Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Saturday, September 3, 1960
Add to My HeroesLawrence W. Gorman
Patrolman Lawrence Gorman was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two burglary suspects in Kendall Square in Cambridge.
He observed the two men breaking into the Symmes Restaurant at 254 Maine Street and tried to arrest them when they opened fire, mortally wounding him. He was able to return fire and wound one of the suspects in the leg, who was taken into custody.
On May 14th, 1961, the captured suspect, aided by his accomplice, escaped from the Middlesex County Jail along with another inmate. With a smuggled handgun he shot and killed Jail Master David S. Robinson. Three days later he shot and killed himself when police stormed a Boston apartment where he was hiding. His accomplice and the other escapee were captured a short time later.
On September 24th, 1961, his accomplice was convicted of Patrolman Gorman's murder and sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life.
Patrolman Gorman was a United States Navy World War II veteran and served with the Cambridge Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 8 years
- Badge 128
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed Suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsPatrolman Gorman, it has been 63 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
September 4, 2023
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