Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

FWC Class 46 pushed through with a positive attitude for today’s FWC Memorial Workout in honor of fallen Officer Michelle A. Lawless who was killed in the line of duty October 27,2007. We were joined by one of her recruit classmates who shared his memory of her and left us with words of wisdom. FWC has made these Memorial Workouts a tradition for the past 9 years and continues to actively honor those officers who paved the way and made the ultimate sacrifice.

FWC Class 46
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

October 20, 2023

15 YEARS LATER...you make me miss you more every day ...my last words to you "I LOVE YOU and Please be Careful"....your response with a tilt of your head, "I WILL".
Our mission of conservation continues...
BEARS forage with their young cubs
ELK graze at the roads edge
BISON herds thunder across the prairies
All in our National Parks and I am there along side my fellow Park Rangers to Protect them...just wish you were there with me...Love You my soulmate.

Debbie Martin
Spouse/Partner

October 27, 2022

I miss you so much it's hard to breath sometimes. I think of you often especially when trying to fix or build something.

Aprilini

October 24, 2021

Rest in peace Wildlife Officer Lawless.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2020

Here at The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, we are a family. While loss can be very painful for any family, our family is strong. Today, we in Class 39 completed our first memorial workout in honor of Officer Michelle A. Lawless, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on October 27, 2007. We proudly completed the workout within the time constraints as a testament to Officer Lawless’ own strength and achievements. We will continue to honor this officer and all other members of our family who have fallen. Though she may be gone, we will remember her and her final sacrifice.

Respectfully,

FWC Recruit Class 39

October 29, 2019

Chief Ardelean,
Thank you for being there. I have since joined the LE ranks and can feel her spirit in me!

Debbie "Ranger" Martin
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

March 14, 2019

You were honored by fellow officers this morning at your crash site. Taps was played and you’re on her well your fellow officers told stories of your dedication to wildlife law-enforcement.

Captain Jeff Ardelean
FWC

October 29, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 27, 2018

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s core foundations are based on values and family. These beliefs rang through the streets of downtown Tallahassee as Class 35 participated in a memorial workout in honor of Officer Michelle A. Lawless, our own fallen family member. The loss of a family member, especially a fellow sworn law enforcement officer, is tragic and never forgotten. It is a constant reminder of the dangers involved with protecting the public and environment. As a class, we were proud to start and finish the workout, together, in honor of this brave officer and family member. May your name never be forgotten and your legacy never fade, thank you for your service.

FWC Class 35
FWC

November 3, 2017

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

October 28, 2017

My Michelle,
The commission lost a hero that day October 27, 2007 but the journey and the mission of protecting our nations precious natural resources and wildlife IS moving forward. With fingers crossed I will be graduating from the National Park Service's LE academy this FALL and though you can Never be replaced you can at least rest assured that our mission and vision of parks protection lives on...love you and miss you Every Single Day.

Debbie

August 4, 2017

Although I never met Michelle, I will riding in her honor for the annual Law-Enforcement United (LEU) bicycle ride during Police Memorial Week in May. Riders are all assigned an Officer to keep their memory and legacy alive during the 250 mile ride from Chesapeake, VA to DC. Prior to being hired by the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office, I seriously considered the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries which is similar to the agency Michelle worked for. I look forward to this opportunity and will do my best to make this a tribute to her spirit.

Captain Glen Strathmann
Chesapeake Sheriff's Office

March 21, 2017

Muhammad Ali once stated, “He {She} who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Officer Michelle Lawless served the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the kind of courage that law enforcement officers everywhere should try to emulate. Her dedication and accomplishments will always serve as reminders and as motivation to officers nationwide and especially within her home agency at FWC. Officer Lawless, today FWC Class 31 remembers your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your loved ones as we honor you during this memorial workout.

FWC Class 31
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida

October 27, 2016

Michelle, you were a greatest friend during high school! We were inseparable at times. You were the closest thing to a sister I ever had. I think of you every time I hear "Dream Weaver"! Everytime! I just found yesterday out that you passed and I'm very sad but also very happy we touched each others lives. I enjoyed all the great fellowship and conversations we had. I hope to see you again someday. Rest for now.

David K. Wilham
High School Friend

November 3, 2015

We will never forget... Continue to rest in peace hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

October 27, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Lawless. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

HEROES live forever and Officer Lawless are a hero... May you continue to rest in peace. We will never forget the sacrifice that you made for us. My prayers are with your family today and always.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

October 27, 2011

I met your mom and dad today. They are special people. I never knew you but by I imagine you were just as wonderful as them. Your spirit lives forvever. Your LEO brothers and sisters will always take care of the parents you left behind.

Anonymous

April 9, 2011

This the 3rd Christmas without you, miss you every day. Still can't believe it. Merry Christmas! I will try to make you proud and make clam chowder this year LOL

april

December 19, 2010

Michelle,
Not one day goes by that we don't think about you. I celebrated the beautiful environment we love so much by participating in a fundraising cycling ride called "People For Trees" in North Port, Florida on this the third year anniversary.
Miss you, love you, and thinking of you always...

Debbie
Partner

November 18, 2010

Your always with me Michelle!! I love you!!!
Aprilini

Anonymous

October 27, 2010

Your always with me Michelle!! I love you!!!
Aprilini

Anonymous

October 27, 2010

To the Lawless family may you know that we have not forgotten your HERO... I know the pain in your hearts is as strong today as it was that dreaded day in 2007. God bless you.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

October 27, 2010

Hey Michelle,
I have moved on from FWC. You were my "inside" friend from the very start. Thanks so much. I am so sorry you were hurt, I still cry when I think of you out there without help. Thank you my sister for your work.
BLM37

S. Waggoner
Friend

November 2, 2009

Michelle,
Just thinking about you today. I know your family still misses you like crazy just as I still miss my husband. I just think there is a bond between you and my husband because God took you both home in the same way. God bless you sweet Michelle. As this weekend rolls around and they have the National Police Officers Memorial, that is where I met your partner last year. I know she thinks of you every day but just know our family is thinking of you too.

Chris Winget
Wife of Ofcr. Robert Winget EOW 4-10-07

May 15, 2009