2025 -- H 5241
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
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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 1
Richmond Police Department Sergeant Michael W. Lawing after a valiant fight against a brief 2
illness; and 3
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawing was born in Warwick, the son of Bruce and Laura (Baxter) 4
Lawing. Michael Lawing was a committed public servant. He served our nation with honor as a 5
United States Marine, as a lieutenant on the Richmond-Carolina Volunteer Fire Association, and 6
a member of the Richmond Police Department; and 7
WHEREAS, In November 2001, Mr. Lawing joined the Richmond Police Department. 8
Recognizing his intelligence and excellence on the job, Officer Lawing was promoted to Sergeant 9
in 2011. Sergeant Lawing began the department’s first K-9 program in 2018, and over the last 10
two years was instrumental in the department’s implementation of their body-worn camera 11
program. Sgt. Lawing will be remembered by the organizers of the Washington County Fair as a 12
valued member of the Fair family who was an integral part of ensuring the safety and security of 13
the Fair for all who participated; and 14
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawing was an ardent outdoorsman. He relished his time on the waters 15
of the state fishing with his son Grayson and his father Bruce. He was a member of the Rhode 16
Island Commercial Rod and Reel Association and several other fishing organizations; and 17
WHEREAS, Family was of utmost importance to Sgt. Lawing. He was the devoted 18
husband to the love of his life and soulmate Caitlyn and an adoring father to their three children, 19
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Grayson, Madison and Morgan who were the light of his life. Sgt. Michael Lawing leaves a 1
legacy of honorable service to his country and community, and dedication to his family. He will 2
be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know this remarkable gentleman; now 3
therefore be it 4
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 5
expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Michael W. Lawing; and 6
be it further 7
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 8
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Caitlyn Lawing and family. 9
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