Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Lawrence was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a vehicle driven by a man who had just shot and wounded two state troopers.
They located the car near North Miami and followed it on a rural road before stopping it approximately one mile west of the city. As the officers approached the car the suspect exited and opened fire, striking Deputy Lawrence in the neck. Deputy Lawrence's partner was able to return fire and wound the suspect.
The suspect was later found in his home, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputy Lawrence had served with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-3AE1E4F8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lawrence gave the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lawrence.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Doyle Lawrence is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Doyle Lawrence's cause is highlighted.
How John Doyle Lawrence Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Doyle Lawrence is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Doyle Lawrence was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ottawa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
