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Incident
Captain Bob Cowdin suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting the Garnett Police Department with crowd control after a large riot broke out during the Garnett Grand Prix. A crowd of over 2,000 people began to riot in Garnett and assistance was requested from surrounding agencies. Captain Cowdin responded to Garnett with a tear gas kit. He collapsed on the south side of Courthouse Square while firing tear gas into the crowd as the mob attempted to storm the county jail. He was taken to the Anderson County Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 1:00 am. Captain Cowdin was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the recipient of a Purple Heart. He had served with the Ottawa Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, mother, grandmother, seven brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Navy. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Captain Cowdin gave the Ottawa Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ottawa community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert C. Cowdin served in the U.S. Navy before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Robert is the only officer of Ottawa Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 15 officers lost to cardiac events in KS, 4.5% of the 335 remembered there.
Robert is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 1 officer in KS was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1963, 20 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 10th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1963, 20 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 10th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Robert was 42. Of the 13 lost to cardiac events in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 54; the middle age was 49. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Robert was 42. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
July holds 6.7% of these deaths in KS; September holds the most, 20%. Sundays: 20%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ottawa Police Department. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 335 deaths in KS, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Robert C. Cowdin served in the U.S. Navy before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert C. Cowdin’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
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