Martin Lawing, a Burke County, N.C. Sheriff's Deputy who was shot while trying to help end a standoff has been chosen by the public as a finalist in the 2008 America's Most Wanted All-Star Contest.

On December 12, 2007, authorities arrived at the home of a 60-year-old woman with a history of mental illness to serve involuntary commitment papers and take her to a mental hospital for evaluation. The woman refused to cooperate, threatening to shoot anyone who approached her door. Police say she made good on that threat, leading to a tense standoff between the woman and SWAT teams. Deputy Martin Lawing was attempting to toss a phone into the woman's home so that negotiators could talk with her when police say she opened fire, hitting Deputy Lawing in the neck. The wound has left him paralyzed, but he is undergoing physical therapy and hopes to regain the use of his legs.

Deputy Lawing, 31, joined the Burke County Sheriff's Office in 2002. He formerly served for five years in the U.S. Army's elite 3rd Ranger Battalion, based at Fort Benning, Ga. Martin Lawing becomes the third of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in the AMW All-Star Contest, which honors the heroic work performed by the nation's first responders.  Any first responder, such as police officer, firefighter or EMT, is eligible for the contest, and any member of the public can nominate and vote for their favorite first responder online at AMW.com. The nomination process is simple; all people have to do is fill out a short online form naming their favorite first responder and explaining what makes them an All-Star.

Each weekly finalist will be profiled on America's Most Wanted. Then, through its online votes, the public will choose the grand prize winner.  AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2008 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series™ All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.