Funeral Tuesday for 1st Greenville police officer killed in line of duty in over 100 years
A police officer who died following an exchange of gunfire with a suspect Monday night, Nov. 25, was the first Greenville officer to be killed in the line of duty in more than 100 years.
Police identified the officer as 27-year-old Cooper Dawson.
Dawson’s funeral is being held Tuesday morning, Dec. 3. The funeral services are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Lake Pointe Church, located at 701 E. Interstate 30 in Rockwall. The doors to the chapel will open at 9 a.m. for the public to pay their respects.
Dawson was shot after he initiated a traffic stop which led to a foot pursuit in the 3500 block of Pickett Street at about 7:40 p.m. Nov. 25, police said. He was ambushed and shot multiple times.
“Despite his critical injuries, Officer Dawson displayed exceptional courage, returning fire, and striking the suspect,” police said in a social media post.
Police said both Dawson and the wounded suspect were transported to a local hospital. Dawson was later airlifted to a larger hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect our community,” Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith said in a statement. “We ask that you keep Officer Dawson’s family, our department, and the Greenville community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Dawson leaves behind a wife and three children. He had previously served in the National Guard and with the Garland Police Department, police said.
“His dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to protecting the Greenville community will never be forgotten,” the department said in a statement.
The suspect, 25-year-old Christian Sparger, was wanted on felony warrants, police said. After his release from the hospital, Sparger was booked into the Hunt County Jail with bond set at $5 million bond on a charge of capital murder of a peace officer.
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers will be assisting with further investigation, police said.
Greenville is about 85 miles northeast of Fort Worth.
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 8:16 AM.