Fallen Greenville Police Officer Cooper Dawson returned home on Wednesday morning, honored by a community procession. The route began on Highway 380 in Greenville, passed the police department, and continued toward Rockwall. Residents lined the streets to pay their respects as Dawson’s hearse passed by, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the area.
The Mansfield Police Department shared condolences, noting Dawson was a former student in their community. The 27-year-old officer was fatally wounded during a traffic stop on Monday evening near 3500 Pickett Street. While pursuing a suspect on foot, Dawson was ambushed and shot multiple times but managed to return fire, injuring the assailant.
Both Dawson and the suspect, 25-year-old Christian Robert Sparger, were taken to local hospitals. Tragically, Dawson succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning. This marks the first on-duty death for the Greenville Police Department in over a century.
Dawson was highly respected within the department and had served as a SWAT team member, instructor, and military veteran with the National Guard. Before joining the Greenville Police Department, he worked with the Garland Police Department and had been with Greenville PD for just over 18 months.
Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3 at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, with doors opening at 9 a.m. for public viewing. The community continues to mourn the loss of a dedicated officer and hero.
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