Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Lawrence succumbed to a stab wound sustained the previous day while attempting to arrest a drunk man on East Chester Street. During the arrest, the suspect attempted to flee and Patrolman Lawrence fired a warning shot at him. When Patrolman Lawrence caught the suspect the man suddenly turned and stabbed him. Patrolman Lawrence died from the wound the following day. The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Lawrence's murder and executed in the electric chair on July 22nd, 1920. Patrolman Lawrence had served with the Kingston Police Department for four years and had previously served with the Kingston Fire Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and young son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-C43C98FB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Lawrence gave the Kingston Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kingston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lawrence.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James M. Lawrence 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Kingston Police Department, 1 of 2 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. James M. Lawrence's cause is highlighted.
How James M. Lawrence Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James M. Lawrence is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James M. Lawrence was killed by edged weapon.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kingston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
