Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

July 18, 2021

Officer Cotton's legacy is one of love for God and Family, bravery in the face of evil and the courage to protect the citizens of this Great State. He made the ultimate sacrifice. No greater love has a man, than to lay down his life. He lives forever in our hearts and minds.

Superintendent (Ret.) Lawrence Kelly
Mississippi Department of Corrections

October 7, 2019

Officer Cotton,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Mississippi. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There’s no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 18, 2019

Officer Cotton your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The State of Mississippi and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow LE Brother!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, TroopD

July 18, 2016

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of and The Great State of Mississippi! Continue to Rest in Peace Corrections Officer Cotton.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

July 18, 2015

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Yates
Covington County Sheriff Dept

October 24, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 18, 2010

Thank you for your courageous service and your unfortunate sacrifice!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

January 3, 2010

"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

December 3, 2007

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you in some way. We all love and miss you very much!
The Cotton Family

Tara Cotton-Dillard
Niece

July 17, 2007

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching over us down here.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

July 18, 2006

Officer Cotton,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Mississippi. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 18, 2005

Officer Cotton, you are not forgotten

July 18, 2005