Panola County Honors Fallen Officer from 1988 with 'Joe Cosby' Day

Panola County is honoring one of its fallen officers with a special ceremony on Monday, September 30th, 2024.

Monday, Panola County residents will remember Deputy Joe Cosby on what they have designated 'Joe Cosby Day' with a short ceremony in front of the courthouse in Batesville, MS. Pennie Cosby Branch, the deputy's daughter, as well as U.S. Marshal of the Northern District of Mississippi Danny McKittrick will be speaking at the ceremony.

According to a press release from Panola County Sheriff's Office, Joe Cosby Day will be a day to remember the deputy and to reflect on the sacrifice he made serving Panola County.

Joe Cosby Day on Monday, September 30.Photo byPanola County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Cosby was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 1988, while transporting a prisoner to the Batesville Courthouse for a court appearance. The prisoner, who was being held in Tunica County jail, attacked Deputy Cosby just past Thermos Drive on the way into Batesville. The prisoner shot and killed the deputy with his own duty weapon, and fled the scene. A brief manhunt took place, and the prisoner was ultimately apprehended and brought into custody. He is in custody at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, where he is serving a life sentence.

The ceremony remembering Deputy Joe Cosby's sacrifice will take place at 10:00 a.m. The community is invited to join in the event.