Lawton airport begins search for new attorney

Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport’s governing board is forming a search committee to find a replacement for long-time airport attorney Chuck Wade.

Wade, who has served as attorney to the airport and the Lawton Metropolitan Area Airport Authority for more than 40 years, submitted his letter of retirement to the board earlier this week. Airport Authority Chairman David Madigan said Wade announced his retirement as part of his effort to slow down his professional obligations.

“There are not enough words for his 40-plus years of service,” Madigan said.

Airport officials have crafted a Request for Proposals that the search committee can release to advertise the position, airport authority members were told this week.

“I’d like to fill this position sooner, rather than later,” Madigan said, explaining there are multiple issues going on that need legal attention.

That includes a lawsuit that the airport initiated, stemming from foundation problems found at the new Fire Station No. 2 a year after it opened. That station, located on the airport’s northern boundary, is home to the specially trained crews that handle airport emergencies.