Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This was my grandfather. He is still remembered every year on his End of Watch date by the Alamance County Sheriffs Department and we are thankful for that. My grandmother never received any compensation for his death because of his dual role of jailkeeper. She took over his position until his term ended.

Ruth Gentry
Granddaughter

May 17, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 31, 2020

WFMY News July 31, 2019

83 Years After He Died in the Line of Duty: Officers Still Honor Deputy Killed During Domestic Dispute Call
Deputy Gowens was killed Friday, July 31, 1936, after responding to a domestic dispute.

GRAHAM, N.C. — A Memorial Service was held for Alamance County Deputy Sheriff Lawrence George Gowens on Wednesday. Deputy Gowens was killed 83 years ago, on Friday, July 31, 1936. Gowens was responding to a domestic dispute in Graham, where Robert S. Campbell had just shot his wife.

Deputy Gowens tried to arrest Campbell when Campbell fired a single shot from his shotgun, striking Deputy Gowens, who died shortly after the shooting.

The service was held at the Historic Providence Church Cemetery in Graham and conducted by the Alamance County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

July 31, 2019

I am Deputy Lawrence Gowens granddaughter. I would like the record to show that Deputy Gowens was survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. Although his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren never met him, many of us attend the service each year on his date of end of service. We appreciate the Alamance County Sheriff’s Department for performing this memorial service.

Ruth Gentry
Granddaughter

June 27, 2018

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 28, 2013

RIP Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 31, 2012

Deputy Gowens, you are not forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Douglas Bothern

July 10, 2012

You will not be forgotten brother.

RIP
Cpl. Jon Lowder of Monroe, North Carolina

Cpl. Jon Lowder of Monroe, NC
Union County Sheriff's Office

November 21, 2009

You are remembered today by a Durham native and the mother of a fallen officer. My son, Larry Lasater who was also born in Durham, died when shot on April 23, 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers while serving with the Pittsburg, California Police Department.

Lawrence, your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your memory is honored and revered 73 years after your death and will continue to be.


This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lawrence gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 31, 1936.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 2, 2009

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 31, 2007

GOD BLESS OUR FALLEN BROTHER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SINCERELY,
CPL.J.W. LOWDER, DEPUTY SHERIFF

CPL. JW LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

April 28, 2007

meet your daugher you would be proud. We have not forgoten.

M Tuggle DII
ACSO

May 17, 2005

Even back then the dangers existed with domestics and firearms.

You are a hero and not forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Ptl.
Glassboro PD, NJ

November 20, 2004