Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Gail A. Cobb

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Friday, September 20, 1974

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Reflections for Officer Gail A. Cobb

Remembering Officer Gail A Cobb September 20, 2012 who was the FIRST woman District Police Officer killed in the line of duty Sept. 20, 1974 in the District of Columbia. She was also the first woman officer killed in the line of duty anyWHERE in the country since the FBI began keeping statistics in such incidents in 1960.
Gone 2 soon but never 4gotten BLUELINE 4EVER !!

Reitred Officer Lynell Rouse
MPDC

September 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Cobb. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

Hello Gail,

While you have fallen, your sacrifice was not in vain. You story was remembered by me. The Department of Justice’s MOA would have had all of our officers’ entering buildings, alleys, and a garage with their guns holstered as yours was. We reminded the Department of Justice of you, and your story.

For now, A display of force is not a use of force.

Thank you Gail.

Gerald G. Neill Jr.

retired Sergeant Gerald G. Neill Jr
MPDC

December 23, 2011

R.I.P Ofc. Cobb. It has been 37 years since your death. You will always be remembered.

Ofc. Lisa A. Nesbit
D.C. Metropolitan Police Deparment

November 27, 2011

Rest in peace Gail. You have not been forgotten.

bob
retired

April 13, 2011

Gail,
I will always remember that day and therefore never forget you. I was still in the academy and on that day training at the range to use a handgun and rifle. Being a female officer myself it made be pause and wonder if I had made a mistake choosing to become a police officer.
Rest in Peace My Sister!!

Anonymous

February 14, 2011

I remember this incident although I was only 8 years old in 1974. My father was a Park Police officer at the time and attended the funneral as many law enforcement officers did. He said that Eddie Kendricks (Temptations) was there and sang because he was Miss Cobb's favorite singer. I suppose I remember all of this so well because I'am a singer.

Well it's 36 years later and I haven't forgotten your story Miss Cobb. My father now a retired Park Police detective has not forgotten either.

We are thinking of you and your family today.

Rene -No Rank
Daughter of a Park Police Detective (Ret)

September 20, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

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

September 20, 2009

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to your community and law enforcement. True heroes never die and your memory will live on forever.

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

March 15, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Cobb.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 2008

God Bless you Gail and may God watch over your family.

I remember reading about you while studying to become police officer back in the mid 1980s. I share the pain of your family as my father Waverly Brown was also gunned down by bank robbers and is listed here on this site. The things that connect our families is kind of odd but know one thing; you are not forgotten and will never be forgotten. This is the hardest time of year for both of our families but I know one day we will see you and my dad again.

Capt. GM Brown (Former)
US Postal Service Police

October 12, 2008

Growing up Gail was a sweet and dear friend.She will always be remembered as a good and giving person, and loved by all that who knew her and her family.
God bless you and remember you are always thought of every day and will never be forgotten.

Civilian
childhood friend ArlanaHines-Ferebee

September 22, 2008

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so others may remain safe. After all of these years, you ARE NOT forgotten. RIP Officer Cobb.

December 3, 2007

"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

September 27, 2007

I remember you when I was a kid . You gave our drum major a whistle at the beginning of a parade. You were one of a kind. Rest in peace.

Ofc.Leroy Lindsay
Metro Transit Police

May 12, 2007

"My Sister"

Although I never met her, I knew her.
She was idealistic and believed she could make a difference.
She was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
She felt privileged to be of service to her department, her community and to her country.

She was a cop.

Although I never met her, I knew her.
She was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
She laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
She was competent, trained, and professional.

She was a cop.

Although I never met her, I knew her.
She had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
She felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but she never wavered.
She stood by and for her fellow officers.

She was a cop.

Although I never met her, I knew her.
She longed for her family during the long hours.
She worried about them during her shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
She felt guilty about the lost time, but knew her calling
and prayed they would understand.

She was a cop.

Although I never met her, I knew her.
She was a good daughter, a loving wife, and a devoted mother.
She was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people she served.
She wanted to do the best job that she could and strived to be the best she could be.
She was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

She was a cop.

Yes, I did know her.
She was a cop, she was my Sister.

Rest easy Sister Cobb, we have the watch...



"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC

April 8, 2007

AS A LITTLE GIRL GROWING UP IN WASHINGTON,DC I REMEMBER HEARING GREAT STORIES OF BEING A STRONG BLACK WOMAN I REMEMBER ADMIRING YOUR STRENGTH I ALSO REMEMBER HOW PROUD I WAS OF YOU AND JUST TO REFLECT BACK ON THOSE DAYS WHEN I WAS ONLY 8YEARS OLD I REMEMBER I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE YOU AND WHEN THEY DAY CAME I REMEMBER HOW PAINFUL I FELT WHEN YOU CAME UNDER FIRE,I LOST MY DEAREST HERO AND YET AT THE AGE OF 43 I STILL REMEMBER YOU AND MISS MY HERO.

sheila best

March 3, 2007

i was very sad to learn about your brave action as a police officer resulting in your death. i pray your family and others will always honor your memory as i certainly will. charles

charles howard cobb
i've been told that all of us named cobb are cousins, however distant.

September 21, 2006

We remember... we will always remember


Maryland Citizen

September 20, 2006

REST IN PEACE SISTER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

OFC. K. CAMPBELL
ROYAL PALM BEACH POLICE DEPT.

June 16, 2006

TO THE COBB FAMILY
GAIL HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN HERE AT THE SECOND DISTRICT SHE IS IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MANY WHO NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HER. WHILE I AM HERE I WILL DO MY BEST TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE REMEMBERS HER NAME AND THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE SHE MADE FOR US ALL. HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL.

GOD BLESS

MPO FLORENA CARTER
2ND DISTRICT POLICE STATION

May 24, 2006

I remember the incident very well. It was truely a sad day in Washington. We both attended Eastern High school and were fellow officers. Gail, thanks for your bravery and committment. I know you are in heaven.
I'll never forget you.

Det. J. Bussey (retired)
MPDC

April 28, 2006

This officer is my grandmother about whom I was told a whole different story on her death and this surprises me she's on the internet.

Gail Addriene Cobb
no rank

October 18, 2005

Rest in peace Gail, for we will walk your beat. God needed you more.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy
Prince George's County Police Department

June 14, 2005

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 8, 2005

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