Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Halloween! Thinking of you so much today. You always had so much fun trick-or-treating with the kids and stealing all their Reese's when they went to bed at night! You loved running the kids ragged to get as much candy as possible. It's not the same without you, but we're trying to have some fun.

You'd be thrilled with the Eagles undefeated season so far, but we won't get into Penn State's season. I think the neighborhood children would have learned a couple of new words from you on Saturday afternoons.

We miss you so much. I still can't accept that your gone. We love you!

Laurie
Richie's wife

October 31, 2004

Your season is in full swing. Thinking of you all the time. Missing you even more. Be with us on the field at Thanksgiving and always.

October 28, 2004

Richie,

Just needed to talk to you. I miss you so much.

Laurie
Richie's wife

October 25, 2004

On every page
You will see how much we love you
In every line
You will see how much we care
With every word
We will grow closer
Even thought
We both know
You are still there.

October 25, 2004

"What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden path or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

September 29, 2004

"Friends are like stars, you don't always see them but they are always there." I know you're there, dude.

Anonymous

September 27, 2004

Happy 15th Anniversary, Richie...I can't believe it has been 15 years since i was your junior bridesmaid! I am so happy that I got to share your special day with you on the altar. You picked a wonderful girl and she has been truly great even in your absence...but I guess that is because you are not really gone. I love you and congratulations.

Your favorite Goddaughter/sister

Erin Lawn- Richie's sister

September 23, 2004

Richie,
Happy 15th Anniversary! I've been thinking alot about the day we got married. The weather was terrible, but it never put a damper on our special day. We had such a fun wedding and reception. I remember walking down the aisle and seeing you waiting for me and knowing I was so lucky to find someone who loved me so much and treated me so well. I never had cold feet, although you might have as you stumbled over your wedding vows. I keep thinking about the "till death do us part" section of the vows. I think they should be changed, because even though you died I don't feel our union is over. I still feel married to you and I still feel loved and protected by you. You will always be a part of my life. I miss hearing your voice, but I still talk to you everyday and I know what your responses would be. I miss being able to touch you, but I still feel your arms around me. I miss seeing your smiling face, but it is etched in my brain forever. I will love you forever and thank God everyday that you were and still are a part of my life. I will always be grateful for all the wonderful things and people you brought into my life. Thank you for giving me our wonderful children. I would be lost without them. Thank you for sharing your family with me. They have been so supportive and caring. Thank you for your friends, who continue to checkup on us and make sure we are okay.
Thank you for being my husband. I hope you will always feel how much I love you and how proud I am to still be your wife. I love you forever.

Laurie
Richie's wife

September 23, 2004

Thinking of you and knowing how much you would have enjoyed all of it.

September 14, 2004

Richie,

It seems like forever since I have seen you. I just wanted to drop you quick a note. The strength Laurie and the Kids have shown over this past year is amazing. They are such a wonderful bunch of individuals. I can almost here you bragging about how proud you are of them, they never cease to amaze me with their strength and courage. I miss you everyday, as I know so many do. Your family is truely a testiment of your character. I only hope I can have half the impact you've had on so many lives.

September 12, 2004

Laurie
I can not begin to know everything you have been through, but please realize their are so many people who are and will continue to be here for you. Not a day goes by when I don't miss having him in my life.

September 1, 2004

I'm still missing you; every day, every hour, every minute, every second.

Laurie
Richie's wife

August 30, 2004

Bubba,

Sorry, I couldn't come to visit this site on the anniversary as there are too many reminders in our everyday life. I know the family continues to come to you for strength and guidance, and you are doing an excellent job with them.

Wanted you to know that Laurie is right in that it does not get easier. Everything constantly brings it right back to that day. Blaze continues to excel in baseball and soccer, and it never hurt to see you there at games. I know you are still there.

Keep us all safe, including the fire wackers!

Jeffrey F. Mullaly, Fire Chief
Upper Gwynedd Fire Dept.

