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.

Comments

[Brad Coleman]

I served in 4th Force Recon with RJ and he was a great man who had my highest respect. I am deeply sadened. The world lost such an amazing person. I am praying for his family and friends.

[Mike Flaherty]

I am a former Marine, and a current Police Officer(Former 10 year SWAT Operator)from NJ who had the great honor of meeting RJ while training at Blackwater in 2001. He was a very impressive man and my heart felt regrets go out to his family and close friends and LAPD SWAT. I am deeply saddened by the news of RJ's death and I will always remember him fondly.
Semper Fi

[Roberto M.V. Obong]

An awesome father, one of the best in police tactics, a "Warrior" and a Marine of Marines. You will be missed RJ!

Semper Fidelis,

CWO3 Roberto M.V. Obong
LAPD, Class of 1995

[Dis and Dat]

I had the distinct pleasure and honor to have worked with RJ when he was a young P-2 in Southeast Division back in the 1990's. I will always remember the pride and compassion he exhibited in both the Marine and LAPD sectors. And above all, I will always remember and miss his great smile and hearty laugh.

My deepest condolences goes to his wife, baby daughter, friends, and his Marine and LAPD families. His loss leaves a huge void in our lives. He will be greatly missed by all.

RJ...thank you for making the supreme sacrifice. We will never forget you. Your job here is done, may you and Randy enjoy your paradise in heaven.

[Dan "MEAN STREETS" Meany]

I have never met a more Gung-Ho Member of the LAPD SWAT Team than Bob Cottle (23 David). He was very Proud to be a member of the Team and equally Proud to have served as a Recon Marine. At SWAT ROUND-UP he would wear his Gold Recon Wings and Scuba Badge on the back of his Team Baseball Cap.