Picking Cotton (updated doc)

### Honor the Brave: Remember Officer Nicola Cotton

In the line of duty, Officer Nicola Cotton—a 24-year-old beacon of courage in the New Orleans Police Department—faced unimaginable danger head-on. Just eight weeks pregnant, she battled a suspect twice her size during a routine arrest on January 28, 2008, fighting for seven grueling minutes before tragedy struck. Her story isn't just a headline; it's a stark reminder of the heroism that shields our communities from chaos, from the streets of New Orleans to the riots tearing at the fabric of societies worldwide.

**Take Action Today—Stand with Our Heroes:**
- **Read Her Full Story:** Dive into the raw details of Nicola's sacrifice and the broader fight against gang violence that claimed her. Visit [Picking Cotton: The Nicola Cotton Story](https://conservativeweasel.blogspot.com/2008/02/picking-cotton-nicola-cotton-story.html) and let her legacy fuel your resolve.
- **Pay Tribute:** Light a virtual candle and leave a message at her memorial on the Officer Down Memorial Page: [Officer Nicola Cotton Memorial](http://www.odmp.org/officer/19150-police-officer-nicola-cotton).
- **Support the Blue:** Donate to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund or your local police foundation. Every dollar equips officers with the tools to fight back—because one life saved echoes Nicola's unyielding spirit.
- **Speak Out:** Share this post on social media with #HonorNicolaCotton. Amplify the call for justice, tougher measures against violent crime, and unwavering support for those who protect us all.

Nicola Cotton flew too soon, a beautiful butterfly in a storm of brutality. But her light endures. Will you help keep it burning? Act now—read, remember, and rise.
=
https://conservativeweasel.blogspot.com/2008/02/picking-cotton-nicola-cotton-story.html

Picking Cotton, The Nicola Cotton Story
Police Officer Nicola Cotton
New Orleans Police Department
Louisiana
End of Watch: Monday, January 28, 2008

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 1869

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire. 15 rounds.
Date of Incident: Monday, January 28, 2008
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended. Too mentally challenged to face justice
http://www.odmp.org/officer/19150-police-officer-nicola-cotton

Officer Nicola Cotton was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a rape suspect in a parking lot off of Earhart Boulevard.

As she attempted to put a handcuff on the man, who was twice her size, he pulled away and began to struggle. During the struggle she lost control of her radio, but was able to recover it and called for assistance. As the struggle continued the suspect gained control of Officer Cotton's baton, and struck her with it. He was then able to gain control of her duty weapon and shot her fifteen times.

Responding units arrived at the scene approximately two minutes after Officer Cotton was shot and located the suspect still holding her service weapon. He was taken into custody by the responding officers.

Officer Cotton had served with the New Orleans Police Department for two years and was eight weeks pregnant at the time of her murder.
===
A Prayer for Police
Another day, Lord to do my work.
Unsure of what lies ahead.
It may hold the chance to help those in need, and that would be my desire.
I pray that you will empower me to be a peacemaker with those I may come in contact with.
To the helpless, may I be a helper.
To the distressed, may I be a comfort.
To those who plan evil may I be a deterrent.
And to those who have carried out their evil plans,
May I be a sword of justice so that they will no longer prey on the weak and hurting.
I humbly ask that you surround me with your angels.
And a wall of fire for protection.
And if, in the course of your plan, I find this day to be my last,
The concern of my life is that you would be a father to my children and a provider to my wife.
In Jesus' name. Amen