Patrolman Lawrence W. Gorman, Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrolman Lawrence W. Gorman

Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Saturday, September 3, 1960

Lawrence W. Gorman

Patrolman Lawrence Gorman was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two burglary suspects in Kendall Square. He observed the two men breaking into a restaurant 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 had 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

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and wounded

arrest, burglary

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 53rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013