RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) — It was an emotional day as first responders from across the state paid tribute to the Richmond police sergeant who passed away from a sudden illness last week.
Michael Lawing, a 23-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, died just weeks after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.
“It’s devastating and surreal in the same breath,” Richmond Police Chief Elwood Johnson said of the loss. “We lost a friend, we lost a colleague and we lost a public servant.”
“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way for others, sometimes for people they don’t even know,” he continued. “Michael did that every day for 23 years and he did it in a way that left a lasting and positive impression on the community.”
Johnson described Lawing as an officer “who was a great person to have on your team.”
“There was no task to great for him,” Johnson said. “He was really one of the smartest police officers I have ever met.”
“There’s no way to replace somebody like that,” the police chief continued.