NORTH CAROLINA — The Rocky Mount Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its officers after an off-duty ATV crash Wednesday evening.
According to the department, Officer Michael Cotton died as a result of the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Cotton served the Rocky Mount community as a sworn law enforcement officer for seven years. He was also a veteran who served in the United States Military and the Army Reserve.
Police said Cotton was especially passionate about his work as a K-9 officer, a role he held since 2023. During his career, he worked alongside multiple police dogs, including his first K-9 partner, Forrest, who later retired and was awarded to Cotton by the city council.
Earlier this year, Cotton completed training with his second K-9 partner, Leo, an explosives detection dog. The department noted that Cotton became its first Black K-9 handler.
Cotton earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology with honors from Nash Community College. According to the department, he would have celebrated his 30th birthday on June 15.
In a statement, the department said, “Officer Cotton was more than a colleague; he was family.”
No additional information about the crash has been released. Authorities said the investigation is continuing.
