Officer Cooper Dawson of Greenville
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The funeral for fallen Greenville Police Officer Cooper Dawson on Tuesday morning at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.
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Officer Dawson was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 25, 2024.
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This marks the first Line of Duty death for the Greenville Police Department in more than 100 years.
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The funeral for fallen Greenville Police Officer Cooper Dawson on Tuesday morning at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.
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Officer Dawson was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 25, 2024.
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This marks the first Line of Duty death for the Greenville Police Department in more than 100 years.
Rockwall, Texas:During a tearful farewell, a fallen Greenville police officer was referred to as a hero and a true fighter.
The funeral service for Officer Cooper Dawson took place at Rockwall’s Lake Pointe Church on Tuesday morning.
Greenville Officer Cooper Dawson had a funeral ceremony on Tuesday. He was regarded as a real hero by his friends, family, and fellow first responders.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police say a Greenville officer was shot and died in a “ambush” incident.
On November 25, while pursuing a suspect on foot following a traffic stop, Dawson was slain in the line of duty.
Stories of his bravery and courage abound during his service.
Officer Dawson assisted other officers in tending to his wounds, according to Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith.
Cooper maintained his concentration. Relax. We’re doing fine. Next to mine, place your tourniquet. This is the thing you must do. He was guiding others on how to handle him. The chief remarked, “I don’t think I’ll ever see that courage again.” “He fought all the way to the end and was a great fighter. Like a lion, he fought his way to the end. That boy makes me very proud. Cooper was able to talk the talk, but he also walked the walk that day. We’re here in grief now that he’s gone.”
On Tuesday morning, the hearse bearing the casket of Officer Cooper Dawson arrived at Lake Point Church in Rockwall for his funeral, as Greenville and Garland first responders stood at attention.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Greenville Officer Cooper Dawson’s funeral procession
Officer Dawson lived a life of service, according to the chief.
Prior to joining the Greenville Police Department, he was a Garland police officer and a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.
“Cooper altered our team’s dynamic. His zeal transformed our training. Eventually, I learned that Cooper would be leading SWAT training. Are you certain, Coop? I understand, Chief. “And he did,” said Chief Smith.
At Officer Cooper Dawson’s funeral, Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith delivers a moving address. On November 25, while pursuing a subject sought on multiple felony charges, Officer Dawson was slain in the course of duty.
In addition, the 27-year-old was married and the father of three small children.
“We were aware that this may happen at any time. His widow, Aubrey Dawson, remarked, “But you always think, that will never happen to me.”
Just thirteen minutes prior to the fatal traffic stop, she mentioned having dinner with the entire family. He hugged them all and told them he loved them before he left.
“The kids and I will hold on to the memories you gave us and we will make sure your legacy lives on in the lives of others,” she added.
During Officer Cooper Dawson’s funeral, his widow discusses his life.
Aubrey Dawson expressed gratitude to the medical staff for putting in long hours to try to save her husband’s life.
“Thank you very much for everything, Coop, my darling. I will always cherish the love you gave me,” she remarked. “To the hospital staff and EMTs, thank you for working so hard on my husband, for never leaving his side, praying over time and making sure it was peaceful when it was his time at 3:53 a.m.”
Christian Sparger, 25, was the person who killed Dawson and was wanted on multiple felony warrants. He is now accused of killing a peace officer with the death penalty.
Hunt County Jail is the source of Christian Sparger, age 25.
With Dawson’s passing, Greenville has seen its first line of duty fatality in almost a century.
Fellow cops escorted his body to Resthaven Funeral Home for a private burial service following the funeral.
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Shannon Murray, a reporter with FOX 4, attended the burial to collect information for this story. Additional information comes from the Greenville Police Department and earlier press reports.
Shannon Murray, a reporter with FOX 4, attended the burial to collect information for this story. Additional information comes from the Greenville Police Department and earlier press reports.
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