Photo Credit: Bradenton Police Department
Source: Manatee County School District
There was an emotional tribute to a fallen police sergeant and veteran at the “Military Night” football game at Manatee High School. The school community and Hurricanes’ fans came together to show their support for his family. Bradenton Police Department (BPD) escorted the family of the late Sgt. Lee Cosens onto the field at Hawkins Stadium. He served five years with the 293rd Military Police Company, including a tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan, followed by nearly a decade of service in Bradenton. Sgt. Cosens lost a hard-fought battle with cancer in April 2023. Mrs. Cosens is a Manatee County teacher, and her two young daughters flipped a challenge coin created in honor of their father before the game. Money raised at the football game goes to a memorial fund online and benefits the Cosens family.
