Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Monday, November 29, 1982
Add to My HeroesGene W. Cox
Sheriff Gene Cox was shot and killed while assisting the manager at the Ebb Tide RV Park in Eureka during a dispute with a resident.
The unarmed Sheriff Cox parked in front of the subject's trailer and began to approach the trailer. The subject shot Sheriff Cox five times with a .30-.30 rifle at a range of approximately 15 feet. He then went to the management office and shot the manager, who was Sheriff Cox's father-in-law, and a bystander who went to his aid.
The suspect, who had just been released from the Napa State Hospital, was shot and killed by Eureka police officers who were responding to the call.
Sheriff Cox had been in law enforcement for 29 years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 29 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsAs so many of us, Uncle Gene as he was called, will never be forgotten!
I left Arcata in the 1960's. So many times this wonderful man talked to us young people as we were growing up
Everyone liked him including ones that were getting into trouble. He had a special way with all types of people. He could relate well.
He taught respect, kindness, honesty and integrity! Much needed in these days.
He never wore his gun, he knew he could handle things without violence. One man ended his watch. A man released from mental hospital. Look at today's violence, look at mental hospitals shut down. Why? To give that money to politicians?
Uncle Gene lives on for all of us he taught kindness to.
Carol ONeill
October 19, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

