Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the pleasure of meeting Nicola at the Job Corps campus in McKinney, Tx. I remember her being a happy individual with a very captivating smile. You are and will always be missed.

Willie Arkansas
Former North Texas Job Corps Staff

September 1, 2025

Officer Cotton, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 17 years ago, as your death cruel and unneccessary, and the man had no reason to take your life that day. What bothers me is the fact that not only did he take your life away, but he unfortunately took you and your unborn child's life away as well, which is an extremely cruel thing to do to another human being. The fact he took away both of your lives is very sickening and disheartening, and he deserves whatever happens to him, though it's been 17 years since then. However, one thing i do know about this case is the fact you never gave up, and you fought till the end. You went up against a man who was not only known for being a creep towards women, but was also larger than you and more dangerous, and you were able to put up a fight. And although i wish that you had won and either taken the suspect out or put him in custody, we can't change the past or go back, and it looks like it was God's time for you to come home to him. It doesn't make sense in cases like these where the suspect does something not only harmful, but adds more by harming and murdering a police officer who was doing her job that night and doing what she had to do. What also hurts is the fact you were still young and new to the job, only having a couple years of experience, which goes to show that although you were young, you were probably one of the bravest and courageous police officers Louisiana had at the time. However, despite what happened to you, the suspect was caught and he was thrown away from society as he will no longer bother anybody else again. But however, he's so far gone and still is, to the point that he is still incompetent to stand trial. You would think that 17 years later he would have atleast changed a little to the point that he would stand trial, but as it turns out, that's not the case. If there is one thing i learned, is that this world is filled with so much cruelty and hate to the point that being a police officer, especially now in society is only worse for all police, which i have extreme respect for. I'd like to believe that you knew it was dangerous to be an officer in the grand state of Louisiana, and yet you did not let that fact stop you as you boldly and bravely went out in the face of danger and fought back. Even in your last moments you fought with a man who was larger and stronger than you, but yet you were able to not back down as you put up a fight, and if that doesn't describe a part of your bravery, i'm not sure what will since you truly were one of a kind. There's alot of things i could say about the man who took your life, but i'd like to focus on the positive side of things; For one, despite your short career lasting only 2 years, i think that you were able to make a difference to the city of New Orleans and demonstrate what it meant to protect and serve, and what it meant to make a positive impact on others by serving others and the public. I know that when you did the ultimate sacrifice on that day, it only showed that when you are in conflict and you go up against evil, you must never back down or cower in fear, and you never once ran from fear as you faced head on towards it and didn't back down not one time, and although the battle was unfortunate, that didn't mean that the suspect was able to get away with it as he was caught, but he was thrown in a mental hospital, which i think should've been different considering the fact the man that took your life was nothing more than a crazy and violent individual. Atleast now with less people like him roaming the streets, that means that the streets of New Orleans is now a little safer, though i'm aware of the fact that it can be dangerous with its crime rate, although i'm sure that didn't bother you in the slightest as you were able to put a stop to some of the danger in the area you worked in and was able to put away the people who corrupt the streets. I think that there could've been many different outcomes that day, since the man you dealt with was obviously not ok. I think that had there been another officer to assist you, it could've been different, or if the man had complied and did his time, but we all know that was not the case since i'm sure that even now he is nowhere near mentally sane. Although i personally don't wish death upon the man who took your life, i do know that one day when his time comes, there is a special spot in hell for men like him, since his actions that day proved he was not human; He was clearly a demon disguised as a human. There's something i think sometimes when it comes down to those who harm police: Why do they do what they do and why do they think that harming a police officer will solve anything? Although i myself am not a police officer in any way and can answer that, i do know that they do it because they're selfish, and they don't think about the consequences of their actions, and if the case may be, it's also because they're so fueled with hatred and wrath that they are blinded by it to the point it takes over their lives. What i do know now is that despite your life and career being ripped away by some scumbag of a human, i know that you and your child are resting peacefully in heaven, and you're apart of God's army of angels as you look down on those you love and watch and protect them, since you too were a protector and ensured the safety of the public and others. Although it's been a long road and i personally never met or knew you, as i was a year old when you passed, i think you were a wonderful person to meet and get to know since from what i read, you always had a smile on your face and cared deeply for others, and even i can tell judging by the character you had along with your work ethic, which was to never quit and always fight against evil. Before i end this reflection off, i'd like to say a few more things: I believe that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and there are people out there that you have inspired even in death, as they carry you in their hearts knowing that you were a fighter and you fought even in the face of death. I'm sure that the citizens of New Orleans and the people in the state of Louisiana appreciated your service when you were alive, knowing that at one point they had officers like you roaming the streets and protecting them, making sure they can make it home safely with people like you protecting them from danger. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is forever cherished and appreciated, and that your sacrifice is always going to be remembered and discussed, and that your memory will stay alive no matter how long it's been. As for the man who took your life, his time will come, and that one day he will face the true consequences of his actions for doing what he did to you, as he had no right to do it. Whatever happens to him will be between him and God, and that God has recruited you as one of his angels in Heaven along with your unborn child. Rest Well Mrs. Cotton.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

September 1, 2025

To the family of Nicola Cotton. I attended a Blue Courage training and my group had the opportunity to honor her. Nicola Cotton is not forgotten.

Police Officer, Thelma Yellow Kidney
BIA Northern Pueblos Agency

February 28, 2024

To the family of officer Cotton and the N.O.P.D my condolences go out to you all. I literally just heard about this tragedy as I finished watching a "Hurricane Katrina" documentary. As a 15 year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department this loss is deeply disturbing, I truly hope through prayers and memories you have found a place of peace.

