Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The memory of Fallen Officer Gail A. Cobb should be forever honored, 50 years after having been murdered in our nation;s Capitol by a criminal whom I hope is still rotting in prison. As a fellow Police Officer who was also once a 23 year old Academy Recruit, I salute you for your selfless service and heroism. May the grace of Almighty God always be with your family.

David L.Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

September 20, 2024

Officer Cobb,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the District of Columbia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 20, 2024

I WAS A POLICE OFFICER THAT CAME ON THE MPD IN 1984 AND I KNEW ABOUT YOUR SERVICE WHICH INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER AND I AM RETIRED NOW AND YOU STILL INSPIRE ME OFFICER GAIL COBB THANK YOU ALWAYS ❤️

OFFICER BONNER
MPD DC

July 8, 2023

I joined the police department in 1988. And several years later I met your parents looking for your photo at the Second District police station. Unfortunately, it was not there at that time. I was saddened to learn of your loss and the sacrifice you made in 1974. I started researching not only your sacrifice, but several other fallen officers of that district. I regret I was not aware of the numerous lines of duty deaths before my research and tenure on the department. So, I'd like to thank the family members of every officer who made the ultimate sacrifice doing what they loved. They are appreciated and I pray God continues to give you comfort with each passing year.

Retired MPDC Senior Police Officer

January 2, 2023

Rest In Heavenly Peace Officer Cobb. Thank your for your service and your sacrifice. You like all the other officers that lost their lives will never be forgotten thanks to the Officer Down page.

Sergeant
New York City Police Department Retired

February 10, 2022

Gail
Thanks for your service to Washington DC, and to the citizens of this great nation. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated by your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. I did a ride-along during police week with some of your fellow officers, and I was impressed with the quality of officers I met at the Washington DC Metro Department. You are not forgotten and your sacrifice and service is remembered by officers near and far.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 20, 2021

Dear Gail, I just accidentally learned about your story and your life. Since then I have often thought of you and I also think of the immense pain your loss caused in your parents, in your family and especially in Damon Demetrius. I pray now for him too, who suffered so much for your absence and paid, as an innocent child, and is still paying, firsthand. Pray you too, from Heaven, for all of us!

Barbara Catania

July 8, 2021

Rest In Peace grandma never got to meet you but my dad your son named me after you your a true hero

Gail A Cobb
Grandchild

February 27, 2021

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 23, 2021

RIP Officer Cobb,

You were my mother's (Janice Ward) best friend as teenagers, when she lived on 15th and Dst SE, Wash, DC. Thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten for your bravery and courage to protect and serve the citizens of Washington DC.

Lawan Ferguson
Friend

October 23, 2020

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

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

September 20, 2020

I was a Respiratory Technician working at George Washington University Hospital on the very sad day of Officer Cobb's death, September 20, 1974. I responded to a trauma team page to the emergency room. So many police officers and hospital staff members responding, working to save her life.
To this day, April 16, 2020, I still remember the tragic and overwhelming feeling we all shared in the last moments of Officer's Cobb's life. May she always rest in peace.

Meliza Salas Manzano
Retired

April 16, 2020

Gail - As another 2nd District MPDC Officer, I will never forget that morning of Friday: September 20th, 1974 at 1111 20th St. NW. We literally arrived moments too late, since you had just been shot. Your coward murderer then fearfully surrendered, to responding Officers. Since that day I have thought of you so very many times ! Often, and especially every September 20th, I say a prayer in your memory! It was my honor to have met you ! You have, and continue to be, an inspiration to so very many. Much more still continue to hold you, in their collective memories ! There are many that know about you, Gail ! You continue to be an inspiration to generations of police officers who know, and honor, your sacrifice!

Sgt. Kevin M. McCarthy, Sr. (Retired)
Metropolitan Police Dept: Washington D.C.

December 28, 2019

Thank you,

I was fourteen years old when I met you. I explained my family problems and you helped us. I will never forget how you just wanted me to attend church. I went to church never seeing you again. As the years go on I remembered you. I looked for you from that day on. I told everybody my story about you hoping I would find you again.

I did!!

No coincidence that you died 24 years old. I started my law enforcement career when I was 24 years old. I am now 29 years old born 1990.


I tracked you down and really know who are. I am honored lost for words.

You are in heaven still working and serving.

I will never forget how I met you and everything makes sense now God sent you on a heavenly assignment to get me and my family out of trouble. You will always be close in my heart.

My sister
My Hero
My Angel

Deputy Janiece Johnson
Rutherford County Sheriff Office

November 19, 2019

It was my day off. When i returned home after a day of shopping, all my neighbors were sitting on my front steps. Puzzled, I approached my residence. Several people ran up to hug me; i knew none of them by name but only by face in passing. They did not know my name either but only that I was a police officer. They had heard Officer Cobb's story on the knews and were hoping thst I was not Gail. I never experienced before the concern of strangers and the respect for a woman who had releaded life to do her duty. As for me, I had a 28 yesr career. I thank the community support Sept 30th so many years ago. I am grateful for the community support in 1D from where I retired.

Rest in Heaven, Gail. I never met you but I will one day visit you in your Mansion.

Lt. Beverly Medlock (Retired)
MPDC

September 20, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Cobb.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 20, 2018

May you Rest In Peace. As a female officer I will continue to honor our badge for the sacrifice you made.

Sergeant Libby Carter
LASD

September 20, 2017

Back in the mid 90's, the suspect who killed her was released after serving his jail time (20-25 years). The MPDC Delta Unit (7D) arrested him (MLK Ave S.E., WDC) in procession of a large package of crack cocaine. Upon arresting him, he was very cooperative and gave us no issues. What was odd is that he smile and stated "You know who I I'm?" I replied who? He stated "I killed the first D.C. female officer in the line of duty." After making that statement, he went dark on us and made no further statement. He is now spending the rest of his life incarcerated. May she continue to Rest In Peace.

Det. Martin
MPDC

September 20, 2015

I don't remember that day as I was only 8 years old in 1974. However my father was a park police patrol officer at the time and he attended the funeral. It wasn't until years later, that I learned of Gail Cobb through my father and he said Eddie Kendricks (her favorite singer) sang at the funeral. Her picture is on display at a police station located in the district. I've been there with my father as we spoke to detectives concerning my own brother's murder. I stared at her picture for a moment and said a silent prayer. She was young...way too young and she is missed.

R. Edwards
College Park, MD resident

December 3, 2013

It is apparent that after so many years, Gail Cobb has not been forgotten. For some reason her name came up in my mind as I was watching a female officer in an episode of "Forensic Files ". Her death in the line of duty as a young black woman , was very felt in the community. She will always be a hero in the eyes of D.C. for her bravery and commitment. I remember that day vividly and if she were alive she and I would be the same age . RIP
GAIL.

Nettie Harris
Washington D.C. resident

April 19, 2013

Thank you Miss Cobb for your service and ultimate sacrifice. You were a leader and pioneer who changed attitudes and opened doors for so many. We remember. God bless.

Carsell H Fox Sr
Citizen

January 4, 2013

It's a shame you were taken long ago, and too soon, at such a young age.

Were you still here with us, you'd be 62 years old, and who knows, maybe you could have even made chief! Well, you probably would've, with your strong work ethic.

Even though it has been almost half a century since you made the ultimate sacrifice, we have not forgotten you.

Rest well, Officer Cobb. Rest well.

Marylander
Civilian

December 20, 2012

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be remembered and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. I am sure you are proud that your family continued your legacy of protecting and serving. The reflections left by your family and friends were touching and they are in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 20, 2012