2025 -- H 5241

========

LC000036

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SERGEANT MICHAEL

W. LAWING

     Introduced By: Representatives Cotter, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi,
Kennedy, Ajello, Fellela, Noret, and Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the untimely passing of

Richmond Police Department Sergeant Michael W. Lawing after a valiant fight against a brief

illness; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Lawing was born in Warwick, the son of Bruce and Laura (Baxter)

Lawing. Michael Lawing was a committed public servant. He served our nation with honor as a

United States Marine, as a lieutenant on the Richmond-Carolina Volunteer Fire Association, and

a member of the Richmond Police Department; and

     WHEREAS, In November 2001, Mr. Lawing joined the Richmond Police Department.

Recognizing his intelligence and excellence on the job, Officer Lawing was promoted to Sergeant

in 2011. Sergeant Lawing began the department’s first K-9 program in 2018, and over the last

two years was instrumental in the department’s implementation of their body-worn camera

program. Sgt. Lawing will be remembered by the organizers of the Washington County Fair as a

valued member of the Fair family who was an integral part of ensuring the safety and security of

the Fair for all who participated; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Lawing was an ardent outdoorsman. He relished his time on the waters

of the state fishing with his son Grayson and his father Bruce. He was a member of the Rhode

Island Commercial Rod and Reel Association and several other fishing organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Family was of utmost importance to Sgt. Lawing. He was the devoted

husband to the love of his life and soulmate Caitlyn and an adoring father to their three children,

Grayson, Madison and Morgan who were the light of his life. Sgt. Michael Lawing leaves a

legacy of honorable service to his country and community, and dedication to his family. He will

be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know this remarkable gentleman; now

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Michael W. Lawing; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Caitlyn Lawing and family.

========

LC000036

========

LC000036 - Page 2 of 2