OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel's agency is creating a dignitary protection unit.

Whetsel decided to form the unit after the assassination attempt on Arizona U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday. Six people died in the attack in Tucson, Ariz., and 14 others were injured, including Giffords.

Whetsel said he's offered all members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation free security for any events planned within Oklahoma County. He said having uniformed law-enforcement officers at public events held by elected officials "is an important safety measure."

He said the dignitary protection unit will consist of 10 to 12 deputies who volunteer and that the cost to his agency should be minimal. He said the service won't take deputies off the streets.

Whetsel said interested deputies now are applying for the unit.