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Incident
Patrolman Cox was shot and killed when he and his partner interrupted a robbery in progress at 3rd and Chestnut Streets. When the suspect saw the patrolmen, he stepped away from the robbery victim and opened fire on the officers, mortally wounding Patrolman Cox. The suspect then fled into a nearby alley. Patrolman Cox's partner transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Two Alabama Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene and shot and killed the suspect in an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was identified as a man who had shot and wounded a Birmingham officer the previous day. Patrolman Cox had served with the Gadsden Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Cox gave the Gadsden Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cox.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gadsden Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 3 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 26. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. Charles had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Tuesdays: 15.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Gadsden Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Gadsden Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Gadsden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
