LAPD officer (USMC Reserve) killed in Afghanistnam.

[greencharlie]

I know it's not a popular topic anymore with important things like HCR taking all the air out of the room... and I expect this thread to be buried and unrec'd soon.

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-mobile-lapd-afghan,0,1747634.story

A member of the Los Angeles Police Department's elite SWAT unit, who also served as a U.S. Marine, was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb, LAPD officials said.

Sgt. Maj. Robert J. Cottle, 45, was traveling with three other Marines in the Marja region of the country, which has been the focus of an intense U.S.-led offensive against Taliban forces in recent weeks, said LAPD Capt. John Incontro, who oversees SWAT operations.

A somber mood fell over the department's Elysian Park training academy Wednesday afternoon, as members of the tightly knit SWAT unit were summoned to receive news of Cottle's death from command staff. Officers recalled a friend who stood out even in the rarefied air of SWAT for the intensity he brought to the LAPD's most demanding assignment and the care he showed for other officers who had turned him into one of the unit's leaders.

Incontro remembered the night in 2008 when another SWAT officer, Randall Simmons, was killed during a prolonged standoff with a man who had killed several people and then barricaded himself in a house. After Simmons was shot and rushed to a hospital, Cottle went from one SWAT officer to the next, helping to calm them and keep them focused on the still-unfolding situation.

This is a big deal here in SOCal... sad story. Sadder than the other 1000's? Maybe not... but this hits close to home.

"He was a very, very special guy," Incontro said. "He is going to be missed."

[Maat]

1. May he rest in peace.

Healing and comforting energy and consciousness to family and friends.

[greencharlie]

2. well... HERES your "big fucking deal"

it's evident that most don't care...

People tend to get hung up in political minutia when there are REAL things to be concerned about. Fuck bricks thru windows, verbal insults, "bring it on" and "big fucking deal"...

Btw, in the IED blast, another Marine... 19 years old was also killed. RIP.

Please take a look at the video:

I don't know how to imbed video... sorry.

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/lapd-officer-killed-in-afghanistan-20100325

[Robb]

3. There are many on DU who shed no tears for policemen.

I am not among them. RIP to both Marines.

[greencharlie]

4. and...

the father of the 19 year old spoke to his son last week and his son Rick was excited for his birthday next month because he'd finally be "out of his teens"... yeah, 20 years old in April.

[greencharlie]

5. well...

I wish the family would give President Obama his LAPD badge for the President to put in his pocket and feel the responsibility and burden of this man (and the other 400+ since 1-09) every day...

[greencharlie]

6. and from the LAPD website:

http://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/news_view/44493