Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Four days and forever a South Carolina hero. Rest in peace Officer Cogburn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 17, 2021

It happened on 9th St, just past the east exit ramp approx. 1 1/2 blocks from Meeting St. Danny had just been assigned to our shift that afternoon. I barely got to meet him before we started on patrol. The short time I was able to speak to him and introduce myself, I took a liking to him. He was easy going and polite. I was the backup unit for the traffic stop. It all happened so suddenly. We all thought it was going to be a uneventful night. Nothing like this had ever happened at West Columbia PD before. We lost what I feel sure would have been a good officer. It's been 38 years and I still remember it so vividly.

Former PFC Thomas "Tommy" Coll
WCPD 1980-1984

August 9, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Cogburn. Four honorable days and eternity for your brave soul to watch over us and your adoring family.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 13, 2018

Always remembered.

Police Officer
MesquiteTX Police Department

April 12, 2018

I love you daddy!!! Always!!!

Your baby girl, Renee Cogburn
Daughter to the best daddy ever

May 25, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 12, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 12, 2010

Officer Cogburn

Your watch ended the day I was born. Thank you for your service and continue to watch over us from your beat in heaven.

8618
Phoenix PD

May 11, 2009

YOU ARE A HERO SIR JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

August 26, 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.

July 11, 2007

Just letting you know you haven't been forgotten.....

Officer Calvin Logsdon
Ansonia Police Department

March 28, 2007

Officer Cogburn you are a hero and will always be remembered as one. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

October 9, 2006

Brother Cogburn,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 17, 2006

MY BROTHER, ALTHOUGH ITS BEEN 21 YEARS SINCE YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. NOR WILL YOU EVER BE. A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

April 12, 2004

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes 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 shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is 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 to 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 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 a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 19, 2003