Family, friends, and law enforcement will honor fallen Copperas Cove Police Officer Elijah Garretson at his funeral on Saturday.
Garretson was shot and killed while responding to a call on January 10, according to a release from the Copperas Cove Police Department. The suspect, 26-year-old Lampasas resident Jamison Wade Cavazos, ultimately killed himself, per KCEN.
Funeral services with full police honors for Garretson will take place at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton at 10 a.m. January 17, according to his obituary. Copperas Cove police escorted him home the afternoon of January 13.
“We ask for understanding and patience as our department, Officer Garretson’s family, and our law enforcement family grieve this tremendous loss,” department officials posted soon after his death. “We ask the community to keep Officer Garretson’s loved ones and our department in their thoughts and prayers.”
Law enforcement across the DFW area responded accordingly.
In Red Oak, on the southern tip of the Dallas metroplex, members of the police and fire departments watched over his procession.
“As he was escorted home from Dallas, we joined fellow departments along the route, standing in solidarity,” officials wrote. “We grieve with Officer Garretson’s family, friends, and the entire Copperas Cove Police Department, and we join law enforcement everywhere in honoring his courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice.”
Meanwhile, officials with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office said the agency stands with Copperas Cove police, as well as Garretson’s friends and family.
“We extend our deepest condolences,” officials wrote.
Officials with the Plano Police Department echoed the sentiment, saying Garretson was “ambushed while responding to a report of a suspicious person.”
“We stand with the Copperas Cove Police Department and the Garretson family during this heartbreaking time,” Plano police officials wrote. “Officer Garretson’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Officials with the Lewisville Police Department also offered support to Garretson’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue.
“The sacrifice made in service to others is never forgotten, and our thoughts are with your department and community,” officials wrote. “Rest easy, Officer Garretson. We have the watch from here.”
A Legacy of Service
Garretson was an Army veteran who had served with the Copperas Cove Police Department for 7 months. He leaves behind his wife and a 5-year-old daughter.
“Elijah was first and foremost a father,” the obituary reads. “Elijah loved spending time with his wife and daughter.”
He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1998, according to his obituary. He grew up in and around Manchester, New Hampshire. Garretson, known as “Eli,” graduated from Memorial High School in 2016.
Garretson went on to serve with the Army at Fort Hood. He was in the Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, First Armored Brigade Combat Team, First Cavalry Division. He served for seven years, reaching the rank of sergeant before leaving in June 2024.
After the Army, Garretson entered the Central Texas Police Academy. While attending, he helped save a fellow cadet from cardiac arrest. He graduated with the highest grade point average in June 2025.
“Elijah filled our hearts with immense pride and joy. He was highly intelligent, kind, and considerate,” the obituary reads. “When he smiled, he lit up the room.”
