National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Deputy Sheriff

Memorial Panel: 3-E: 22

Department: Ottawa County, Oklahoma, S.O.

End of Watch: May 21, 1957

Cause: SHOT

Age: 54

Years of Service: 3

Description: Deputy Lawrence and his partner, Deputy Bill Lawson, stopped a vehicle wanted for firing a gun into the patrol car of two Oklahoma Highway Patrol Officers, wounding them in the process. While the officers approached the suspect's vehicle, the suspect exited his vehicle and shot Deputy Lawrence in the neck. Deputy Lawrence was able return fire and wound the suspect before he collapsed. Deputy Lawson, who was not wounded, drove Deputy Lawrence to the hospital where died later that evening.