William R. "Sandy" Lawson

Richlands Police Department — Richlands, VA

Felonious

End of Watch August 19, 1903

Age 35

The Vigil Panel 18 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 3

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.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-VA-34EE7098
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.
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

Department Richlands Police Department

Location Richlands, VA

Platform Identity rpd.tazewell.va.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 19, 1903

Age 35

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Gunfire

Weapon Handgun

Offender Shot and killed

Acting Policeman William R. "Sandy" Lawson 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

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.

Richlands Police Department

of 4 officers

50% Felonious

VA — Statewide

395

of 654 officers

60.4% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious