Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Heidi,
I look at Anthony's reflections every now and then and just read the last one you had left. I understand the valley that you have been through for I have walked through a similar one. I'm sure you heard all the talk about our relationship as I know how the Patrol grapevine works but I also know that there aren't many out there who can't cast stones without stoning themselves for something that has happened in their lives. Trust me, as time goes by, your thoughts of Anthony will not diminish and probably will come more often. I just hope they will bring more smiles than tears with time. I still have days that the tears are too great for the smiles but I'm just thankful to have been chosen by Calvin to be his wife and to have shared so many wonderful years with him. Like you, I'm sorry that all of them were not like the first ones but know that I still love him no matter what. Hang in there and I'm glad you've got so much support. Unfortunately I didn't have too much of that up here. If you ever need someone to talk to, give me a call. I wish you & Cody the best. We can only make the most of our lives from here on...we can't go back and change things.
Love,
Denise

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

February 7, 2004

Dear Anthony,
I have had you on my heart so heavy over the last couple of days. I looked through old pictures last night and boy did we have so many precious days together. I looked through all of our Cancun pictures and couldnt help but smile at what a terrific trip that was. I also found a picture of the year when we lived in Winston and I came home from the beach and you surprised me with my favorite "Mcdonalds" cake and had our trooper friends over to help celebrate. I was so surprised. Oh the good memories.

I am painting our house. I started downstaors last night and of course COdy had to help. I bought him his own roller and he did such an awesome job painting hisself. You would have been so proud. He is growing up so fast .

Well couldnt make it thorugh today without leaving you a brief message. Your in my every thought and dream. Cant wait until we are together again one day!!!

I will love you for always,
Heidi

HEIDI
NCSHP

January 28, 2004

Dear Anthony,
It has been almost 8 months since God took you into His wonderful presence and I finally feel as if I can write to you. What a tremendous valley I have walked through over the past few months. I want to start by thanking you for the 6 years we were married and the 8 years together. I know that God allowed us this time together because you were truly my soul mate. My life is so much better for having the time and love we shared together. God blessed us both with the most tremendous 2 gifts. Most importantly the gift of salvation, which means we will one day get to spend eternity together as a family in Heaven. The 2nd gift is our beautiful son. Anthony you cant imagine how Cody has been my lifesaver over the past 8 mths. He is such an awesome blessing from GOd. I cant express how precious his life has been to me. YOu would truly be proud. My prayer is that he will always remember his daddy and how much you loved him so very much. We share stories daily and I am keeping a journal of our history together from the day we met up until now. I want him to always have a fresh memory of you. Last night we went to the craft store and Cody had to pick out your flowers for your grave. He picked them out hisself and are they not the most beautiful flowers ever seen. It is such a joy looking at a little Anthony that COdy has become even at the age of 3. I thank God for him daily. And get joy from the fact that one day we will all be joined together.
When asked how I am doing I cant really honestly answer to anyone but GOd. But this has been the hardest time I have ever had to face and still continue to face daily. I have a wonderful supoort group that help out often but noone can take your place. I know that God will never allow the pain to go away but He will carry the pain for me as I learn to lean on HIm daily. I love you so much that it hurts and I am sorry for not showing it enough while you took this journey on earth. May you walk hand in hand with God daily and know that there is not a single minute of the day that I dont have a thought for you. Thank you for sharing 8 years of your life with me. I love you with all my heart and NOONE will ever take that love away from me. Together for always> Forever yours,
Your wife

HEIDI COGDILL- WIFE

January 20, 2004

Anthony, Merry Christmas. We miss you! 12-25-2003

Anonymous

December 25, 2003

To Anthony's family,
Each night when I light my blue candle in my window in special memory of Calvin, I also remember Anthony. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you...especially at Christmas time this year. I'm sure Anthony has joined Calvin spending Christmas in Heaven with Jesus this year. My love to all of you.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

December 24, 2003

My husband had worked with Trooper Cogdill at the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department. I was told that he was an exemplary officer. I remember attending the funeral and I was touched by the outpouring of support and respect that was shown by other law enforcement organizations. I also recall standing there with other cop wives and crying, all the while knowing that could have very well been my husband that was involved in that tragic accident. I learned not to take life for granted and to always make sure to tell loved ones how much they mean because one day, it could be too late.