Ofc.T.L.Jones
Atlanta Police Department

May 2, 2023

To her family I am sorry for this tragedy. I pray you all have found peace after all these years. Miss Nicola is not forgotten. I remember hearing about her murder on the news when I was only 18 years old and it made me feel so sad looking at her picture today. Tears fall down my eyes rest in peace.

Londrell
Resident of NOLA. Who remembers this hero

April 25, 2023

This one has always been a bit much for me. Though we’ve never met, I think about you every time I get near Simon Bolivar and Earhart. You were so beautiful, young, and strong. Rest in heaven, you and your unborn

Lene
Nola uptown resident

August 13, 2021

Something told me to Google your name today, oh I know, I saw a picture of a fellow police officer that was killed in the L.O.D & IT brought me straight to you ..... I was around
19 .... you were the first police officer death that I recognized ever at that time... it REALLY stuck out to me.. THEN how dangerous that job was. Your story was tragic very jolting to my system.... I'm 33 now and I STILL remember you. You were not my relative, nor have I EVER met you in real life. But you were my sister in Christ. And your story Shook me.... you will ALWAYS be remembered. I Love you

erica
sister in christ

February 19, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 28, 2021

New York State Police last posted a reflection on January 28, 2008. Officer Cotton will never ever be forgotten. RIP.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 15, 2020

I remember your smiling face at the JOB-1 office when you came in to apply for Nursing School tuition assistance knowing that the streets of New Orleans were too dangerous for a pregnant police officer after Katrina. Ms. Cotton I know you are at peace among the angels.

Counselor (retired)
City of New Orleans

March 8, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear this news. Rest easy my sister in blue and your unborn child. I will you and your family up in prayer.

Deputy Nashelette Roberts
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Department

January 30, 2020

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage, sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 28, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Cotton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2019

Rest in peace my sister. Thank you for your heroism and sacrifice.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD

January 28, 2019

I remember the day vividly, a visiting officer in the great city of N.O. I was standing at the Duty Desk conversing with the D.O merely looking to exchange patches when the radio broke silence and Officer Cottons cry for help came over. The station emptied and I was left standing So many times when this signal occurs in our own jurisdiction you're able to react and provide assistance accordingly. In this case I could only stand and listen to the horrific chain of events unfold. I remember hearing mention of her then young daughter and my heart sank. GOD BLESS you Officer Cotton and thank you for your service. I think of you often when reflecting on that trip and the newspaper headline I saved in your memory.

Lieutenant L.Waldridge
Elkton Maryland Police Department

January 22, 2018

R.I.P. Officer. Mother and child are at peace in God's Kingdom.

Non LEO

January 22, 2018

On 06/07/17 while attending a Blue Courage class is KC MO my table of 6 officers were assigned Officer Nicola Cotton's name and asked to research her. It is a privilege to know of her service and sacrifice. She is not forgotten!

Commander Mark Baldwin
DHS FPS

June 7, 2017

Today in Blue Courage class at the Federal Law Enforcement Academy in Brunswick, GA we honored and remembered Nicola. Students gave a heartfelt remembrance of Officer Cotton's life. You are remembered and will never be forgotten. RIP we have your watch covered!

Daniel Schmer
Kansas City, MO Police Ret - Blue Courage

April 29, 2016

Its hard to see and read about Officers going before their time. I was long retired and forever will long for the job and my Family of NOPD. You will always have a place in our hearts Officer Cotton. may you rest in peace in God's Police Department.

Retired P/O IV Christopher Mercadel
Retired NOPD

January 29, 2016

Even after the years have passed, know you haven't and will never be forgotten. Growing up, my father was an NOPD Officer. I still remember the day he told me of this tragedy, forever setting my own interest and dedication to become a LEO. In high school and college, I conducted several in depth research assignments on you, officer safety, and public perception to honor you with you being a focus point. I sincerely have the outmost respect for you. Know that your sacrifice hasn't been in vein. Truly yours - my sister in blue.

Deputy William LaBiche
Saint Tammany , STPSO -reserve

August 29, 2015

I just found out she going she was very special to me and when I meet her I know I that she could be the one but when she told she was becoming a cop I begged her not to do it but she eager to start a career as law enforcement officer so i gave her my support as long as I'm a live you will never slip out my memory and I hope I can see you again love always d'arcy ps.u remember the walks to the store at night at job Corp.

d'arcy richardson
she knows

August 4, 2015

You are not forgotten my sister. RIP

Cpl. D. Currin
WPPD, Colorado

January 28, 2015

"In Valor there is Hope."
As I sat in my office today, Officer Cotton came into my thoughts. While visiting the City and my brethren in blue, I was in the PD this fateful day. I can vividly recall listening to the events unfold across the radio and hearing the voice of Officer Cotton. Though I never had the opportunity to meet you, you are in my thoughts.
Rest in peace my fellow sister, until we meet again.

Lieutenant Lawrence Waldridge Jr.
Elkton Police Department, Elkton, Maryland

April 15, 2013

God Bless all of our fallen brothers and sisters. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. REST IN PEACE.

Lieutenant Derek Gray
New Orleans Police Department

January 28, 2013

You gave your life protecting the innocent from those that would prey on them.

Through your actions on that tragic day, you embody the true definition of a hero.

Rest in peace.

Marylander

November 6, 2012