Charlestown Police helps late sergeant’s son with education fund

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Richmond Police Sgt. Michael Lawing died in October after a brief and sudden illness.

The community has rallied around his family since, especially to help his son.

“We are a community that is close knit,” Union Vice President of Charlestown Lodge 40 Shannon Kane said.

The neighboring department in Charlestown wanted to make a difference for the Lawing family by hosting a fundraiser to help Grayson, the late sergeant’s son.

“All of the proceeds that we do receive and collect goes to the foundation in Richmond,” Kane said. “Which goes to his 6-year-old Grayson, nd it’s an education fund.”

Lawing served as a reserve officer for the Charlestown department from 2000 to 2002.

“They donate $50 in order to shave out their facial hair and women are painting their nails red or wearing a red and black headband,” Kane said.

She added that the department has raised $850 so far.

The fundraiser is running through the end of December.

If you’re interested in participating in the fundraiser, you can email Charlestown Police Union President, Robert Petrocelli at rpetrocelli@charlestownpolice.org or send a message to the Charlestown Police Department directly through their Facebook page.