he saw—smart thinking for an agent trained to gather evidence. He also managed to call his friend and fellow ATF agent, Mark Michalic, to alert him about the disaster. Mark raced to the scene and spotted Luke stuck up there. However, as rescue efforts commenced, reports of a second bomb dispersed the group, leaving Luke to rely on his own resources. That’s when his survival instincts took over. He climbed onto a window ledge, found a stairwell, and made his way down. The stairs were a grim sight—covered in blood and barely holding together—but Luke pushed through and made it out alive. Soon after, the nation felt a sense of relief as Timothy James McVeigh, the perpetrator of the attack, was apprehended and brought to justice.
Luke’s escape wasn’t just luck—it was grit and quick thinking. The documentary captivates you with his story, revealing the human aspect of a tragedy we typically only encounter in history books.
A Career Packed With Experience
Luke Franey isn’t just a survivor—he’s a powerhouse in security and crisis management. His career kicked off after earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in 1986. By July 1988, he was a special agent with the ATF in the Dallas Field Division, working out of the Oklahoma City office. For years, he tackled cases involving alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives—serious stuff that shaped him into a seasoned pro.
In October 2001, Luke stepped up as Resident Agent in Charge at the Corpus Christi, Texas Field Office. His leadership skills kept shining, landing him the role of Special Agent in Charge of the Critical Incident Management Branch in 2004. By January 2006, he was heading the Executive Protection Branch, and in August 2008, he became Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division. Promotions kept coming—by November 2013, he was the Special Agent in Charge of that same division. In July 2015, Luke took on the massive responsibility of Deputy Assistant Director for Field Operations, overseeing the ATF’s criminal enforcement efforts nationwide until he retired in March 2016 after nearly 30 years of service.
But retirement didn’t slow him down. That same month, Luke joined First Data Corporation as Regional Security Director in the Greater Denver Area. Eight months later, his skills earned him a promotion to Vice President. Since July 2019, he’s been with Fiserv in Frisco, Texas, leading as Vice President of Global Security and Investigations. Luke’s expertise, honed over nearly 40 years in the field, demonstrates not only his resilience but also his ability to lead effectively under pressure.
Oh, and did I mention he’s got some serious credentials? Luke also completed Crisis Leadership and Executive Education Programs at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. This is the type of expertise that comes from having seen it all.
Where is Luke Franey Now?
Away from the high-stakes world of security, Luke Franey’s personal life is just as inspiring. He’s been married to his amazing wife, Michele Buck Franey, for decades, and their love only gets stronger with time. Together, they’ve raised three awesome kids—daughters Katy and Ryan, and son Conner. Luke and Michele are the kind of parents who beam with pride over their kids’ accomplishments.
While details about Katy are a bit hush-hush, we know Conner graduated from Evergreen High School—go him! Then there’s Ryan, the eldest, who’s built a beautiful life of her own. She got engaged to Matt Cunningham in June 2016 after dating for a while, and on June 23, 2017, they said “I do” in a heartwarming ceremony. Luke had the honor of walking Ryan down the aisle—a moment any dad would cherish. A few years later, likely in 2021, Ryan and Matt welcomed their son, Landon, into the world. Luke and Michele, along with Katy and Conner, were ecstatic to meet their grandson.
From what we can see, Luke and Michele are living their best lives today, surrounded by family and love. It’s a testament to how they’ve balanced a demanding career with a tight-knit home life.
What’s Next for Luke Franey?
Today, Luke’s still in Frisco, Texas, making waves at Fiserv. At nearly 40 years into his career, he’s not slowing down—his work in global security keeps him sharp and impactful. On the home front, he’s likely soaking up time with Michele, their kids, and little Landon. After everything he’s been through, Luke’s earned a life full of purpose and joy.
What do you think about Luke’s journey? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!
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