Patrolman Craig Lawson was the son of recently retired chief
LAKEWOOD -- The township's police department was in mourning Thursday following the sudden death of a young officer who joined the force just two years ago.
Patrolman Craig Lawson (Lakewood police) "It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of 31 year old Patrolman Craig Lawson," Chief Gregory Meyer said in a statement.
"It is certainly a somber day for the Lakewood Police Department and a loss for the community he served," Meyer also said.
Lawson, who joined the force in April 2014, died early Thursday morning from an unknown medical condition. An autopsy was scheduled later Thursday to determine the precise cause of death.
Meyer said Lawson worked the evening shift in the patrol division after graduating from the Ocean County Police Academy. An "excellent officer," Lawson hoped to join the department's firearms training program, Meyer also said.
Lawson was the son of Robert Lawson, who retired as chief of the department last month after a 35-year career.
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