Lawton’s first black firefighter lends name to Ranch Oaks street

Raymond Gates had a different career path in mind as a young adult.

“I was a firefighter by accident,” Gates told an assembly of family, friends and firefighters, explaining he was working in City of Lawton’s sanitation division when he was approached by the city’s fire chief about applying to the academy to become a firefighter.

It was an historic decision: Gates was successful in his schooling and in 1971 became the first black firefighter on the Lawton Fire Department, a distinction he built upon less than 10 years later by becoming the city’s first black assistant fire marshal.

Gates was recognized for those achievements Friday, watching as today’s firefighters and his grandson Johnny Biggins removed the black cloth from a sign that now gives Sedalia Avenue in the Ranch Oaks Addition the honorary title of Mr. Raymond L. Gates. Two signs now mark Sedalia: one at the corner of Salinas Drive; one at Chisholm Trail Boulevard. Together, they celebrate a man of distinction, said Ward 7 Councilwoman Sherene L. Williams, as she participated in Friday’s ceremony.

Bringing another special aspect to the designation: Gates has called the Ranch Oaks Addition his home for decades.

Gates was born Feb. 14, 1943, and as one of four children took a route familiar to many south Lawton youth: he attended Dunbar Elementary and Douglass High, graduating and moving into adulthood and adult responsibilities.

He might have thought his way was set, but his path deviated in 1971 when he embarked on a 20-year career with the Lawton Fire Department, said Williams, as she recited the history made by Lawton’s first black firefighter. Less than 10 years after joining the department, he completed a new round of training and became the city’s assistant fire marshal, moving into another “first ever” role while continuing the life he created by marrying his childhood sweetheart and becoming father to five children who now are providing him grandchildren.

“He paved the way,” Williams said, of Gates’ role in local history.

That path continues to be close to home. Gates’ nephew Anthony Hall also is a member of the Lawton Fire Department. Hall was unable to attend Friday’s ceremony because, as a member of the Army National Guard, he is on deployment through December, Lawton fire officials said.