Former Lawton police chief regrets resignation

Ronnie Smith, who served as police chief for seven years and as a police officer for 30, said his resignation Tuesday was not voluntary and that he regrets agreeing to leave.

Smith said Lawton City Manager Larry Mitchell gave him an option to resign or be terminated at a hearing last week, and that he resigned to preserve his reputation.

“I wanted to walk out with my head up, but I haven't done anything wrong,” Smith told The Oklahoman on Friday.

At issue is a decision made by Smith to rehire a former police officer being investigated by the city on complaints that he used excessive force while making an arrest.

The officer in question was fired for a similar incident, but Smith said that officer sought assistance and was rehired with Mitchell's verbal approval.

Mitchell was not available for comment Friday, and Lawton Assistant City Manager Bryan Long said he could not comment on personnel matters.