Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Lawrence R. Cadena was shot and killed during an undercover narcotics investigation near the intersection of North Fitzhugh Avenue at Capitol Avenue. As the investigation began, one of the suspects opened Corporal Cadena's car door and shot him in the abdomen, chest, and arms. A gun battle ensued between the shooters and other officers. One assailant was shot and killed, two others were wounded. One of the wounded was sentenced to death and one to life. The suspect sentenced to death was executed on August 14, 2002. Corporal Cadena had served with the Dallas Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He is survived by three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-0FE51D9C- 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.
Corporal Cadena gave the Dallas Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dallas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Cadena.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Sr. 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 TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Dallas Police Department, 55 of 95 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Sr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 2002
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Sr. is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence Rudy Cadena, Sr. was killed by handgun; tech-9.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
94 officers from Dallas Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
