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RIP Robert "RJ" Cottle, LAPD SWAT/USMC Sgt Major Killed in the line of duty

Angry Bill

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LAPD Mourns Death of SWAT Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle
Cottle was Tragically Killed during Military Deployment in Afghanistan


Los Angeles: It is with great sadness that we report the death of a respected and valued member of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan while serving in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The LAPD has learned through family contacts of the death of 45-year-old Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle, United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR). In the near future, the Department of Defense and the USMCR will formally release his name and the circumstances related to his death in accordance with military protocols. Cottle had been deployed on active duty since August 2009. He served with the 4th LAR Battalion, Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.

Cottle was appointed to the LAPD on Sept. 10, 1990. He had been assigned to Metropolitan Division since February 1996 and his most recent assignment was in “D” Team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) as a Police Officer III+I.

"This deeply saddens me, especially since I've known RJ for over 20 years,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. “He is a fine man and a great example of the best LAPD has to offer. He will be missed."

Whether Cottle was serving the people of Los Angeles or serving the people of the United States, he did so with honor, integrity and commitment. His death will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and his contributions to the Department will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife and a 9-month-old daughter.

We ask that community members keep Officer Cottle’s family members, friends and his extended LAPD family in their thoughts and prayers.

This mourning, "RJ" will be laid to rest. His coffin will be hand carried from LAPD Headquarters to Our Lady of Angels Cathedral. The precession will be incredible.

RJ, your ultime sacrifice will never be forgotten.


Take a moment of silence at 0830 hours to pay tribute to this fallen brother!


http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=7353730

http://www.ocregister.com/news/cottle-243669-marine-officer.html
 
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Angry Bill

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The funeral was today. I am actually disappointed that others made no comment about this. One of Rj's partners is a member on this site and was sad at the lack of respect shown for a fallen hero.

I guess taking about Celebrity ass, beer threads and making jokes is more important than someone giving his life to help maintain freedom or service to his community. Wow! Reality check on me! Figured the LE guys and the military, both past and present would have chimed in at least. You know, sometimes families of the fallen are shown the kind words expressed by brothers and sisters.

A few thousand people were there today to pay honor to this fallen hero!

Nice going guys!
 
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His service will not be forgotten, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with his family.
 

tubaman

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Bill, I just saw this. I'm sorry for this hero's family and friends. I'm not military or a police officer, but I have the greatest respect for all of those who put their ass on the line for us. Saying a little prayer for him and his family.
 
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I too just saw this and am sorry for this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are going out to his family and extended family.
 
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RIP RJ Cottle, You are a true Hero and I will always be thankful for you and and all others who protect my freedom. I will tell my children about the brave men and women who died to protect them. God Bless the American Soldier, God Bless Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle, United States Marine Corps Reserve.
 

rduke10

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Same here, just saw the post. It's never easy to loose a Hero even in the line of duty. Sergeant Major Cottle (and all who serve, and all who give the ultimate price) deserve all the respect of a true Hero. Very sorry to hear about the loss, family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers.
 
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Semper Fidelis!

This serves as a reminder of the dangers of the world in which we live. We must be mindful of this and live in the moment. We must treasure our loved ones and hold in high esteem those men and women who place themselves in harm's way for our sake.

As both a vet and one whose son is a proud Jarhead. I salute his effort!
 
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