Dallas Police Honor Fallen Officers with Ceremonial Street Toppers

The department unveiled memorials for Senior Corporal Norman Smith and Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence, who were killed in the line of duty.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or insignia, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a somber, investigative mood.A ceremonial street topper memorializes the sacrifice of two Dallas police officers killed in the line of duty.Dallas Today

The Dallas Police Department has honored two fallen officers, Senior Corporal Norman Smith and Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence, by unveiling ceremonial street toppers at the locations where they were killed in the line of duty. Smith was shot and killed in 2009 while searching for a suspect, while Lawrence was killed in a gun battle in 1993 while responding to a theft in progress.

Why it matters

Honoring fallen officers is an important way for police departments to remember their sacrifices and show respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities. These ceremonies also serve to educate the public about the dangers officers face and the high price some have paid.

The details

The memorial for Senior Corporal Norman Smith is located in the 4900 block of Wadsworth Drive, where he was killed on January 6, 2009 while searching for a suspect. The memorial for Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence is located at 8383 La Prada Dr., where he was killed on November 9, 1993 while responding to a theft in progress. Both officers were highly decorated, with Smith receiving 93 commendations and being named the Texas Gang Investigators Association Officer of the Year in 2006, and Lawrence receiving over 100 commendations and two lifesaving awards during his career.

  • The memorial for Senior Corporal Norman Smith was unveiled on April 10, 2026.
  • The memorial for Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence was unveiled a week earlier, on April 3, 2026.

The players

Senior Corporal Norman Smith

An 18-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department who was killed in the line of duty in 2009 while searching for a suspect. He was a highly decorated officer, receiving 93 commendations and being named the Texas Gang Investigators Association Officer of the Year in 2006.

Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence

A dedicated public servant who was killed in the line of duty in 1993 while responding to a theft in progress. He was also highly decorated, receiving over 100 commendations and two lifesaving awards during his career.

Daniel C. Comeaux

The current Dallas Police Chief who attended the ceremony honoring Senior Corporal Richard A. Lawrence.

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What they’re saying

“Honoring fallen officers is an important way for police departments to remember their sacrifices and show respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities.”

— Daniel C. Comeaux, Dallas Police Chief

The takeaway

These ceremonies serve as a solemn reminder of the dangers officers face and the high price some have paid to keep their communities safe. They also help educate the public about the sacrifices made by law enforcement and honor the memory of those who have fallen.