Ione, CA…It is with a heavy heart that the Amador County Sheriff’s Office announces the tragic loss of a member of our family. Retired Sergeant Mark Lawrence was driving to the Amador County Superior Court this morning where he serves as a Court Security Deputy when he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Despite the best efforts of the medical responders, Sergeant Lawrence died from his injuries. Sergeant Lawrence was escorted to Daneri Mortuary in a law enforcement procession with allied agency law enforcement officers and fire department members saluting him along the way.

Sergeant Mark Lawrence (Ret.) began his career with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff in 1993. Prior to coming to the Sheriff’s Office, Mark served as a police officer for the City of Ione from 1986 to 1987 and the City of Sutter Creek from 1988 to 1993. During his time serving Amador County, Sergeant Lawrence served as a patrol deputy, field training officer, deputy coroner, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, S.W.A.T. Team operator, and S.W.A.T. Team sharpshooter. A large portion of Sergeant Lawrence’s career was dedicated to investigating child and elder abuse crimes, where he worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Sergeant Lawrence honorably retired from full-duty in 2010, only to return to assist the Sheriff’s Office as a Court Security Deputy in 2014.

Sergeant Lawrence leaves behind his wife, four children, and a grateful community.

The California Highway Patrol is handling the traffic accident investigation.

Details regarding funeral services will be announced at a later time.

Sheriff Martin Ryan and the entire Amador County Sheriff’s Office family would like to thank the California Highway Patrol, American Legion Ambulance, Cal Fire, Ione Police Department, Ione Fire Department, Jackson Police Department, Amador Fire Protection District, Jackson Fire Department, Sutter Creek Police Department, Amador County District Attorney’s Office, and Daneri Mortuary for their support during this difficult time.