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.