On May 20th, 2013 Chief Allen Lawrence began his service with the Marion Police Department. Chief Lawrence came from Lenoir Police Department in Caldwell County where he served their department in many different roles for 14 years. While at Lenoir Police Department he served as Lieutenant of Training, Lieutenant of Community Resources which included a traffic team, School Resource and community policing officers, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol officer and a member of the Special Response Team.
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Chief Lawrence received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Lees McRae University in Banner Elk. Chief Lawrence is a graduate of the 257th Session of the FBI National Academy and a 2014 graduate of LINC Leadership program of McDowell.
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Chief Lawrence is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, North Carolina FBI National Academy Associates, and the North Carolina Police Executives Association.
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Chief Lawrence is married to his wife Crystal and they have one daughter Emily.