August 10, 2004

On Saturday, the field at Oxford Park was dedicated in your name. It was a beautiful day. So many people turned out to honor you and share their stories of your life as a sportsman. The township provided lunch and we played softball games on your field. The weather was like a fall day which I know you sent us. I could almost hear you saying "I can smell it in the air". The kids had a wonderful time and so enjoy hearing stories about their special father. We are always so proud of you. I know you would be honored to have children and families enjoying team sports on a field with your name on it. I wish everyday could be like this where we are all together talking and thinking about you and celebrating the extraordinary person you were, but unfortunately there are too many days where I'm alone and missing you. I'm lost without you and wish you could send me some of your wisdom right now. I need your guidance. Please continue to watch over your family and help your children, parents and siblings survive their heartbreak. I love and miss you forever.

Laurie
Richie's wife

August 9, 2004

Richie,

We just got back from spending 2 weeks down the shore with your family. It was so nice to be with them, but the whole time I kept picturing you there with us like you should be. You would have had so much fun relaxing and playing with the kids at the beach.

We all went to the cemetery today, where we all were one year ago saying goodbye to you. That is the big problem I'm having; I can't say goodbye to you. I haven't been able to clean out your dresser or closet or part with any of your things. It's been a year since I've seen you, but I still can't except that you are gone forever. I manage to go about my daily life and function, but nothing is the same. Life is such hardwork now. I still see your face everywhere and still burst into tears at times, but I do know I will survive and that's because you taught me how to do that. I miss having you to lean on, depend on and just talk to. I miss your wisdom and your simple way of looking at life. Did you know how much I admired you? You are the best and I still miss you like crazy. I know people say it gets easier, but I don't believe that. I think you just learn to accept that this is your life now. My heart will always ache everytime I see a dad with his children or a husband and wife. Thank you for helping me survive this first year and please continue to stay with me. I can't do it without you. I love you and miss you forever.

Laurie
Richie's wife

August 1, 2004

Rich,

I can't believe it's been one year already. I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know I am thinking about you. I'm still at a loss for words as to what I should say, but just know that you will never be forgotten.

Take care brother

July 28, 2004

Every few weeks I visit this site. And every time I stop at these reflections there are new and beautiful memories added. It reminds me of the honor and nobility each officer brings our communities and the sacrifice and loss when these brave men and women pass on to another patrol. Ofc. Lawn and all the brave police officers everywhere, but especially those in Montgomery County, PA, will be in the hearts and minds of my family and I for all the days to come.
God bless Officer Lawn and the Lawn family.

July 26, 2004

Rich
I've been thinking a lot about you lately, I could always count on seeing you at the kids swim meets. We always used that time to catch up a bit, compare notes and reminisce of other times. I miss that, but I do remember what we talked about last year at the Nor-Gwen meet. I'm still following through as I know you would have as well. I saw Laurie at the meet this year at Hatfield and got a chance to talk to her for the first time since your funeral. I still was unable to talk, I got a few things out but not much. Your kids lool like there doing well and Laurie seems to be hanging in there. I hope she knows that I will do anything I can if she needs me. I mean that. Here's a shocker, my son Scott decided not to play football this year instead he is focusing on lacrosse. Rich, what a freakin' game, it's awesome, if it was at LC when we were there you would have been great at it. It was right up your alley, you run around and crush the guy with the ball and even can use a stick. The funny part about Scott not playing football, especially as a senior and lettering since he was a sophmore is that the coaches have not even asked him whats up! That beeing the case, he feels that much more better about his decision. Boy it's hot cutting grass this year, I bet you don't miss that! If I get stung one more time this year I'm gonna quit! Well Rich it was great talking to you, miss ya!

July 22, 2004

Richie,
Today is Laurie's birthday and we are all going over to have dinner and cake with her and the kids. We are trying our best to take care of her and let her know how much we love her but she misses you so much that days like these are extra hard. Please watch over her and the little guys and let them know that you are always there.

I love you so much and miss you more every day.

