This has been National Police Week, honoring all those law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Ottawa Police Chief Adam Weingartner told City Commissioners his officers are thanked everyday by citizens for what they do for the community. He got emotional talking about Ottawa…
Captain Bob Cowdin suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting the Garnett Police Department with crowd control after a large riot broke out during the Garnett Grand Prix in 1963. A crowd of over 2,000 people began to riot in Garnett and assistance was requested from surrounding agencies. Captain Cowdin responded to Garnett with a tear gas kit. He collapsed on the southside of Courthouse Square while firing tear gas into the crowd as the mob attempted to storm the county jail.
He was taken to the anderson county hospital where he was pronounced dead. Captain cowdin was a u.s. navy veteran of wwii and the recipient of a purple heart. He had served with the ottawa police department for 10 years.
