Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Lawrence Dawson was shot and killed by a local farmer while attempting to settle a dispute between him and the Alabama Power Company. Sheriff Dawson, with three of his deputies, went to the farmer's home two miles from Selma to try to settle a dispute over the man's refusal to allow the construction of a transmission line across his property. The power line was being built between Coosa River's Lock 12 and Selma. A court granted authority for the power company to build the line across the property. The power company paid the man the court-ordered compensation, but the man returned the check and then cut down several power poles that had been erected. The farmer met the sheriff and deputies at the door and without warning opened fire, killing Sheriff Dawson. One of his deputies returned fire killing the farmer.
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BO-US-AL-9CCF9036- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Sheriff Dawson served with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Selma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Dawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Lawrence Percy Dawson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 63 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Dallas County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lawrence Percy Dawson's cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence Percy Dawson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence Percy Dawson is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence Percy Dawson was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Dallas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