Shrimp

Erin Lawn
Richie's sister

June 22, 2004

I love coming to this Memorial Page and reading all the great things everyone has to say about Ofc. Lawn. What a great husband, father, and friend he must have been! And what a remarkable family he has to carry on his character and legacy of compassion and love.

Even though I have not met Ofc. Lawn, his family has made a lasting impression on me (I met you guys at Police Week - sat behind you at the Memorial Service). Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your husband and dad on this site and letting those of us who never personally met him get to know him through your love of him. My prayers continue to be with you!

Bryce Mazur, Wife of Deputy Andrew Mazur
EOW 8/17/2003 -- Greenville County Sheriff's Office, SC

June 21, 2004

Dad,
I just wanted to write to tell you what has been going on since school is over. Well for the first time I am a little sad that school is over, but we started swimming and had time trials. We have to do push-ups and you know how I have no uper body strength. Today is Father's Day so I wanted to write to wish you a happy Father's Day. I love you so much.

Katie
Richie's daughter

June 20, 2004

Daddy,

Happy Father's Day. I love you. You are always in my heart. I miss you playing with me and cuddling me on your lap.

Kelly
Richie's daughter

June 20, 2004

Daddy,

I love you with all my heart. I hope you are having some fun in heaven. I liked climbing on you when you watched tv. I love you daddy.

Megan
Richie's daughter

June 20, 2004

Daddy,

Happy Father's Day! I hope you are enjoying heaven and I love you with all my heart.

I loved having you as my baseball coach. You taught me alot of things. Being on the Mariners with you were very good moments.

Connor
Richie's son

June 20, 2004

Richie,

Happy Father's Day! I can't help but have such mixed emotions on this day. It is so hard to look at our four children and see the pain in their eyes because they no longer have you here to be a part of their lives. I can't help but think of all the hugs, laughter, advice, comfort and knowledge that you still had to share with them. But I am also so very grateful that they had a dad like you during their most impressionable and developmental years. You were and I believe still are the best dad ever.

I remember the first day you became a dad. You stepped into that role so easily. I remember looking at you holding Katelyn and thinking how safe she would always be with such a big strong father. You were such a hands-on dad right from the beginning. You changed diapers, fed babies, or whatever else was needed. You put your children's needs above your needs for everything, including sleep. We have so many pictures of you trying to sleep while a little person is climbing on top of you.

You always took the time to play with your children. You taught them not only skills and sportsmanship, but also that their father really enjoyed spending time with them. That is something that will bring a smile to their faces forever. You also taught them how to handle stressful situations that may arise. You never lost your cool or composure when things went wrong. With all the different injuries that will occur with four very active kids, they never saw you lose control. You always remained calm and handled things. You also taught them how to enjoy life. It is so easy to get lost in the business of our everyday lives, but you always took the time to laugh and love. I don't think a day went by that you didn't take each child off to the side and discuss their days and give them one of your big cuddles. You also showed them how men can show love. This is something I think about all the time. Because of you, our three girls will know that big strong men should hug and cuddle and be gentle and our son knows how to be a man like that.

These are some of the many things that our children were lucky enough to learn from you. Your lessons and love for them are still here and they feel it everyday. I have told them so many times how lucky they are to have had such a wonderful dad. You taught them more, spent more time with them, and showed them more love than many children receive in a lifetime. They all understand that and it helps them handle the difficult times.

I also want to thank you for making my job as a mother so much easier because of the giving and caring dad you are. I know so many moms that are not very comfortable leaving their children alone with their dads, especially when they are babies. I never had that worry. You were awesome with them! Thank you, Richie, for giving me such wonderful children. They all have a part of you in them. You have been an incredible role model for them and because of this I believe that they will continue to learn from you as they grow older and develop into the adults they want to become. They are so proud of you!

We love and miss you everyday, but because you are in our hearts, you will still be a part of everything we do. Thank you for being the best dad and enjoy your first Father's Day with Tara!

Laurie
Richie's wife

June 20, 2004