Anonymous

December 19, 2003

It is so nice to know that almost seven months after the loss of someone so dear to me that I can visit his memorial sight and read more kind thoughts about him. I "grew up" with Anthony and his brother tormenting my sister and I. Back then, I was too young to realize I was being tormented, but instead relished in my older cousins who I adored paying me attention. Over the years as I moved from place to place the relationship that meant so much to me dwindled to Christmas cards and wedding invitations. By God's good grace I was able to visit all of my family in Waynesville just 8 months before this tragedy. I feel very fortunate that after nine years away I was able to spend some precious time with Anthony that turned out to be the last time. I also had the pleasure of meeting his son, Cody, for the first time and I have no doubt that he will remind each of us of Anthony every day for the rest of his precious life. Thank you to everybody who posted memories of my cousin. You have helped me reconnect with him and somewhat filled me in on the times that I could not be there.

Julie Cramer, Cousin

December 16, 2003

It has been several months since you were taken from us. I have thought about you everyday. I wonder why such tragedies happen to such awesome people like you. I wonder what could have been done to change that day. But I know in my heart that God is in control. I know He has a greater purpose that we may not know or understand. I wish you were here with us, but that is a friend being selfish, because I know you are in a Heavenly place that the rest us wait to see.

I remember last year at Thanksgiving. We were both working at some point during the holiday weekend. We had been very busy working accidents all that day. The news had reported that troopers were "out in full force". We both got a good laugh at you commenting, "You know that full force they are talking about? Well, I am the full force!" You were the only officer working at the time!

There are so many things I remember about you. Special moments shared among friends. From middle school to high school to our careers; yours as an officer, mine as a paramedic. I am thankful I got to talk to you only the Wednesday night before, but I wish I had told you so many things before you had to go away.

I have kept your family in my thoughts and prayers. I do not know how they make it day to day. It has been the hardest thing for me to do. I know God will help us through the difficult times, but the pain remains.

You are missed terribly by all who knew you Anthony.

Marti Ingle
Haywood County EMS

December 2, 2003

I remember Anthony from college, having attended several classes with him. Anthony was always one to help out others, joke around, but when it came time to be serious, there were few better than Anthony. I responded to the accident where Anthony was taken from us, and did not know immediately that there was a trooper involved, let alone my good friend. When I was told, it shook me deep into my inside, I had to sit down on the side of the road and cry. While I will never understand why people insist on driving irresponsibly, I know that troopers like Anthony will always do their sworn best to help keep us safe on the road. I will sorely miss him, and continue to support all the officers within the patrol who grieve with me.

Sergeant Mark Edwards
Haywood County EMS

October 17, 2003

ANTHONY, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIP. SEEMS LIKE ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO THAT WE WERE BACK AT W.C.U. I MISS YOU AND WANT YOU KNOW THAT YOU SET A HIGH STANDARD FOR WHAT AN OFFICER AND A PERSON SHOULD BE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. YOU WON'T BE FORGOTTEN.

deputy
MATT HELTON

October 6, 2003

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 29, 2003

Anthony,

It is hard to believe that I can never again come to the mountains and spend time fishing with you. When we find out Michelle was pregnant again, you were the first person I wanted to call and tell. Thank you for some of the best times of my life. I've heard it said it is hardest to lose the ones you have loved best. Well, brother it could not have been harder if it were any person in my own family. I will miss you until I draw my last breath and see you again. I have yet to put on this uniform without thinking of you. God bless you, Heidi, Cody, and all your loved ones.

TRP BARRY HENLINE
NCSHP

September 12, 2003

To Anthony's family,

I don't know how to begin to tell you how much sorrow I feel, I was home from Florida, visiting my family when Anthony lost his life, i visited you at the funeral home and went because I knew Heidi and her family for many years. Upon getting there I realized I also knew his mom, and my sorrow was so great. So many memories from these two families have touched my life. I had not seen Anthony since he was a child, but had many memories of times with Brenda. Heidi, I hope you know how I feel about you and all your family and the times we spent together. I wish you the best with your son, I sure miss all of you so much. After losing Calvin (my brother in law for 23 years), I am still greiving for him. May God bless you all and know so many prayers are for you every day. Thank you all for the memories and hope to see you again under better circumstances. I think of you often and will continue to pray daily for all things to work out for all of you for the will of God. Always remember the good. All my love and memories to you all CAROL

Carol Taylor Frank

September 2, 2003

This is a "Thank you" from Trooper Anthony Cogdill's mom to all of you who have shared from your heart to our family. Please know that your thoughts and prayers have been uplifting. Those of you who knew him personally. Thank you for sharing what I knew my son was like "A fine young man with an infectious smile, a strong will to do the right thing, and a wit to challenge and tease!" May God richly bless each one that has reached out to comfort us.

