TULSA — Tulsa Police Captain Richard Lawson retired today after 44 years with the Tulsa Police Department.
Captain Lawson began his service at TPD in January of 1975.
He served a multitude of assignments - from patrol to burglary and homicide detective commander and training academy leader.
In his speech for Capt. Lawson’s retirement party, Deputy Chief Eric Dalgleish said, “Look at Capt. Lawson right now. He is wearing his vest even though his assignment is indoors here at the Academy. He would never ask his officers to do something he does not do himself. He leads by example.”
Lawson’s parents, including his father (a WWII veteran), wife Carol and their three children, and extended family were there for the celebration. They shared stories of his childhood and said even in his early years, one of Captain Lawson's favorite things to do was listen to police scanners.
When asked why he chose to serve Tulsa citizens for so long, Lawson simply said, “To make a difference… to be in a position to help someone when they are hurting.” He said, he wanted to feel that sense of commitment and serve with honor.
While he is retiring from Tulsa Police, he does not plan to take even a single day off. He has accepted a civilian position at the Tulsa Police Training Academy and begins work immediately.
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