Holly MatkinBradenton, FL – Bradenton Police Department (BPD) Sergeant Lee Cosens died on April 16 after a valiant battle against kidney cancer.
Sgt. Cosens was diagnosed with stage four metastatic kidney cancer two years ago, according to his obituary.
He passed away just one day shy of his 40th birthday.
The BPD confirmed Sgt. Cosens’ death in a press release the following day.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bradenton Police Sergeant Lee Cosens following a hard-fought battle against cancer,” the department said. “It goes without saying his untimely death is a great loss to our BPD family.”
Sgt. Cosens was a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 293rd Military Police Company, according to his obituary.
He also completed a tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010.
Sgt. Cosens went on to serve the BPD for more than 10 years as a patrol officer and detective, according to his department.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2021.
Sgt. Cosens served in multiple specialty units during his career with the BPD, including the State Emergency Response Team, the Hostage Negotiation Team, and the Marine Unit.
“He was passionate about advocating for military and police officers and was a representative for the Police Benevolent Association,” according to his obituary.
“He lived his life with honor, integrity, and compassion, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him!” the tribute read.
Sgt. Cosens leaves behind his wife, Amy, as well as his daughters, ages six and seven.
A fundraising campaign established to help his young family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $31,000 so far.
Sgt. Cosens will be laid to rest on April 28.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bradenton Police Sergeant Lee Cosens following a hard-fought battle against cancer.
Sgt. Cosens, a U.S. Army Veteran was a valued member of our Department for more than 10 years as a patrol officer and detective. pic.twitter.com/YyJE97YqkX
— Bradenton Police (@BradentonPD) April 17, 2023
Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters with the @BradentonPD. BPD Sergeant Lee Cosens passed away after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Thank you for serving our area with pride and respect. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/f8bvUWWGs0
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) April 18, 2023
Lee Cosens Memorial Fund https://t.co/deLZyf92On
— Mary 🌻Dysart 📚🇺🇸🌴🌊😎🌻 (@mary_dysart) April 22, 2023
We are remembering Sgt. Lee Cosens, who passed away Sunday evening, one day shy of his 40th birthday, following a two-year battle with metastatic kidney cancer. Sgt. Cosens' squad escorted his body from Tidewell Hospice to Brown & Sons Funeral Home. pic.twitter.com/WvdWDVTMnQ
— Bradenton Police (@BradentonPD) April 17, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bradenton Police Department (BPD) Sergeant Lee Cosens, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
