Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 1, 2008

i got my call back today, they said i will be going to the academy to learn how to become what you were. i read most of the reflections you have. im leaving my job at an insurance company where i am well liked and high up in the company. i got lucky with that job, but i had to tell my boss and my mother, who works for the president of the company that i will be leaving to do what i have always wanted to do. will you bless me from heaven up there. watch over all of us new officers shipping out to the academy on wednesday. thank you for taking your job so seriously, i know i will too. god bless you

pre-correctional officer
Charles bass correctional complex

July 21, 2008

Dear Morgan Family,

Have just been sitting here reading the reflections left by family and friends for Cotton and it is so obvious what a good, good man he was. We hold tightly to our precious memories of those we love and miss so deeply.

With love,

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom

July 3, 2008

Cotton was one of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I worked alongside him being assigned to the red building on many occasions. When I first started at Brushy in 2001 Cotton was assigned as being my mentor. I couldn't have asked for a nicer one. He was always very helpful and didnt mind going the extra distance to answer questions. He will be surely missed.

Donald Judy

ex-officer Donald Judy
Tn. Dept of correction Brushy Mt.

February 5, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 30, 2008

Dad,
The holidays are once again behind us. Each one is supposed to get easier but they don't. We only learn to
grieve differently. Dad I have so much to tell you. You were taken from us too fast. Maybe 2008 will bring happiness.

Carla Keeton
daughter

December 29, 2007

It's the time of year for our birthdays, Papaw. I'll be 5 tomorrow.

Halie
granddaughter

October 27, 2007

Monday we finally go to court to sentence one of the ones who took your life from us. As we have looked forward to this for closure, we also dread it like the day we buried you. Jennifer will remain in prison for the rest of her days. A THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY IN PRAYER.

Carla Keeton
Daughter

September 15, 2007

This time of year during ginseng season, I recall many talks we had about how we each were doing. Oh how I miss that!!!

Lanny Armes
BMCX

September 13, 2007

Two years are gone yet we still think of you everyday. Each time I walk into that courthouse I cant help but feel a little pain. I will always try to be alert and aware yet remain professional because of what I learned from working with you! God bless your entire family!

David Garrett
BMSP/TDOC

August 10, 2007

Two years have passed since your brutal and tragic murder. I know the pain your family must feel hurts just as bad now as it did then. I thank you for your bravery , service and sacrifice. May your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero! Until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking a beat on the Golden Street.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 9, 2007

Officer Thomas-
Today is the two year anniversary of your EOW. I am thinking of your family and friends today, and remembering the sacrifice you made to make the world a better place. Indeed, you made a difference. Thank you.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 9, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. You are a true hero and heroes never die. I want to thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and to your country for your military service. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 9, 2007

Rest in peace my brother. You and your family are in our prayers.

Trooper
Kentucky State Police

August 9, 2007

Believe it or not, I was on vacation in your part of Tennessee when you were taken from us. Although I was not a Correctional Officer at the time, I had once been one a few years before, and your murder struck a deep chord in my heart. Now that I am a Correctional Officer again, I think of you (and too many others) as I perform my job every day. God bless your family, and keep you in the comfort of his arms always.

Correctional Officer II
Arizona Department of Corrections

July 22, 2007

If we all believe in the God that my brother believed in,we all will meet him and all of the others that gave their lives for their country in Heaven one day. Isn't that going to be a glorious day!
Wilma Riley
sister

Wilma
sister

April 7, 2007

Good Friday! A sad day in history many years ago.
Easter! A miracle happens!
To you who have lost loved ones--there is hope! Christ Jesus lives today just as He said He would. Cotton believed it! Cotton lives today! We believe!

Virginia G. Burgess
sister

April 6, 2007

I cannot believe it's been 2 years since that tragic day.

Correctional Officer Tommy Campbell

March 3, 2007

Days have gone by so fast since you left. Your grand kids are growing up. Still knowing, though, that "little Papaw" is in Heaven and that one day they will see you. Halie released her balloons today so that you could know she loved you.

Carla
daughter

February 27, 2007

Dear Loved Ones of Officer Wayne Cotton Thomas Morgan,

I just saw your story on television. Here we are in 2007, another year. I am so sorry that you had to leave your loved ones. Now you can be with your dear Mother (and my Father) and many others. Officer Morgan, you will always be remembered.

Sincerely, Sheila

sheila
independence missouri

January 1, 2007

I am an officer with N.C. Dept. of Corrections in western NC, Avery County- a 902 im's- medium custody all male facility. We are located just over the North Carolina state line .

My heart goes out to Officer Morgans family and as a fellow officer I can say I am very proud of Officer Morgan. Hes watching over the officers at Brushy Mtn.

The public needs to be made aware of the dangers a Correctional Officer deals with daily.

God speed to all officers in all law enforcement!

Correctional Officer Penny Silver
NC Dept of Corrections

January 1, 2007

Rest in Peace,Sir,and God Bless,You are not forgotten.

James Stalcup,Correctional Counselor 3
Northeast Correctional Complex,Mountain City,Tennessee

December 7, 2006

We just celebrated Thanksgiving and upcoming is the Christmas season. We miss you a lot. With Mom leaving us on Oct. 8th, it will be a sad time, but we are thankful that both of you are with the one that gives life, and he also takes it away. We will miss both of you this beautiful holiday. Watch over us.
Wilma

Wilma

November 29, 2006

For those of you who still read Cotton's memorial, I just want to let you know that his precious momma joined him in the presence of the Lord and all His glory on Oct. 8. Mom was 90 and frail, but her good mind could not understand why somebody would want to kill her son. She kept saying, "He was just doing his job. Why would anybody want to hurt him?" The question for her doesn't matter now, but for us who look at the picture at the top of this page, we still grieve for a kind spirit that is no longer with us because of evil and the Evil one. Keep us still in your prayers as justice is done.

Gail Burgess
sister

November 12, 2006

Daddy

Not a day goes by that I don't have a memory of you. It's been a year now and I still have thoughts of that day. I'm trying to be strong for Mom and Carla but there are days that I would just like to talk to you, to hear your advice, something. There are so many things that I wanted to say to you and do with you.

Now, we focus on living each day. I can't dwell on what will happen to George or Jennifer. I can only dwell on living a life in honor of you. I have to be strong and be there for Mom and Carla.

Friends and family: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for prayers, thoughts, words, visits, cards, phone calls, a hug.

Dennis Morgan

August 21, 2006