Roll of Honor
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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BO-US-VA-34EE7098- 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.
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
Acting Policeman William R. Lawson 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 VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Richlands Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William R. Lawson's cause is highlighted.
How William R. Lawson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William R. Lawson is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William R. Lawson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Richlands Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
