Officer Cooper Dawson, 27, of the Greenville Police Department died Tuesday morning from multiple gunshots received as he pursued a suspect. Dawson served as a Garland police officer for seven years before going to Greenville.
On the evening of Monday, Nov. 25, Officer Dawson stopped a suspect who was wanted on felony warrants, and a foot chase ensued. He was shot multiple times during the chase but was still able to return fire and shoot the suspect.
Both the officer and suspect were taken to the hospital.
Sadly, Officer Dawson succumbed to his injuries Tuesday morning. According to the Greenville PD, Officer Dawson is the first Greenville police officer to be killed in the line of duty in 100 years.
The officer was loved and respected by his brothers and sisters in both the Greenville and Garland PDs.
In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith praised Officer Dawson using words like “heroic,” “courageous,” and “well-respected” and asked for prayers for his family. He described him as a devoted husband, father of three and a proud military veteran. The chief referred to the way in which Officer Dawson was shot as an “ambush.”
The Garland Police Association posted the following tribute on social media:
“Our hearts ache at the loss of our brother, Cooper Dawson. Cooper was an exceptional officer, but more importantly he was a great friend, amazing husband, and devoted father. He excelled as a patrolman, NPO, and SWAT operator. Cooper had a servant’s heart and loved being a police officer. Yet his greatest accomplishments were his wife and three children. He touched the lives of many and would be there for any of his friends at the drop of a hat. Cooper was loved by many and will be so deeply missed. Our prayers are with Cooper’s family and friends. We love you. We’ll take it from here. Godspeed.”
There is a growing memorial in front of the Greenville PD. Officers from numerous departments have gone to Greenville to pay their respects and many have done so on social media.
The suspect, 25-year-old Christian Sparger, is currently in critical condition at a Hunt County Hospital.