Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is the first law enforcement death I remember and as a young adult at the time, I began to understand that an attack on an officer is an attack on us all.

I will always remember Sheriff Cox.

S. Long
FBI, retired

January 23, 2021

Although i met you when i was very young, i do remember that you were a kind & gentle man..& that you were in law enforcement, just like my grandpa jack, and my uncle Vic...today, i have respect for the badge not only because of people like you, but because of what you made it stand for in my eyes..in a world where there is such anger & hate, you proved that there are people willing to sacrifice their all for our safety, and protection.. May you, my grandfather, & the other gentleman that tried to help that day..all rest in peace, and your souls be in a special place in heaven..

Lisa Jansen
LM Jansen...grandaughter of Willis 'Jack' Alton

February 21, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. We honor and remember you on the 35th anniversary of your E.O.W.

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

November 29, 2017

I never got to meet you I wasnt born until after the tragic happenstance that took you away from your beloved family. I remember growing up Grandma Shirley would talk about you and how you were such a loving and caring person. She told me that she wished I was able to meet you we would get along great and how much you would have loved me. I have only heard great things about you. One retired deputy told me you were the best sheriff humboldt county has and will ever have. I will never forget you or grandma Shirley.

William George Murphy
Grandson

March 1, 2015

Uncle Gene,
It's been over 32 years since I got the phone call overseas... I still think of you and Aunt Shirley, how happy you made her and the rest of the family, You were such a big gentle man, to those you loved.

God bless you, you are not forgotten...

Susan Baker
niece by marriageqq

January 19, 2015

He was a great Christian man and sheriff. He and my dad went to high school together and I'll never forget all he did for law enforcement in this county. I spent 30 years in law enforcement in this county and he was a very well respected man.

Ret Sgt.
Fortuna Police Department

December 22, 2014

I shared the elevater with him once and what I most remember is that he was the nicest and largest man I have ever met. Matt Dillos of the popular TV series Gun Smoke is who he reminded me of but this man was not acting because he was the real thing. A great and terrible loss for all. His shoes will never be filled, literally.

gary morgan
none

August 11, 2014

God Bless you, a fallen hero... But not lost or forgotten for you are at home and wrapped within His love. Someday we will all be there. You were courageous and a kind warrior until the end of this life age. I pray your family always had peace knowing that you did not die, but merely went onto the next phase of your eternal life.

Tina Cartwright
Caring Person

December 8, 2012

My papa......this year will be the 30th anniversary of your death. Today Im 34 years old yet barely 4 years young when you were taken from my grammie. Its taken me this long to even lookup any information regarding the brutal murder of my papa gene and my grandpa jack. always sitting back and listening I knew exactly where I stood and now I know exactly why mom and dad sheltered me so good. I remember where I got that name "whirilwind Annie" because you knew all to well that even at such young age to hold me back would be hell....today I tell Madison "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything" I think I got that from you papa....for you stood tall until the day you fell. For the love of your family, life, and for the human race....I'm so proud to be your granddaughter and even prouder for the morals you helped so many parents install in their children.....including mine. Thanks papa ....strength, honor, loyalty, and respect. Today.....live, laugh, and love. You will always be remembered........

anna lynn pope
granddaughter

October 27, 2012

Gene, as November 29th approaches, I still remember your tragic EOW as if it were yesterday. The phone call, the drive to California, the tears and the pain of being told you fell along with my father. Your courage in making sure Mom was safe even as you fell. I have carried you and Dad in my heart all of these years to give me the courage you both showed 29 years ago. You are reaching out and touching others, even today.

We will all be together again.

V.R. Alton, Retired LEO
Brother-In-Law

November 21, 2011

Sheriff Cox was only a few weeks away from his retirement at the time of his E.O.W. I was not in law enforcement at the time, but I remember Sheriff Cox as a man with tremendous uniform presence. He was a big man who served his county with a big heart.

correctional deputy Dan Hoff
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

June 24, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 29, 2009

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Cox. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Uncle Gene rest in peace.

B. Alton
Midlothian Police Dept.

September 20, 2009

Sherrif Cox, thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 16, 2009

No fellow California law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Sheriff Cox, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 29, 2007

rest in peace hero

vandenberghe
nh

November 29, 2007

SHERIFF COX, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

September 16, 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

August 28, 2007

Hero's and the sacrifices they make are never forgotten. Sheriff Cox, you are a true hero. R.I.P.

SPO
Salem, Va

November 29, 2006

Poppa, I know it's been a long time, yet hardly a day passes when I don't think of you. Even though I was only eight years old when you were tragically taken from our family, my fondest memories of childhood involve you. After you were gone you were still my role model as I transitioned from childhood to manhood. I know grandma is happier now that she is finally with you again. I am now a successful husband, father and High School teacher thanks to the love and guidance you gave me. Thanks Poppa.

Nathan Sonberg
Grandson

October 11, 2006

Sheriff, I heard the story of your killing when I went to the academy at College of the Redwoods. I understood you were heroic until the end. You yelled at a lady to run while the monster fired at you when you were already down. You are NOT forgotten! God bless you.

Deputy Glen Mercer
Sutter County Sheriff's Office, CA

March 13, 2005

My family knew you well Gene, we used to ride through your pasture as kids, and you were there when my father was killed. You are greatly missed, and thought of often. God speed.

Pamela Marshall

February 10, 2005

Rest easy, Sheriff. You still live through those who pin the star. You are not forgotten.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)