New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Monday, January 28, 2008
Reflections for Police Officer Nicola Diane Cotton
To those who loved Officer Cotton, my heart goes to you all. Know that you're not alone in this journey you walk. I lost my fiance in the line of duty January 2003 and my world was forever changed. Even as time as gone forward, and I've found many reasons and ways to smile, I still have not forgotten the man that he was. Dennis was a beautiful person and he forever has a part of my heart, just as I'm sure Nicola will always be a part of yours.
It takes a special person to put their lives on the line everyday to make this world a little safer for us all. I know many of these men & women never would've thought of themselves as "heroes" but they were in so many ways. It's sad that it they had to lose their lives for some of us to see that. Having said that, thank you Officer Cotton for helping to make this world a better place. You will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg. If you happen to run into Dennis up there, please give him a big hug for the kids and I. Dennis was a good man and we miss him more than words can say.
Wishing those who loved you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
July 9, 2008
May you rest in peace and may Our God comfort your family. I did not know you, but you were and always will be a sister of mine.
Officer E. Allen Murray
Hattiesburg, Ms. Police Dept.
June 20, 2008
GOD BLESS YOU, REST IN PEACE , MY SISTER
OFFICER SCHMIDT
NYPD
June 16, 2008
This is a tragic end. The memory of Nicola should be honoured - as a result of her actions, a very dangerous rapist is now off the streets.
R.I.P
Senior Constable Jonathan Stodd
City of London Police, UK
June 15, 2008
We go to work as mother's, sister's, daughter's. We go to work to serve, to protect. Is it too much to expect to come home? Is it too much to notice our struggle? Is it that hard to offer peace? No one deserves this. Our line of work is not personal, yet criminals always make it that way. Officer Cotton you are not forgotten. God was with you then and I know you are with Him now! God please give strength to this officer's family as they need you. See you in heaven Sis! God bless!
P/O TCF
Philadelphia Police Department
June 14, 2008
I hope that the good state of Louisiana has a law on their books that would charge this criminal with a double homicide. This person not only took the life of a public servant but that of an innocent unborn child. God be with both of them and the grieving family.
Traci Hargadon
Citizen and police officer's wife
June 13, 2008
God be with the family and friends of this Officer. Rest in Peace.
Sgt. Meshia Thomas
UTPD
June 6, 2008
Deeply sorrowful, I leave a reflection about another brave soldier killed by a cowardly enemy. I hope the community will show appreciation for the sacrifice Officer Cotton
has made, and outrage for this violent attack. To the citizens in this community, I hope that you do your civic duty and punish this ruthless criminal for the brutal murder brave officer. With swift justice, sentence this murderer to the most severe penalty. Officer Cotton, may the memory of your heroism, service and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and fellow officers in the New Orleans Police Department.
AC
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
June 3, 2008
Officer Nicola Cotton you are my hero.May God continue to strengthen and keep your family doing this difficult time.You have earned you wings.Take your rest my sister.
Dpy Regina Trinity
Lafayette Sheriff Dept
May 28, 2008
We will pray for your family, friends and fellow officers. You will not be forgotten.
Officer Mitch James
Gadsden Police Department
May 18, 2008
RIP! Sad situation to see an animal do an act in this manner. Thank you for your service and God bless you and your family.
Det. Harden
HPPD IL
May 14, 2008
Thank you and may God keep you.
Jeff Compton
Citizen
April 25, 2008
I would like to offer my sympathy to the family of this brave young woman. May God continue to comfort them during this difficult time.
Miss. J.Hale
April 5, 2008
God bless my sister in blue. You will never be forgotten.
R. Hernandez & F. Powell
Metropolitan State Police
March 28, 2008
I remember reading about this young HERO a few weeks ago and my heart just broke. I couldn't control the tears. So young, so beautiful and so brave. On behalf of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office in Portland, OR, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Cotton family and to my brothers and sisters at NOPD.
Rest in Peace Nicole.
Sergeant Louise Moaning
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Portland, Oregon
March 25, 2008
RIP-your ultimate sacrifice is not in vain.
R Camp
March 22, 2008
We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cotton and we honor her distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Cotton has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.
To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Cotton, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with her when she walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that she will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cotton is distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for her brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.
Special Agent
FBI New York City
March 21, 2008
The Final Inspection
The policeman stood to face his God, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining, just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulder's and said. "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent, because the streets are awfully tough.
"But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.."
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear."
"If you've got a place for me here Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the saints often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Policeman. You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat in Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."
Ofc. Plourde
Manchester, Ct PD
March 21, 2008
My condolences go out to the Cotton family and the New Orleans Police Department for the loss of this very brave officer.
Deputy Felicia Hickman
Galveston County Sheriff's Office
March 9, 2008
Rest in peace,Officer Cotton.
SGT/Co1 Goulbourne
US Army/Dept of Corrections
March 9, 2008
Another tragic loss, for her family, and the people around her.
My deepest sympathies go out to all who knew her, and I express what I sure would be shared by all our people we I say "Thank you for your dedication". She gave that last full measure for others, and is truly a Hero of Justice!
Bo Register, GG
March 8, 2008
When I heard about this matter, tears rolled down my face.
It's sad that this incident had to happen to a woman at such a young age and who was also pregant. Theres's people out there who say things happen for a reason but I dont think so. She was somebody's friend,mother,sister,daughter and wife. I dont even know her and still it had an affect on my heart. Her life shouldnt been taken from her and her unborn child.
Tony J
Dayton,Ohio
Tony Jennings
Ohio Resident
March 8, 2008
WE MISS YOU AND WE NEED YOU TO LOOK OVER US AND HELP PROTECT US.
OFFICER CALVIN PREVOST III
NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT
March 8, 2008
"GOD" says, "blessed are the peace keepers." I know in my heart that's what you were. May "GOD" keep you and watch over you, as you still watch over us from above. You are and will always be missed and never forgotten.
Master Trooper Greg Theriot
Louisiana State Police
March 7, 2008
Fallen Comrade
Taking cover...shots fired, then you hear that sound. The unmistakeable crackle of the raido, the feared words...'Officer Down'.
One more Fallen Comrade,the number continues to grow. Sorrow fills one's heart, trying not to let the anger show.
Waging a daily battle, out there trying to win the war. Never knowing what you'll encounter, on this stop or from behind that next door.
One more Fallen Comrade, is gone and out of sight. Yet guiding us from up above, always riding on our right.
My sister in blue, JOB well done and you will never be forgotten.
TFO Kelton A. Daniel
Atlanta HIDTA(East Point PD)
March 4, 2008
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