Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-8DCD87B7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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
Patrolman Charles Gordon Cox is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Gadsden Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Gordon Cox's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Gordon Cox Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Gordon Cox is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Gordon Cox was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Gadsden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
