Lawton native to lead Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Williams, a Lawton native, is set to become the highest-ranking uniformed officer of the Oklahoma highway patrol March 1, obtaining the rank of Colonel.

Williams was born and raised in Lawton and graduated from Lawton High School. Williams then joined the Navy and served for four years in San Diego, Calif. After leaving the military, Williams attended Cameron University.

William’s family is made up of service members, including his father who retired from the Lawton Police Department as a Lieutenant in the detective division.

Williams’ son, Clancy, is also keeping the family tradition alive, joining the Oklahoma Highway Patrol 11 years ago.

“It’s been very rewarding,” he said of his family’s devotion to law enforcement.

“I think it’s nice for him (his son) to see me in a public service role, and I think it inspired him as well. Even though my dad wasn’t a trooper, he was in law enforcement, and I grew up wanting to be like my hero. He still is my hero, he’s a great man and a great father,” Williams said.

Having served in the highway patrol since 1995, Williams’ 30th anniversary of service is Jan. 30.

“My favorite memory is the satisfaction you get when you take somebody that’s stranded or in need of help and we can provide that help to them. We see a lot more negative than we do positive … so my fondest memories are just being able to help those that are in need at that moment,” he said.

“The brotherhood is strong with the brown shirts, and I take pride in that. I hope that continues to carry on long after any of our times are up in this organization.”

When Williams is promoted to Colonel, he will become the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. As the leader of the organization, Williams intends to focus on campaigns to focus on distracted driving as well as DUI prevention.

Williams also intends to ensure that his troopers will have access to the most up-to-date and reliable technology and equipment needed to perform their duties.

One of the challenges the organization faces, according to Williams, is staffing.

“I’m going to continue to do my part with getting academies going. I just want to make sure that we continue to have quality academies, and that training is sufficient and top notch for these guys.”

“I hope, because we’re taking action, whether that’s a ticket or a warning … people will know that we’ve got troopers out here that are making sure everyone is safe.”

Williams also hopes that with increased staffing call times will be lessened, more area will be covered, and there will ultimately be fewer accidents on the road.

Williams is also excited about a new facility that the department of public safety, which is over the highway patrol, is creating a new training facility in Oklahoma City that will allow all troopers to have access to top-tier training.

While he still has many years to go, Williams does have hope for what his legacy will mean:

“The legacy I hope to leave behind is that this administration and those that follow continue to maintain focus ensuring that troopers go home every night. The way we do that is making sure that they have the most up to date, top notch, current training and equipment. I want to make sure that this organization continues to strive for excellence and provide excellent service.”