Officer Down Memorial Page

Iwas a young C.O.at T.D.O.C./CCA South Central State Prison Clifton,Tn.1992.We took the Death of Fellow Officer Morgan hard.May he R.I.P."He is a Hero."

Corrections Officer
T.D.O.C.-CCA South Central State Prison/Mobile County Sherrifs Office[
May 18, 2012

This was a needless and senseless cold blooded murder. And the thing is, the state of Tennessee is still letting someone sneak cell phones into this inmate. When will the policys change. No phones, and a signal blocker just in case. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER...

Les Seay former CO
Tennessee Dept of Corrections,
May 13, 2012

saw repeat off msnbc's Lock Up (Brushy Mountain episode) and was so moved by the love clearly evidenced by fellow officers for Officer Morgan. A good man was lost senselessly and the only good thing about this is that neither of the perpetrators will ever see the outside of a prison cell again.

Police Dispatcher
University Circle police, Cleveland, Ohio
March 31, 2012

Came across this memorial for Officer Morgan today. So many things have changed in the department since you left us Cotton. Just wanted to say that we still think of you often and know that you watch over us in Heaven. Continue to Rest in Peace, Cotton. God continue to Bless Your Family and Friends left behind.

Tennessee
Deptartment of Correction
January 4, 2012

God be with you and your family.

Police Officer
Mesquite Police Department (TX)
October 1, 2010

Thank you for your service, Sir, and thanks to your family, friends and department for your example, diligence and caring.

Cadet
Colorado
August 11, 2010

You have not been forgotten, continue to watch over all of your loved ones and friends. Thank you for your service to others and to your Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 9, 2010

RIP Ofc. Morgan. My heart goes out to you and your family each time I see this episode of Snapped.

Ofc. Petula Todd-Wadley
Georgia Dept of Corrections
June 9, 2010

R.I.P. Officer Morgan, you will never be forgotten.

Deputy Reed
EPSO
December 21, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss.

martha baird
none
November 14, 2009

To Correctional Officer Wayne Thomas, his family and his fellow officers with the Tennessee Department of Correction:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Cotton Thomas’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Thomas and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff
August 9, 2009

Today will be the 4th anniversary of your death. It is hard to still think that your are not here, but up in heaven enjoying with all our love ones. We still miss you very much and love you more.
Love you
Your sister Wilma

Anonymous
August 5, 2009

I have just watched a TV programme where your colleagues spoke movingly of you. You are still badly missed by them.
May you rest in peace. God Bless


Mother of a Correctional Officer.

Anonymous
March 11, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
November 1, 2008

i got my call back today, they said i will be going to the academy to learn how to become what you were. i read most of the reflections you have. im leaving my job at an insurance company where i am well liked and high up in the company. i got lucky with that job, but i had to tell my boss and my mother, who works for the president of the company that i will be leaving to do what i have always wanted to do. will you bless me from heaven up there. watch over all of us new officers shipping out to the academy on wednesday. thank you for taking your job so seriously, i know i will too. god bless you

pre-correctional officer
Charles bass correctional complex
July 21, 2008

Dear Morgan Family,

Have just been sitting here reading the reflections left by family and friends for Cotton and it is so obvious what a good, good man he was. We hold tightly to our precious memories of those we love and miss so deeply.

With love,

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
July 3, 2008

Cotton was one of the finest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I worked alongside him being assigned to the red building on many occasions. When I first started at Brushy in 2001 Cotton was assigned as being my mentor. I couldn't have asked for a nicer one. He was always very helpful and didnt mind going the extra distance to answer questions. He will be surely missed.

Donald Judy

ex-officer Donald Judy
Tn. Dept of correction Brushy Mt.
February 5, 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., Columbia, SC
January 30, 2008

Dad,
The holidays are once again behind us. Each one is supposed to get easier but they don't. We only learn to
grieve differently. Dad I have so much to tell you. You were taken from us too fast. Maybe 2008 will bring happiness.

Carla Keeton
daughter
December 29, 2007

It's the time of year for our birthdays, Papaw. I'll be 5 tomorrow.

Halie
granddaughter
October 27, 2007

Monday we finally go to court to sentence one of the ones who took your life from us. As we have looked forward to this for closure, we also dread it like the day we buried you. Jennifer will remain in prison for the rest of her days. A THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY IN PRAYER.

Carla Keeton
Daughter
September 15, 2007

This time of year during ginseng season, I recall many talks we had about how we each were doing. Oh how I miss that!!!

Lanny Armes
BMCX
September 13, 2007

Two years are gone yet we still think of you everyday. Each time I walk into that courthouse I cant help but feel a little pain. I will always try to be alert and aware yet remain professional because of what I learned from working with you! God bless your entire family!

David Garrett
BMSP/TDOC
August 10, 2007

Two years have passed since your brutal and tragic murder. I know the pain your family must feel hurts just as bad now as it did then. I thank you for your bravery , service and sacrifice. May your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero! Until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking a beat on the Golden Street.

DET SGT, Retired
AR
August 9, 2007

Officer Thomas-
Today is the two year anniversary of your EOW. I am thinking of your family and friends today, and remembering the sacrifice you made to make the world a better place. Indeed, you made a difference. Thank you.

Pennsylvania citizen
August 9, 2007