Police Officer Linda A. Lawrence Baton Rouge City Police Department Louisiana Monday, August 1, 1977  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

You are not forgotten. Please watch over the rest of us down here and bless your family.

Fellow Police Officer
BRPD
2009-01-23

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-10-31

On the 30th anniversary of your tragic murder, I salute you, ma'am. I remember our Instructors at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) playing a recording of theviolent confrontation you and your partner were in - it's seems someone had their mic open. If memory serves me correctly, the perpetrator was high on PCP and was virtually impervious to the gunshots. Most chilling was the words spoken by your murderer after your partner shot him in the heart "Oh, that was a good one." I don't know if time has made it any easier on your family and friends. However, I hope everyone will take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

SGT Mark Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD
2007-08-02

I have conducted formal investigations of many incidents resulting in California officers being killed in the line-of-duty.

I have researched hundreds of other incidents in hopes of assisting agencies regarding improving tacics / officer survival training.

To this day, the murder of Police Officer Lawrence and the subsequent battle between her partner and the suspect, proves to be one of the most graphic examples of disbelief regarding a suspect who just seemed to refuse to go down.

The story of the courage displayed by the surviving partner, I have shared with many recruit classes.

Officer Lawrence, You are most certainly not forgotten!

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2007-08-01

You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die, even after almost 30 years I know your name is still mentioned with dignity and respect by members of the Blue Family. Even though you only had four months in your career which I'm sure was your life long dream, there is no question as to what kind of officer you would have grown to be for you were already that individual. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-10-19

On today 02/01/2006 I had the honor of watching a brave young lady perform her duties as a law enforcement officer and loose her life at the same time. Even though its been some time ago it was still chilling for me to watch. Officer Lawrence performed her duties well, she is a hero: she is my hero. I just want to say to you Officer Lawrence "I applaud you, and I am encouraged by you and your bravery". You are my inspiration. Gone but never forgotten!!!!!!!

Jamie

2006-02-01

Officer Lawrence You will not be forgotten Rest in Peace

Exlporer

2005-12-12

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired
2005-10-19

Linda,

We lost another officer on Wednesday, and I thought of you and wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten or filed away in some dusty file. Rest in peace.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Baton Rouge PD
2005-08-16

A Million Times

A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could've saved you,
You would have never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

2005-03-04

This tragedy is recreated on the "Ultimate Survivers" video. Because of her sacrifice, so many others have a better understanding of how such events can happen; we are better prepared to continue "our" work. We, as law enforcement officers, are fortunate to be surrounded by heros.

Tommy Carswell, Sergeant
Auburn, AL Police Dept
2005-01-23

Officer Lawrence, your service to the profession was done with honor and pride. Rest in peace now, for it is our duty to complete what you started.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy
Prince George's County Police Department, MD
2004-11-12

I am just reading your memorial today (Oct 14,2004). It is still as real and heartbreaking as I know it was when it first happened so many years ago.Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace Officer Lawrence.

Policeman's 23rd Psalm
(Author Unknown)

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun

Mother of a Police Officer

2004-10-14

Linda, I rolled on your call that fatal day as I was working with the EBR Sheriff's Office at that time. Little did I know upon arrival that it was you. Growing up with you in Bogalusa and seeing you as you sang in the choir where we both attended church still occupies my mind.
As The Evening sun is setting and your path no more you trod,
May your name in Gold be written in the Autograph of God

Shelby L. Lott, Jr. Correctional Mentor
NC Department of Correction
2004-09-30

God Bless You Officer Lawrence. Your brothers and sisters in law enforcement honor you, and the lessons your case provided have doubtless save many others. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD
2004-09-07

May we never forget this brave Warriors sacrifice. May Her Family, Fellow Officers, And Friends have found Peace on this 27th anniversary. Rest in Peace Sister in Blue...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept
2004-07-31

Dearest Linda,

I still remember the morning that you were murdered. I was working that morning and still remember all of the officers responding to the call. The tears, the deep anger, and loss of something that can never be replaced. You were a wonderful person and you will never be forgotten. I hope that the video they made on your death will prevent the same thing for happening ever again. As you are in heaven, please look after Vickie Wax who came home on May 22, 2004. May the Lord give you eternal rest.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Baton Rouge Police Dept
2004-06-02

I attended an officer survival class where they discussed Officer Lawrence. Everything she did was by the book (body armor wasn't 'in vogue' in '77). The suspect, on PCP, overpowered the officers. Linda Lawrence put up the good fight. She will always be my hero.

Linda, as you now know, Jesus Loves You. So do we!

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond, VA Police
2003-08-31

I just read a detailed account of Linda's murder. Absolutely chilling-like something out of a horror movie. The subject was high on PCP and survived, among other wounds, a point-blank shot to the top of his head, and only went down when a shot broke his pelvis. Linda wasn't wearing body armor. Every one of us on the street should read about her sacrifice." It definitely had an impact on me. Godspeed Linda.

Officer M. B.

May your death never be thought in vain.

Anonymous

YOUR SACRIFICE HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY SISTER.

Anonymous