HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The city of Hendersonville is remembering Jim Lawson. The retired Hendersonville police lieutenant passed away Sunday morning after a week-long battle with COVID-19. He was hospitalized Monday in the intensive care with respiratory issues.
"After 30 years in law enforcement, to succumb to this virus is heartbreaking" friend Jim Vaughn said.
Jim Vaughn has known Lawson since the eighties. They first met as park rangers for Opryland USA amusement park. Vaughn says he remembers an incident when Lawson even got sick trying to complete a job.
"We had several fire alarms go off and this is how dedicated he was, he was going from fire alarm to fire alarm to the point he suffered hypothermia," said Vaughn
Vaughn and Lawson also worked together at the Hendersonville police department where Lt. Lawson quickly moved through ranks. Lawson was also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Tennessee Chapter for the FBI National Academy.
Although Lawson had a distinguished career, he was most proud when talking about his wife and kids.
"He was a wonderful family man. He loved his wife, in fact they met at Opryland. She worked there too and they later got married," said Vaughn.
Lieutenant Lawson was very big into his faith. After retiring, he took a job at his church the Hendersonville church of Christ.
The Lawson family sent NewsChannel 5 this statement:
"After fighting with all of his strength, our hero passed away this morning into the arms of Jesus. We thank everyone for the prayers during this time. He was a man of great courage, compassion and love. It was his honor to serve the city of Hendersonville, the state of Tennessee and the family of Hendersonville Church of Christ. He will be missed more than any words can say. We know with all our hearts he is hearing 'well done, my good and faithful servant!'"
