Lawrence joined Metro Transit on Nov. 2, 1970, as a bus operator and spent most of the next 40 years serving customers of St. Paul routes during assignments at the Snelling Garage and East Metro Garage. During his tenure, he earned Metro Transit's annual safe driving award 36 times. He retired with the designation of Master Driver, by earning the agency's outstanding operator award nine times for safe driving, quality customer service and attendance. He retired in January 2011.