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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Lawrence was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a vehicle driven by a man who had just shot and wounded two state troopers.
They located the car near North Miami and followed it on a rural road before stopping it approximately one mile west of the city. As the officers approached the car the suspect exited and opened fire, striking Deputy Lawrence in the neck. Deputy Lawrence's partner was able to return fire and wound the suspect.
The suspect was later found in his home, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputy Lawrence had served with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Lawrence gave the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lawrence.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1957, 2 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1957, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 54. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 54. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Mondays: 12.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.7% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ottawa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
