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Incident
Lorena Night Watchman Fred E. Lawson was found around 3:00 a.m. in the office of the Westbrook and Evans gin by the foreman of the gin. A bullet wound was found in Lawson’s right side under the arm. His six-shooter, a Colt .44, had one chamber empty, was found under the chair close by. His lunch which he usually ate about 12 midnight was found spread out before him untouched. The pistol shot had ignited Lawson’s vest. The coroner concluded that Lawson met his death by accident or murder. The family reported his death as an accidental discharge when his pistol fell from its scabbard.
Lawson was survived by his wife and five small children, his mother, one sister and six brothers. He was buried in the Lorena City Cemetery. He had been employed as the town's night watchman for only two months, having replaced Night Watchman M. E. Witt, who was murdered on duty on December 11, 1917.
Survivors
Lawson was survived by his wife and five small children, his mother, one sister and six brothers.
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.
Night Watchman Lawson served with the Lorena Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lorena community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Lawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Lorena Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Frederick is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Frederick is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frederick is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 2 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 97th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1918, 39 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 108th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1918, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Frederick was 31. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Frederick was 31. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frederick was 31. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Saturdays: 18%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lorena Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Lorena Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Frederick among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lorena Police Department are honored on badge.nw.