It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of 31 year old, Patrolmen Craig Lawson. Officer Lawson, the son of recently retired Chief of Police Robert Lawson, was hired by the Lakewood Police Department in April of 2014. After successfully completing the Ocean County Police Academy, he was assigned to the Patrol Division’s evening shift.

Earlier this morning, Officer Lawson experienced an unknown medical episode which ultimately led to his death. Official determination is pending an autopsy exam which is scheduled for later this afternoon at the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.

During his time, the two year veteran proved himself to be an excellent officer and showed great interest and promise in becoming assigned to our Firearms Training Program.

It is certainly a somber day for the Lakewood Police Department and a loss for the community he served.

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