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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
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- 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kingston Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 12 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Fridays: 14.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Kingston Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Kingston Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kingston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.