Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Richie...
It took me a while to get up the guts to to do this...
I bought a wedding dress today, and it's absolutely breathtaking. For some strange reason, I've been thinking about you all day today (and every day, for that matter)...
I hear that you're a fantastic dancer(according to our cohorts at LGPD), and I'm terribly upset that I won't be able to share a dance with you on my wedding day. I know that you will be there, but as much as I hate to admit it, I want to hear you harass me about my height or marrying a Bishop McDevitt football coach, let alone another cop...
I know that the Lt. told you that I was at AMH the night of your accident, but I wanted to personally tell you that I drove MOCK 10 down Rt. 611 to the hospital just to make sure that you were OK.
Everyone keeps asking how we're(the PD) are doing, and I always say, "We're getting back to normal." If normal is dealing with an unspeakably terrible loss, then that's true...
I was in West Chester last weekend and "The Rat" is calling for you.
We'll take it from here, so rest in peace, my brother.

Love Always,
Shan 4542 (as Rich says, "Tiny")

Ofc. Shannon McBride
Lower Gwynedd Police Department

October 13, 2003

Richie - It has been 72 days since I last saw you and I still find myself looking at the door for you to come in, or looking at the clock thinking your shift is almost over. I actually started to call you on Saturday when Connor's team won the soccer championship. You are the first thing I think about in the morning and my last thought at night and every other thought in between. I try to take one day at a time, because the thought of you not in my future is unbearable. I miss you more than words can say. You were always there for me, listening to me gab about the silly nonsense that didn't really matter. You worked so hard to try to give us everything we wanted and needed, but the only thing we want or need is you. The kids are already talking about Christmas (you know how early that always starts). I can't bear to think of Christmas without you. Remember how we would decorate the day after Thanksgiving? How you would complain about how much money I spent, when you actually were having as much fun as I was? You were so happy with all our family in our new big kitchen on Christmas. Now this kitchen is so empty-no matter how many people are in it. How are we supposed to get through Christmas Eve dinner without you at the end of the kids table? I keep hoping to dream of you so I can see you again, but I haven't. I need to see you. I need to talk to you. I need you. I still keep praying for some kind of miracle and you'll come back to me. I'm trying to keep doing everything I'm supposed to. I'm making sure the kids are doing their homework and getting to all their activities because I know that's what they need. You would be so proud of them, Richie. They are so strong, just like you, but I know how much they ache for one of your big hugs. You know how much Kelly loved to crawl up on your lap and cuddle up. Megan still talks about how she would take care of you when I was working. She still doesn't believe you were in charge of her. Katelyn is talking about a boy that likes her and I know she misses hearing you tell her "You're not allowed to date until your married". Connor watches and plays football constantly. I know this makes him feel closer to you. I miss everything about you. Even the way you would tease me. I actually am now teasing myself. I feel so lost without you. I feel like apart of me is missing-like my heart was taken out. Sometimes the pain is so bad I feel like I'm going to explode, but then you help me. I know you are with me always. I couldn't get through this without you. I actually feel you giving me the strength to get up and do what needs to be done. You have always been my rock and I know you always will be. Thank you for not leaving me completely. Thank you for being the best thing that ever happened to me. You had such a way of always helping people and making it seem like it wasn't a big deal, but it was. You were such a big deal to so many people. The world is better for having had you in it and I thank God everyday that for a short time I was lucky enough to share my life with such a wonderful man. Thank you for loving me and for making me a better person. You will live on in my heart forever and in our four beautiful children. You were such a gift! I love you!

Laurie
His wife

October 8, 2003

Dear Lawn Family,
It is hard to put into words how sorry I am for your tremendous loss. I know how much you all love Richie and I cannot imagine how sad you must be. You truly represent the meaning of family. At the funeral, my brother and I hugged for the first time in I don't know how long and it hit me that I should never take him for granted. As a fellow police officer, he is putting himself in danger to help others, and for that I have even more respect for him. I know Richie will watch over him and all of the other men and women who are out there serving and protecting their communities. May God Bless Laurie, the kids and all of you.
Your friend always,
Ellie

Ellen Lopoten
Friend of the family

October 6, 2003

Deservingly so...Rich Lawn will never be forgotten. I started my career soon after Rich and met up with him almost every shift for the past 14 years. Rich was always there for you and somebody that you could count on with out ever asking. I've lost relatives that haven't affected me as much as this loss, and I was only his friend. My deepest condolences to his wife, Laurie,and children,and the rest of his family, whom he adored and always spoke most proudly of. Police work just isn't the same. In all my life I've never realized I had taken someone for granted,as much as Rich. If you knew Rich,you too never would have thought this day would come. I always figured he'd be there,and will always regret not having done more with him. While we won't be retiring together,God willing someday we'll meet again brother.. Your pal, Bill

Sgt. Bill Frank
Ambler Police

September 15, 2003

Hi Richie it's me PECK. Sorry it took me so long to write you- it's just if I write to you on this page it means it's real-that your not coming back to us. I can't accept that. I know everyone says it gets easier but I don't believe it.
What you meant to me is so hard to quantify but I'll do my best.
I was so fortunate to have you to guide and protect me through my life. You looked out for me from the time I was a baby- you were my real life guardian angel. I can't recall one argument we ever had- oh! that's because we never had one.