Brenda Cogdill East

Heidi,
I just wanted to let you know that you are still in my thoughts & prayers. Call me sometime. Hope you are learning how to cope with things...you don't get over it, you just learn how to try to deal with things. God Bless You!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

Trooper Cogdill...Rest in peace warrior!!!

Little Trooper Cody, It must seem hard for you to understand right now where you daddy has gone. I want you to know that he is a true American HERO. Little warrior stay strong, for your daddy is always watching over you and your mommy.

Mrs. Cogdill, My prayers are with you and your family. I know that the road ahead has and will continue to be tough. Stay strong and trust in God he will answer all your questions.

K-9 Sgt. Scott Baggett
Harpersville Police Department, Al.

HI ANTHONY. I HAS BEEN ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF SINCE YOU LEFT US. I'VE TALKED TO HEIDI A LOT AND BEEN TO SEE HER AND CODY. I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT THEY WILL BE OK IN TIME. I WILL SEE TO IT!! ALTHOUGH IT IS A DAILY STRUGGLE FOR HEIDI RIGHT NOW, SEEING REMINDERS OF YOU EVERYWHERE [ESPECIALLY YOUR LITTLE CLONE! :)]. BUT THAT'S A GOOD THING, FOR WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BEST OF TIMES AND WE WILL SOON BE ABLE TO RECOUNT THE THOSE TIMES FOR CODY!! HE WILL ALWAYS KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM, AND HOW YOU WERE A WONDERFUL FATHER TO HIM!! HE'S SO PRECIOUS...HE KNOWS DADDY'S UP WITH THE STARS! HEIDI HAS PICTURES EVERYWHERE IN THE HOUSE OF YOU AND CODY TOGETHER, SO THAT HE NEVER FORGETS YOU!!! AND NONE OF US EVER FORGET YOU EITHER!

AMY DAYTON
FRIEND

ANTHONY,
IT HAS BEEN ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF SINCE YOU LEFT US. WE MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY. I HOPE YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON EVERYONE NOW AND SMILING AS WE REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND EVEN THE BAD ONES. ONE THING I HOPE YOU ARE SMILING ABOUT IS THAT HEIDI AND CODY ARE GOING TO BE FINE. I WILL BE THERE FOR BOTH OF THEM-NO MATTER WHAT!!! I LIKE TO REMEMBER THE TIMES THAT YOU, HEIDI, MIKE AND I HAD. ONE OF MY BEST MEMORIES OF YOU IS YOUR AND HEIDI'S WEDDING DAY. "MR. MACHO" SWORE HE WOULDN'T CRY...BUT THEN YOU SAW THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THE WORLD WALKING DOWN THE ISLE...TO YOU...AND, OF COURSE, YOU CRIED BIG, HAPPY TEARS. THEN CAME YOUR "LITTLE TROOPER". I KNOW HE IS YOUR PRIDE AND JOY AND WE WILL TELL HIM STORIES ABOUT YOU FOR A LONG TIME!! HE WILL DEFINATELY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM. I WILL DO MY PART TO LOOK AFTER HEIDI AND CODY DOWN HERE AND I KNOW YOU WILL LOOK AFTER THEM FROM UP THERE!

WE MISS YOU!!!

AMY DAYTON
FRIEND

Anthony,

I miss you my friend. I remember the first day that I met you when you came to work with us at Buncombe Co SO. I remember your smile the most.

You were so energetic, eager, happy, and ready to go to work. When we got to know you better, it was your personality and smile that won us over. You had a way of making us work harder on the job. Your challenges and "ribbings" were non-stop. It was good for the squad.

I remember when you were involved in your deadly force incident with Jerry. You came to me and we talked for hours it seemed. You felt bad, but you knew you did what you had to do. I was so proud of you when you said that you were going to share the story and video with other officers so that they may learn from it. They did.

