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Incident
Acting Policeman Sandy Lawson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained four days earlier as he attempted to arrest a man who had robbed two boys the previous night.
The North Tazewell mayor notified Richlands authorities that the suspect was believed to have gone to Richlands. Policeman Lawson located the suspect and another man near the town's water tank and attempted to arrest them. As he stated his intentions, the suspect drew a gun and opened fire, striking him. Despite being wounded, Policeman Lawson returned fire and killed the suspect.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Acting Policeman Lawson served with the Richlands Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Richlands community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Acting Policeman Lawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Richlands Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 9.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Richlands Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Richlands Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Richlands Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
