Gail Cobb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gail A. Cobb
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| Gail Adrienne Cobb | |
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| Born | August 17, 1950 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | September 20, 1974 (aged 24) Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Resting place | Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland, U.S. |
| Alma mater | St. Cecilia's Academy |
| Relatives | Damon Demetrius Cobb (son) Denise Cobb Jackson (sister) Teresa Cobb (sister) Donald Cobb (brother) Clinton Cobb Jr. (brother) Clinton Cobb (father) Gloria Cobb (mother), Gail Cobb (granddaughter) |
| Police career | |
| Department | Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia |
| Badge number | 321 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Allegiance |  District of Columbia |
| Years of service | October 1973 – September 1974 |
| Rank | Officer |
Gail Adrienne Cobb (born August 17, 1950, died September 20, 1974) was a Black American police officer from Washington, D.C.. She made history as the first female police officer in the United States to be shot and killed while on duty. She was also the first uniformed female officer of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) to die in the line of duty.
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Early Life and Education
Gail Cobb was born in Washington, D.C., on August 17, 1950. She was the second of five children. Her family lived in a row house in Northeast, Washington, D.C.. Gail's father, Clinton Cobb, was a correctional captain. He had wanted to join the police department but was too short for the rules at the time. Her mother, Gloria Cobb, worked as a crossing guard.
As a child, Gail went to Catholic elementary school. She was known as a creative and energetic student. She later attended Elliot Jr. High School, Eastern High School, and St. Cecilia's Academy. After graduating in 1969, Gail dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. However, she first worked as a long-distance operator at a telephone company.
Personal Life
At age 19, Gail Cobb became a mother. Her son, Damon Demetrius Cobb, was born on February 26, 1970. Gail raised Damon as a single parent. Her parents later shared that they believed Gail's death, when Damon was only four, deeply affected his life.
Becoming a Police Officer
In October 1973, Gail Cobb decided to apply to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC). This surprised her family and friends. By this time, the government had changed the height rules for police officers. This made it possible for women to join. Gail Cobb was five feet tall, which was now allowed.
She graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy in April 1974. Her class had 34 members, and 13 of them were women. This was the largest group of female police officers to graduate at once in the U.S. Gail was well-liked by her trainers. They said she was hard-working and dedicated to helping her community. She often patrolled on foot. She also volunteered for police training to get a motorcycle license. In addition, she took night classes to learn sign language.
Her Tragic Death
On Friday, September 20, 1974, two men tried to rob a bank in Washington, D.C. Plainclothes police officers noticed them before they could enter the bank. The men ran away in different directions.
Officer Cobb was on foot patrol nearby. She was still in her probationary period, only six months out of the academy. A citizen told her that an armed man had run into a garage. Gail followed the suspect into the garage. She confronted him as he was changing his clothes. Gail ordered the man to put his hands on the wall. As she called for help on her radio, the suspect turned and shot her. The bullet hit Gail, and she died at the scene. Responding officers quickly arrested the suspect.
Gail Cobb is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.
Funeral Service
Gail Cobb's funeral was very large and special. Hundreds of police officers lined the streets leading to Holy Comforter Catholic Church. Some officers came from as far away as Hawaii to pay their respects. A police honor guard marched before entering the church.
Many uniformed officers walked past Gail's open casket. She was not buried in her uniform. Instead, she wore a green pantsuit. Her best friend had styled her hair and applied her favorite makeup. Many U.S. government officials attended the service. The Mayor of the District of Columbia, Walter Washington, was there. The FBI Director, Clarence Kelley, also attended. At the time of the funeral, U.S. President Gerald R. Ford asked for a moment of silence. He did this while speaking at a police conference.
Legacy and Remembrance
After Gail Cobb's funeral, her parents bought a special glass cabinet. They used it to display items that reminded them of their daughter. This included a photo of Gail in her police uniform and her police badge. They also displayed a record of her favorite song, "Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need." This song was sung at her funeral. The cabinet also held letters from government officials. Her uniform boots, which she wore when she died, were also displayed.
A letter from U.S. President Gerald R. Ford was given its own special place. In the letter, he said that Gail Cobb "has our lasting admiration for the cause of law enforcement... a cause for which she made the highest sacrifice."
