Today the Panola County Sheriff’s Office honors the sacrifice, service, and memory of Deputy Sheriff Joe Cosby, End of Watch: September 30, 1988.
In the early morning hours of September 30, 1988, 48 year old Deputy Joe Cosby woke up, donned his uniform, strapped on his gun belt, and kissed his wife goodbye, not knowing it would be the last time he ever saw his family again.
His assignment that day was to go over to Tunica County Jail and pick up a convicted felon for a court appearance in Panola County. (We won’t give him credence by naming him, if you know, you know).
Deputy Cosby picked up his prisoner and made his way back to Panola County. At the North Batesville area on Highway 51, the prisoner was able to injure Deputy Cosby and overpower him. He used a “shank” that he had fashioned from a toothbrush while in jail. The prisoner was able to get his hands on Deputy Cosby’s gun. A fight ensued and Deputy Cosby ended up losing his life.
The prisoner then tried to escape but was apprehended near the water treatment plant on Old Panola on the outskirts of Batesville by numerous Law Enforcement personnel who had responded to the scene. That prisoner is serving a life sentence at the State Penitentiary.
When asked about Deputy Cosby by the people that knew him, the most common answer to the question “What do you remember most about Joe Cosby” The answer is “His Laugh”. His daughter, Pennie Cosby Branch, said you always tell where he was in a room by his laugh. She also said he always saw the good in people.
Deputy Cosby’s badge number was P-5. This number was retired and will never be worn by anyone at the PCSO again.
Deputy Cosby…you will never be forgotten!!!!
#PCSO #policeweek2022 #neverforget #heroesneverdie
Original source can be found here.
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