He has seen a number of changes over the years ranging from the construction of a brand new station in Paraparaumu which replaced a "rabbit warren that masqueraded as a police station" through to increased mobility such as iPhone technology which has made frontline work more efficient.
His whole career has been devoted to being a frontline police officer because of his passion for the "cut and thrust" of community work.
"Frontline work has always suited me."
Being a frontline officer has had, due to its nature, its challenges, which have varied day to day.
"But it can be really rewarding from returning someone's property, finding someone that was missing to solving something quite major."
He recalled a situation working in Porirua where a grossly intoxicated man was holding a knife to the man's partner's grandmother's throat.
"That was extremely challenging.
"He invited me to shoot him."
Mr Lawrie wrestled the man to the ground, despite almost getting stabbed, and no one was harmed.
Some years ago Paraparaumu "seemed to be a party town".
"It was invitation by text and we would get hundreds and hundreds of kids turning up at parties every other weekend.
"They were challenging moments and thankfully don't occur like they did before.
"They were stressful as well as time and resource consuming."
He has enjoyed working in Kapiti and noted there was "a very proactive public who are generally pro police".
"It's only a small percentage of the population, and that is nationwide, who commit the biggest percentage of crime."
"That's where our resources go - into that very small percentage."
One of his career highlights was a six-month stint in the Solomon Islands, starting at the end of 2010, as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, where he worked with the maritime unit.
"The work was about getting alongside the troops there and trying to encourage a better work ethic."
Mr Lawrie has thoroughly enjoyed his career and he cites two key reasons.
Firstly is the people he has worked alongside, especially in Kapiti where there was a strong team effort and work ethic.
"I've been very fortunate to have worked with some very good people over the years."
And secondly has been helping others.
"Having the opportunity to make a positive difference has been important."
Now he's looking forward to having a break.
"People have told me that there's life after the police."