I will always remember our Penn State Football days- from as far back as when I think I might have been 6 and we had to actually leave our house to cheer for PSU(growing up in a ND household)- up until our last tailgate and game together. I will keep up the tradition- but it will never be the same. You told me one day "you should root for Penn State PECK" and I said "why" and you replied "they don't wear their names on their jerseys because they play as a team-and because Joe Paterno is the greatest coach in the world". I told Connor that this weekend- when I took him to see a game up at Beaver Stadium. I will teach your son everything you taught me- don't worry he will never be a PITT fan. You always said "a Penn State Game at Beaver Stadium is the closest thing to heaven as you can get" -so your beautiful wife Laurie, and all your kids we're as close to you as they could have been.
You were my mentor, confidant, friend, coach, teammate- best big brother.
My life with you was perfect - I will never let anyone forget you or what you meant to so many.
All of our memories were great- and I thank you for that.
Thank you for everything, I Love You Forever- PECK

Megan(PECK) Gunder- sister of Richie

September 8, 2003

I was privledged to attend this Officers Funeral with our Motor Unit and Honor Guard. It was a sad day. It was Hot, and then cooled by heavy pouring rain. Mrs Lawn and the children along with this officers eleven siblings, In-laws, and parents made each one of us feel like family.
There was a fly by Medivac, Taps, and a Rifle Salute. Then a radio call for Officer Lawn which went unaswered and then placed him out of service. There was not a steady knee or dry eye. May God keep his family safe, always holding them close. And God if I ride..may it be for such a deserving Officer and family.

Sgt. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police, Montg. Co. PA.

September 1, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out ot the family and coworkers of Officer Lawn.

Although I did not have the privilege to have known you personally, I grieve for your loss my friend. Rest in peace knowing that those of us left behind will proudly cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

Thank you for the best years of my life and for teaching me about the truly important things in life. You truly are the best person I have ever known. Thank you for making me feel so special every single day. Thank you for our children. I see you in them and it makes me smile and go on. I will spend every day of my life making sure our children know that their father adored them. I will continue what you started. I love you forever, my rock!

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Lauren
His wife

August 24, 2003

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Lawn, I'm so sorry for your loss. There are many of us out here who know your pain personally, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

August 22, 2003

Richie you were a great son, brother to the 10 of us, husband of Laurie and father of four beautiful children. You took care of all of us, and for that I want to say Thank You. You will forever be in our hearts! You truly taught people how to be selfless. You always did for others without a second thought. You were always there for us.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who kept Richie and his family in their prayers and for the outpouring of generousity at this difficult time. Thank you.

We will miss you Richie! We love you!

Tricia,
Sister of Richie

August 22, 2003

Richie- You were one a kind. So giving to others and wanting nothing in return. It's up to us keep going and take of care of you and yours now. Thank you for everyting. See you on the other side, until then rest in peace. Brother

A Friend

August 22, 2003

Richie-thank you for everything. You made me who I am...I am so grateful to be able to say that you are my brother and that you have protected me, along with countless others. Please watch over our family and your brothers and sisters still in service down here.

-The unbelievable generosity and good will of others at this time has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone who has kept our family in their prayers.

Erin-sister of Bubba

Rich, Wanted to talk some family sports with you today. I believe you know what the score was and maybe helped out a little. You were always so proud to talk about your kids in sports. Thanks for all you have done. You would be proud of how we all came together. I will always remember the good times we had together. We'll taking good care of your family. Until we meet again rest in peace 45-6.

PK
LGPD

Detective Paul Kenny
Lower Gwynedd Twp.

It was a great pleasure to have known Rich. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to give a helping hand. His warmth, representative of the entire Lower Gwynedd Police Department, helped make it a pleasure to respond to calls in Lower Gwynedd Township. My sincerest condolences to his family that he so dearly loved. Rest in Peace 45-6.

Jeffrey E. Myers
North Penn Vol. Fire Company

Our families prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, none of us are ever alone. Through tragedy, we all must find stregnth and cause.

Chris Murray
East Coventry Twp, Chester County, Pa

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD - 44 PCT

To Officer Lawn family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio F. Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL, EOW 11/6/86

Our thoughts and prayers are with your immediate family, your extended family, and of course, your law enforcement family. Thank you for your years of service.

NTPD

Newberry Township Police
Newberry Township, York County, PA

The loud booms of thunder during Bobby's stories about Rich were moving. He will watch over all of us.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall gently upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand

God Bless the Lawn and Kelly families.

CMR

To all of Officer Lawns friends, family and co-workers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Deputy Vicky Malone
Shelby County Sheriffs Office

Another fine officer' life cut short by tragedy. This sadly demonstrates that automobiles remain as the number one killer of police officers. We sadly see the numbers of officers killed in traffic collissions on this page climb and climb.

He died a hero's death. I pray for his family, friends and colleagues in this time of grief. We all share in the loss because we are all family of the badge, no matter where we work or what uniform we wear.

He now patrol the streets of Heaven with St. Michael. Please remember to wear seatbelts the same as wearing body armor. God Bless and be safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist. SP

Another hero is gone to soon!

Rest in peace brother!

We will continue the fight,

In memory of Officer Richard Lawn Jr. and all the heros, please light a blue light in a window of your home and let it shine 24/7.

RJF
CPD, NY

May God bless the Lawn family and bring comfort to their hearts.

Keith A. Matteson
Doylestown, PA

Rest in peace sir, the watch is now ours.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

Rest in peace Brother! YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!

Sister in blue
Orlando POlice Dept- FL