From staff reports Lawton Police Chief James Smith has been named the “2025 Large Agency Chief of the Year” by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). The award was presented during the group’s annual banquet held May 22.
The honor is bestowed on an Oklahoma chief law enforcement officer who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in a community with a population exceeding 10,000.
Smith began his career with the Lawton Police Department in 2012 after a 30-year law enforcement career in Kentucky. During the past 13 years he has implemented a number of initiatives that have significantly improved officer morale, well-being, and departmental support.
“Chief Smith is a stellar example for Oklahoma law enforcement and the community he serves,” OACP Executive Director Steve Whitlock said.
Lawton City Manager John Ratliff praised Smith’s leadership and impact on the community. “Chief Smith’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and officer wellness has had a profound effect on our city,” Ratliff said. “He is an outstanding law enforcement leader and a true servant of the people.”
This is the latest in a series of accolades for Smith, who received the prestigious William “Bill” Tilghman Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Museum Hall of Fame in 2024.