Lawton-area legislators are mourning the loss of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 66.

 Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, along with Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, remembered the longtime law enforcement officer in a joint statement. 

"Chief Smith embodied what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his decades with the Lawton Police Department, he led with integrity and compassion, and he maintained an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Lawton families. Our community is stronger and safer because of Chief Smith’s vision and leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the officers of the Lawton Police Department and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him." 

Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and was named Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department in 2012. His work with the department was recognized statewide, including being named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police in 2025 and receiving the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2024.      

In addition to his law enforcement career, Smith served 30 years in the military, retiring as a Colonel after service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. 

The lawmakers ask the community to join them in honoring Smith’s legacy of service and to keep his family and colleagues in their thoughts during this difficult time.