Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Richard, there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and how well we worked together as partners. Your loss was devastating to your family and to me. How I wish I had stayed in Waco and remained your partner for a few more years. Miss you my brother.

Inspector II Kenneth L. Hailey
Texas Department of Public Safety

December 4, 2023

Thank you for your service. Blessings to your family as they continue to mourn your loss. You have not been forgotten.

Ellen Dinwiddie Smith
Sister of Charles Dinwiddie EOW 5/11/14

November 19, 2023

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 9, 2020

Rich was a scuba diver and a customer of my old Waco dive shop. He was also one of the finer men I've ever met. A random last name made me think of him today. Finding this site shocked me as his end of watch was over 17 years ago.

Rich was a frequent patron of my shop. Think he enjoyed the chance to just "talk". His last assignment with the DPS was one that he really found rewarding. His last personal reflections were on a fence he was constantly working on and complaining about.

Every time I see a Trooper vehicle, I think of Rich. Like to think the good Lord just had a fence he needed a little help with. Called in some good help!

Carberry
Just an old friend

May 22, 2018

Rip

Security officer Jeff Harrison
Jhs

May 9, 2017

Rip

Security officer Jeff Harrison
Jhs

May 9, 2017

Rest in Peace Trooper Richard Cottle. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice Protecting the citizens of The Great State of Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, Texas

May 9, 2016

Thank you for your service

Murphy
n/a

May 9, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.

Thank you for your heroism.

God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 9, 2015

Thank you to Senior Trooper Richard Cottle and to his son Trooper Chat Cottle for their service. It's very clear from the kind words on this page that the DPS/THP is truly a big family.

SSgt Joseph Mattress
Air Force Reserve/DPS Trooper Applicant

April 5, 2013

While I never personally met Richard, I was stationed with his son Chad at Misawa Air Base when he died. While I know that time was tough for Chad, as someone in his early 20's I remember how great of a job he did in handling the situation from beginning to end. I also believe and know that Chad is following in his dad's footsteps and I know his dad looks down on him proudly each day he gets up to protect and serve.

TSgt Bryce T. Englin
United States Air Force/Friend of Richards Son Chad

March 3, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 9, 2012

To Richard's Family,

I believe that I was Cottle's first "rookie" partner. He taught me well to be a Highway Patrol Trooper. We went through lows and highs not just with routine patrol duties but as in life we learned to respect and to appreciate what we were blessed with. Chat, Crystal, and Amber can be proud.

(Retired) CIS SGT INV R. Zapata
(Currently) Sr. Sgt. Inv.-Dallas DAO

December 6, 2011

You will not be forgotten, Brother.

NLC, Special Agent
DHS/ICE/HSI (Texas)

March 18, 2011

Many people still have a hard time speaking when your name is mentioned. It is not because they don't know what to say. It is because they loved you so much that they tear up and can't speak. That says alot about the man your were. Rest in peace brother and know you will always be remembered.

Trooper II
Texas Highway Patrol

July 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

As a former Waco Police Officer and Director of the Heart of Texas Police Academy at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, I met and knew most of the officers in the Waco area over the years. I knew Dickie Cottle and ran into him around town on many occasions. We would speak and have a friendly chat. Trooper Cottle was a good guy and will be remembered as such.

Dave Keel, Director (Retired)
Regional Police Academy, Mclennan Community College

October 29, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 9, 2007

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

August 11, 2005

The stories here are all so sad. I
just hate seeing the young officers
killed who have young families and
so much to live for. But it is equally
sad when I see an officer who has
given his whole life to law enforcement and doesn't even get to
enjoy the fruit of his labor in retirement. So today, Trooper Cottle
my heart goes out to you and your
family and all who knew and loved
you. Thank you for every one of your
30 years of dedicated service and of
course, your supreme sacrifice. I
just attended the memorial service
of a Tacoma Police Officer who had
served for 19 years. What commitment you two had! God bless.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 9, 2004

Trooper Cottle you are remembered Brother. Your family too are remembered as there loss is so great. Thank you to you, your family and memberes of the Texas Department of Public Safety God be with you.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

April 15, 2004

Marsha -

I don't know if you remember me, but at times I reflect back on the couple of times I met & talked to you when we lived in the Waco/6A Region. I often take your advice to never go to bed mad & to never let him leave without saying "I love you".

I am honored to be doing a quilt square with Dickie's name on it for a police wives organization I am in for National Police Week 2004. It salutes our fallen heros.

Peace & strength be with you, my sister. You will always be in my prayers.

Jenn

Jennifer Gumm
Wife of Texas DPS Trooper Alan Gumm, Midland

February 22, 2004

You are still the inspiration in everything I do. I thought the day I lost you was the day of the end, but you made me stronger than ever. I hope you watch over all of us in all the things that we do.
Love,
Your hunting buddy
"chad"

Sra Chad Buenger
U.S. Air Force

October 12, 2003

He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth...
Psalm 72:5,6

Anonymous

September 14, 2003

Dickie held his family very dear and close to his heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family from all his brothers-and-sisters-in-law enforcement. Our prayers are with you and your family and friends.

God Bless 6910 until we meet again.

Deputy Linda Crook
McLennan County Sheriff's Department