Comanche County Commissioner Josh Powers, a fourth-generation Lawtonian with deep-seated community roots, continues the legacy of his late grandfather, Jim Powers, a local businessman and community leader whose notable contributions to Lawton included the Cache Road Beautification Project, the Boulevard of Lights, and many others.
Graduating from Eisenhower High School, Josh Powers attended Cameron University before joining the Lawton Police Department in 2010. He was active with the Department’s Dive Team, Lake Patrol, Gang Unit, Patrol Division, and Criminal Investigations Division. During his 11-year tenure, he received advanced law enforcement training and held an Advanced Peace Officer certifi cation from the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. In 2021, Powers retired from the department to focus on his businesses.
Valor Defense Depot, founded by Powers, is Lawton’s largest standalone gun store, catering to firearm enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, and military members. Powers’ experience in the firearms industry and his background as a police officer has allowed the store to thrive. In 2024, Powers restructured the ownership of the original store, Ares State Armory, renaming it Valor Defense Depot, which allowed him to focus more on government contracts and a niche retail market.
Influenced by his grandfather’s success as a real estate investor, Powers’ entrepreneurial ventures also extend to real estate. He now owns and manages several commercial properties and multiple single-family homes in Comanche County. In 2020, Powers and his wife, Cortney, acquired an Allstate Insurance agency, with Cortney managing the business and Powers obtaining his Oklahoma Insurance License in 2022.
In 2025, Powers purchased his first ranch in Comanche County and has since added other properties to his growing agricultural business.
In 2022, Powers ran for the office of District 3 Comanche County Commissioner. Along with his business acumen, his prior experience as a board member on the Pecan Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Chairman of Comanche County Rural Water #5 made him a strong candidate for the position. During his campaign, Powers garnered widespread support and recognition for his dedication to public service and commitment to the community.
On June 28, 2022, Powers was elected District 3 County Commissioner. During his first term, he served as chairman for two consecutive years, reflecting the confidence his colleagues placed in his leadership.
Also, in his first term as County Commissioner, Powers tackled:
•Public Safety Infrastructure. Powers secured a $180,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to improve 1.43 miles of county road, providing access to Robinson’s Landing at Lake Lawtonka, which enhanced both recreational safety and infrastructure.
•Detention Center Modernization. As the CCDC liaison, Powers has prioritized reducing dangerous overcrowding by advocating for long-term facility solutions rather than temporary fixes. He also supported equipping deputies with Axon body cameras and TASER 10 units to improve accountability and evidence documentation.
•Administrative Efficiency. Powers addressed productivity bottlenecks by removing outdated paperwork and reorganizing personnel. He notably empowered staff to take on specialized roles, such as grant writing, which has allowed the county to apply for federal funding that was previously overlooked.
•Legal and Ethical Oversight. Seeking to minimize county liability, Powers increased requests for formal legal opinions from the District Attorney to address “gray areas” in county policy. Recently, he has been vocal about maintaining executive session confidentiality and protecting taxpayer funds from potentially collusive lawsuits.
•Community Assistance. Powers’ office currently provides one-on-one support for residents applying for Masonic Grants through ASCOG, specifi cally assisting seniors and those in need within District 3.
Powers also served on and chaired numerous executive boards in Comanche County, including the Facilities Authority, Educational Facilities Authority, Tax Correction Board, as well as Comanche County/ Lawton Emergency Planning Committee, Lawton–Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Lawton Economic Development Corporation, and the National Association of Counties Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee.
Powers appointed new members to several county boards, including the Comanche County Industrial Development Authority, Board of Health, Agricultural and Industrial Exposition and Fair Trust Authority, the Home Finance Trust Authority, and the Hospital Authority.
Since his election, Powers has worked diligently each day to improve the quality of life for Comanche County residents. His focus remains on holding government accountable for taxpayer funds and seeking more efficient ways for county government to operate. He continues to serve his community with integrity, ensuring that the needs and concerns of his constituents are prioritized.
An avid outdoorsman, Powers developed a passion for hunting at a young age, passing down the tradition to his daughters, Joshlen and Ansleigh. Alongside his family, he enjoys activities such as boating, scuba diving, fishing, and golf.
Commissioner Josh Powers embodies the values of service, integrity, and dedication. From his grandfather’s community contributions to his own accomplishments as a police officer, business owner, and public servant, Powers continues to leave a lasting impact on Comanche County and its residents.