Lawton Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Police Chief James Smith

On Thursday, Jan. 22, the City of Lawton announced that longtime Police Chief James Smith had passed. Smith had served as chief of the Lawton Police Department since 2012.

Smith had a law enforcement and public service career that spanned over 35 years. His career started with the Kentucky State Police and then transitioned to the Jefferson County Police Department and continued with the department as it merged into the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Before coming to Lawton, Smith held the rank of Major and served as the Special Operations Division Commander at the Louisville Metro Police Department. Smith served out the reminder of his career as Chief of the Lawton Police Department where he served for nearly 14 years.

During his law enforcement career, Smith also served in the United States military, including the Kentucky Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 2011 before coming to Lawton.

Smith's career in Lawton focused on the community and its citizens.

Smith's time with the Lawton Police Department was centered on strengthening the department's relationship with the community it serves. He focused on community partnerships, officer wellness, and building trust with citizens. Smith was also a central figure in building the Public Safety Center, which houses the police department, municipal court and a fire station.

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Smith was respected in his field and within the community among leaders and citizens.

Over his 14 year career in Lawton, Smith built strong relationships with statewide public safety and community leaders. He also was known amongst citizens to be kind and always willing to listen.

Over the last two years, Smith was recognized for his service in the state of Oklahoma. In 2024, he was the first Lawton and Comanche County officer to be honored with the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. And last year, he was named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police.

In a press release from the City of Lawton, Lawton Mayor Stan Booker stated that Smith was more than a law enforcement leader.

"He was a mentor, a protector, and a steady presence for our city," Booker said. "Lawton is better because of his service, and our hearts are with his family, friends, and the entire Lawton Police Department."