Ceremony to honor first Black member of Lawton Fire Department

City of Lawton officials will recognize the first Black member of the Lawton Fire Department during a ceremony set Jan. 3.

A dedication ceremony for Raymond Gates will begin at 1 p.m. in the Ranch Oaks Addition. The ceremony will unveil two “Mr. Raymond L. Gates” street signs, one at the intersection of Southwest Salinas Drive and Southwest Sedalia Avenue; the second at Southwest Chisholm Trail Boulevard and Southwest Sedalia Avenue. Following the ceremony, guests may enjoy light refreshments from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rose Hill Church, 1212 SW Tennessee.

Raymond Gates made history on Sept. 1, 1971, when he broke barriers by joining the Lawton Fire Department. During his distinguished 20-year career, Gates rose to the rank of assistant fire marshal, attending advanced fire training in Oklahoma City and setting a precedent for excellence, dedication, and leadership, fire officials said. Gates retired in 1991, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire, officials said.

Today, Gates’ nephew, Anthony Hall, is serving on the Lawton Fire Department and said he proudly carries on his uncle’s legacy. However, Hall, who also is a member of the Army National Guard, is deployed and will not return until December 2025.