Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Lawrence Pucalik was shot and killed while working an off-duty security job at a local hotel at 3:00 am. While in an office nearby, he heard a commotion at the front desk as several armed suspects entered and attempted to rob the hotel clerk. As Patrolman Pucalik came out of the office with his gun drawn the suspects opened fire, striking him in the neck. In July 2012, 31 years after his murder, three suspects were arrested and charged with murdering Patrolman Pucalik. Patrolman Pucalik had served with the Hammond Police Department for over 6-1/2 years. He was scheduled to receive his department's ''Top Gun'' award later in the day.
Survivors
Survivors
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-4747D817- 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.
Patrolman Pucalik gave the Hammond Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hammond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pucalik.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Lawrence J. Pucalik 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Hammond Police Dept., 6 of 8 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 J. Pucalik's cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence J. Pucalik Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested in 2012
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence J. Pucalik is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence J. Pucalik was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Hammond Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
