The Lawton Police Department’s Sentinel Program has quietly been part of this city for years, but right now it’s running on just three volunteers. Sentinels assist LPD with traffic control at accidents, parades, and funeral escorts, plus abandoned vehicles, parking citations, and residence checks. They never get put in harm’s way, and Lt. Mike McCallick, who has supervised the program since 2018, told the Greater Lawton Rotary Club this week that safety is always the number one priority.
The program wants to recruit about 20 more Sentinels. To join, you must be at least 21, pass a background check, complete the Citizens Police Academy held each February, and commit to 16 hours per month. Training covers report writing, first aid and CPR, hazardous materials, traffic control, defensive driving, and fingerprinting. Nine-year volunteer Earl Howard calls it a great program for anyone who likes to volunteer and be part of the community.
Applications are available online through the City of Lawton website or in person at 100 S. Railroad. Whether you’re retired, new to Fort Sill, or just looking for a way to give back, this is one of the most direct ways to help your neighbors. So what do you think: would you ever volunteer alongside Lawton police, or does 16 hours a month feel like too much?
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Local Lawton
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