Officer Michael Cotton died in an ATV crash Wednesday evening, according to the department.
Cotton served the Rocky Mount community as a sworn law enforcement officer for seven years. He was also a veteran, having served for years in the United States Military and the Army Reserve.
Police say Cotton had a deep passion for law enforcement, particularly in his role as a K9 officer, a position he held since 2023.
He worked alongside multiple K9 partners during his career. His first K9, Forrest, later retired and was awarded to Cotton by the city council, becoming part of his family.
Earlier this year, Cotton completed training with his second K9, Leo, an explosives detection dog, in February 2026.
Cotton also made history within the department as its first Black K9 handler.
He held an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology with honors from Nash Community College.
According to the department, Cotton would have celebrated his 30th birthday on June 15.
In a statement, the department described him as more than a colleague.
"Officer Cotton was more than a colleague; he was family," the statement read.
Authorities say the investigation into the crash is ongoing.