Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Richard Lawton was shot and killed in Russell when he attempted to arrest a man at a home on Russell Street, in Russell, on a warrant charging threats to assault his wife.
The 63-year-old suspect was arrested minutes later by a local constable. On January 29th, 1917, the man pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He died on July 17, 1920, shortly after being released from prison.
Deputy Lawton had served with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department for five years.
Deputy Lawton, it has been 108 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 5 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH January 11th, 2024
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MA-0DE3E3CD- Stewardship
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- 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 Lawton gave the Hampden County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lawton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Richard F. Lawton 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 MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Hampden County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard F. Lawton's cause is highlighted.
How Richard F. Lawton Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard F. Lawton is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard F. Lawton was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Hampden County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
