Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless you

Nick mottola
None

August 9, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 9, 2020

My dad has been with the Department of Correction in Tennessee for 21 years. I was 6 six when Cotton was shot and killed, I remember it to this day. My dad and Cotton were tier partners at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, close friends, and brothers. The day he was killed i said to myself that I would become a Correctional officer and carry on his legacy and my family's legacy with the Department of Correction. Wayne "Cotton" Morgan will never be forgotten by me, my family, and the many people that knew him in Morgan County. 15 years, 15 painfully long years. End of watch, August 9th, 2005.

Cpl. Dylan Daugherty
Tennessee Department of Correction

August 8, 2020

Thank you for your service, Sir.

Unit Manager James Stalcup
Tennessee Department of Correction

June 1, 2020

Correctional Officer Wayne Thomas "Cotton" Morgan will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

August 10, 2019

I only recently learned of this tragedy and it caused me great sadness. I just want the family to know how deeply sorry I and my remaining family memebers are for the loss of this man from such a malicious act. I want the family to know that during the mid nineties Officer Morgan showed great kindness and compassion to myself and my family. My brother was in jail and Officer Morgan transported him from the jail to the courthouse. He showed great compassion toward our families situation. His acts of kindness were never and will never be forgotten by my family. Officer Morgan's heart revealed its true nature through his compassionate acts towards us. He knew how priceless these acts were to us. My brother said yesterday that Officer Morgan was a not only a Christian man, but a true Christian man. A true rarity. Again, my heart goes out to all of his family and friends.

Cathy Addison

September 4, 2018

Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace, Sir.

James Stalcup, Unit Manager
Tennessee Department of Correction

August 24, 2018

Hi. I don't know if any of Cotton's family are still reading this, but I'd really like to reach out to you if so. I work for a TV production company in the UK and we're currently making a very sensitive documentary about Cotton, for a major US broadcaster.

I've not been able to make contact with you so far, but I'd really like to keep you abreast of how things are going. It's very clear how special Cotton was to you all and I'd like to involve you as much as possible.

Please do contact me on [email protected] so I can explain more. If there are any colleagues of his reading this that would like to share their happy memories of him, please do get in touch as well.

He was obviously a wonderful family man, dedicated to his job and I'd be honored to get to know him. May he rest in peace.

Rosalind Levine

August 23, 2017

I can't believe that it has been almost 10 years since Cotton left us. He was brave and strong. He served his community with pride and professionalism. He stood in the face of danger on a daily basis so others could be safe. Cotton made a difference not only when he had the Correctional Officer’s uniform on but when he was singing in the Church Choir and when he was doing the jail house ministry and when he volunteered at the nursing home but Cotton made the biggest difference each and every time he wore that smile on his face and talked about his GOD.

Cotton is missed and will never be forgotten.

Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called bhe children of God.

E.O.W. 8/9/2005

Bruce & Toni Potter, Friend & co-worker
Tennessee Department of Correction/Brushy Mtn. Prison

July 16, 2015

I am sorry for your loss, my husband is a deputy sheriff in ky and I can't imagine living through what you all have as a family, I was a correctional nurse and I have always been a firm believer that everyone has a choice. You choose to do the right thing or the wrong thing, but your decisions affect many people. My prayers are with you all! God bless you!

Pamela Rhinehart
Wife of a deputy sheriff / correctional nurse

August 9, 2014

received an awful letter in the mail the other day from her. she still insists that she is sorry for the heartache she has caused us. i can't believe that. she had choices. she had 3 small children she should have been caring for. she still has choices. we are serving a life sentence with her. we look at a headstone passing liberty church and that is the only earthly solice we have left. some think we are bitter. maybe. hurt mostly that our children will never know their papaw. hurt that when we have a problem we don't have him to help. love you and miss you.

Carla Morgan Devaney
daughter

March 21, 2013

Rest in peace Officer Cotton. You are an inspiration to all of us. God bless your your family.

Alejandra Martinez from California

None
None

June 9, 2012

Iwas a young C.O.at T.D.O.C./CCA South Central State Prison Clifton,Tn.1992.We took the Death of Fellow Officer Morgan hard.May he R.I.P."He is a Hero."

Corrections Officer
T.D.O.C.-CCA South Central State Prison/Mobile County Sherrifs Office[

May 18, 2012

This was a needless and senseless cold blooded murder. And the thing is, the state of Tennessee is still letting someone sneak cell phones into this inmate. When will the policys change. No phones, and a signal blocker just in case. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER...

Les Seay former CO
Tennessee Dept of Corrections,

May 13, 2012

saw repeat off msnbc's Lock Up (Brushy Mountain episode) and was so moved by the love clearly evidenced by fellow officers for Officer Morgan. A good man was lost senselessly and the only good thing about this is that neither of the perpetrators will ever see the outside of a prison cell again.

Police Dispatcher
University Circle police, Cleveland, Ohio

March 31, 2012

Came across this memorial for Officer Morgan today. So many things have changed in the department since you left us Cotton. Just wanted to say that we still think of you often and know that you watch over us in Heaven. Continue to Rest in Peace, Cotton. God continue to Bless Your Family and Friends left behind.

Tennessee
Deptartment of Correction

January 4, 2012

God be with you and your family.

Police Officer
Mesquite Police Department (TX)

October 1, 2010

Thank you for your service, Sir, and thanks to your family, friends and department for your example, diligence and caring.

Cadet
Colorado

August 11, 2010

You have not been forgotten, continue to watch over all of your loved ones and friends. Thank you for your service to others and to your Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 9, 2010

RIP Ofc. Morgan. My heart goes out to you and your family each time I see this episode of Snapped.

Ofc. Petula Todd-Wadley
Georgia Dept of Corrections

June 9, 2010

R.I.P. Officer Morgan, you will never be forgotten.

Deputy Reed
EPSO

December 21, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss.

martha baird
none

November 14, 2009

To Correctional Officer Wayne Thomas, his family and his fellow officers with the Tennessee Department of Correction:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Cotton Thomas’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Thomas and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

August 9, 2009

Today will be the 4th anniversary of your death. It is hard to still think that your are not here, but up in heaven enjoying with all our love ones. We still miss you very much and love you more.
Love you
Your sister Wilma

Anonymous

August 5, 2009

I have just watched a TV programme where your colleagues spoke movingly of you. You are still badly missed by them.
May you rest in peace. God Bless


Mother of a Correctional Officer.

Anonymous

March 11, 2009