LAWTON – A veteran of the Lawton Police Department is the new deputy director of the city’s emergency communications department.
Richard Franz began working for the police department in 1989, according to a news release from City Hall. His 33-year career in law enforcement included serving as the department’s first community policing officer.
Franz was one of two officers chosen to spearhead the department’s crisis negotiations team, and he subsequently graduated from the FBI’s basic and advanced crisis negotiation course. He graduated from the Southern Police Institute’s administrative officer’s course in 2016.
Franz retired from the police department as a captain and the supervisor over Professional Standards.
“It’s been an honor serving the Lawton community through the police department for the last 30 years,” Franz said in the news release. “I’m looking forward to continue serving citizens through emergency communications.”
Before starting his career in law enforcement, Franz served in the United States Army from 1984 until he retired from the U.S. Army Reserves in 2010, according to the news release. His last military assignment was as a career counselor, helping soldiers plan their military careers.
As the deputy director of emergency communications, Franz will coordinate, direct, evaluate and supervise dispatchers. He will also manage facilities, radio, computer information systems and related technology.
Emergency communications director Jessica Carter said she was pleased to have Franz on board.
“His experience within the Lawton Police Department will serve him and our department well as we continue to provide vital emergency response services to citizens,” she said.