October 27, 2007
Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Michelle
Lawless, 47, died late Saturday, Oct. 27, when her all-terrain
vehicle crashed during a routine patrol in the Rotenberger Wildlife
Management Area in Broward County.
Lawless had been working in the northwest corner of the management
area, near the L5 Canal and the Palm Beach County line, when she
apparently collided with a fixed object.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
Lawless’s career with the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement began on
May 25, 2003. After completing the FWC academy, she was assigned to
Broward County, where she worked until her death.
“Michelle was a diligent, accomplished officer, who died doing what
she did so well: protecting Florida’s natural resources. This is a
painful loss to the entire agency, her family and friends,” said
Major Brett Norton, commander of law enforcement for the FWC’s South
Region.
Lawless is survived by her parents, Tom and April Lawless, and
countless other family and friends. Funeral arrangements have not
been finalized.
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