Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless Officer Cottrell's family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. Thank you for your service brother.

Sergeant Clark O. Parry
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, New York

January 19, 2016

We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Officer Cottrell and so thankful for his service. Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to his family and friends.

Darlene Newton
Friend of the Story County Sheriff's Office

January 19, 2016

God Bless your family and may God bless and protect you.

WV PSC Officer David Robinson
WV PSC

January 19, 2016

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Officer Cottrell, words cannot explain the sorrow that is felt across the law enforcement community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Officer Cottrell. Lets us honor him not by mourning his death, but by celebrating his life. RIP my brother.

Officer A. C. Cannito
Naval District Washington Police

January 19, 2016

"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.

Detective John Walters
Coral Springs Police Coral Springs, FL

January 19, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jacqueline Rebel survivor
Arizona Department of Public Safety

January 19, 2016

Thank you for all your service. May you RIP

Retired Chief of Police Johnny Mccurry
WPPD

January 19, 2016

RIP Brother

INV Bowman
Dare Co. Sheriff's Office, NC

January 19, 2016

So sad...praying for his family and fellow officers. MY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YU.

M warren
retired BATFE

January 19, 2016

Thank you for your service. May the Lord wrap his arms around your family, friends and fellow officers to help in the coming days and with your grief.

Mrs. Gail Vollmer
Citizen

January 19, 2016

RIP

PPO II Stephen Bruet.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety

January 19, 2016

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

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

January 18, 2016

Rest in Peace Brother

Constable Retired John Ross
Winnipeg Police Service

January 18, 2016

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of the DPD during this most difficult and tragic time.....

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

January 18, 2016

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, Ny

January 18, 2016

Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Zak Rodgers
Boone County Sheriffs Dept

January 18, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss.May you rest in peace and thanks you for your service to the community and may god bless you.!!My heart go out to you and your family from all of us here.

Wooster Tree Care
Brian Bannavong
Wooster,Ohio

Brian Bannavong
Not a Law enforcement member

January 18, 2016

RIP Brother. Prayers for his family, friends and coworkers.

Career Officer (Ret.) Victor Agosto
Chesterfield County Police, Va.

January 18, 2016

Rest easy Officer Cottrell, we'll take the watch from here.

LT. Van Bourgondien
DeGraff PD, DeGraff, Ohio

January 18, 2016

Rest in peace, Officer Cottrell. You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

January 18, 2016

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Police Officer Thomas Cottrell and the extended law enforcement family of the Danville, Ohio Police Department. Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

January 18, 2016

Final Salute Officer Cottrell, thank you for your service. You are a Hero. Rest peacefully in the presence of God. We are praying for the family and fellow officers.

Former Patrol Sergeant
Johnny Allison
Wylie TX Police Dept

January 18, 2016

RIP Brother

Deputy Anita Price
Bexar County Sheriff's Office, San Antonio, Texas

January 18, 2016

So saddened to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

January 18, 2016

Rest in peace my brave brother.

Lt.
Ohio Sheriff's Office

January 18, 2016