The Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service was established by his mother, Melissa Osborn, in memory of her son. The award is presented at each of the three Peace Officer Basic Training graduation ceremonies held throughout the academic year.

This $1,000 award supports recipients with equipment purchases and other expenses as they begin their careers in law enforcement. It is the highest honor a COTC Peace Officer Basic Training cadet can receive. Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. was tragically killed in the line of duty in January 2016 while serving in Danville, a town in Knox County. Born in Newark, he graduated from COTC’s Basic Police Academy in 2002 and dedicated more than 14 years to law enforcement.

COTC and Melissa Osborn now seek to endow the Cottrell Award. Endowing the fund will ensure that three $1,000 awards can be given annually from the endowment’s interest, preserving the principal so the award may continue in perpetuity.

We are just $20,000 away from our $85,000 goal!

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