They moved me and you went to another squad. You continued your quest, still professional, still smiling, working hard.

I remember how happy you were when you met Heidi....you told me that she was "the one." You also told me constantly how much you wanted to be Trooper. You got your wish.

I remember how happy you were when you made to the NC SHP. You called me at work, I could feel your smile on the phone. I was so happy for you.

You left the SO before me. We all missed you, now more than ever. After I left, we lost touch for awhile. I remember the day you sent me an email, giving me such a hard time for not staying in touch....I felt your smile.

I was at Ft. Irwin, CA when I find out what happened. At first I was shocked. I walked away from my duties and men, into the desert and cried. After a while, I felt a calming, and then I saw your smile. I know that you gave it all doing what you loved best. I made a promise to you that I would be the best law enforcement trainer I could be.....you remember, so others could learn. Thank you.

My heart goes out to you and your family. Save a place for me at the roll call. Rest in peace brother.

Wayne Ayers, Instructor/Coordinator
North Carolina Justice Academy

"Blessed Are The Peacemakers for they shall be called the Children of God"
Matthew 5:8-10

God bless you and your family Trooper Cogdill.

Trooper
Vermont State Police

A very special thank you to each one who has taken a moment to share your thoughts about Anthony. In my mind's eye I see him as the indomitable toddler in diapers and dingo boots who ruled the roost; then as a gangly boy who teased his cousins (my daughters) unmercifully, disolving into laughter that racked his whole body when he knew he'd gotten them good. I see him as a young man when he visited my family in New Jersey and we went to New York and Philadelphia - all his dreams shimmering before him and his love of his mountain home supporting him. I see him as the professional officer I am so proud to call "mine". And finally, through your eyes, I know the undefeatable toddler still held his soul and lighted his smiles. Thank you for sharing as each precious memory comforts my heart. Aunt Greta

Aunt Greta

my heart goes out to the family of Trooper Cogdill. Trooper may go rest high on the mountain and take watch over all that you see. To Mrs. Cogdill I have been where you are and the road you have to travel is not easy, but it will get easier. Lean on your family as well as the family you will now find. We are all one big family in the end here for one another. We share the same loss although we may grieve a little differently we are all still family. If you need any of us we will be here.

Katrina Hickox
girlfriend of Adam eow1-13-03

I remember working with Anthony at the sheriff's office when he worked there. He was a good, fun loving guy that you wanted to be around, and it was an honor and a privelege to have worked with Anthony. He will be missed by all. I know that Heaven has another angel in the Kingdom now. May God comfort Anthony's family and watch over them.

David Bishop
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

I HAVE BEEN RELIVING THAT DREADFUL DAY IN MY DREAMS EACH NIGHT IT SEEMS, ANTHONY,YOU WERE. ......MY FRIEND, FROM THE DAYS WE PATROLLED BUNCOMBE COUNTY,YOU "BUSTING MY CHOPS" IN ROLL CALL, TO TRYING TO CATCH TROUT TOGETHER OR HELPING OLD DERWIN SMOKE A PIG!, I CANT HELP BUT THINK OF SO MANY MANY NIGHTS WE HUNG OUT, ME YOU AND RICK TULLIS, LAUGHING EVERY BREATH IT SEEMS, I CANT SHAKE THIS HURT I HAVE, YOU WERE MY FRIEND AND I LOVE YOU , BROTHER, MAY GOD GIVE YOU A SPECIAL PLACE IN HIS ARMY, BECAUSE YOU WERE AN AWESOME SOLDIER!

WHETHER WE WERE BLUE,GREY,BLACK OR BROWN , DEATH HAS NO STANDARD, BUT WE DO AS OFFICERS HAVE STANDARDS, TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE.....BE SAFE MY BROTHERS

OFFICER BILL SMITH
asheville airport police fire rescue,NC

"Friends in Blue"

We have worked together for many years,
It's our voices ringing in your ears.
We try to make those long days brighter,
And hopefully, the load a little lighter.

We send you to the bar-room brawl.
And out in the rain to the nuisance call.
We worry about you day and night.
To make sure every call turns out all right.

We share your sorrows, we share your joys,
That's why we think of you as ... "Our boys."
Then why have we never said to you,
"I'm proud of you ... my friend in blue."

Dispatcher
Horn Lake Police Department