GULF SHORES, AL —Richard Cox, 22, is from a small town in central Illinois. Richard graduated in 2010 from Buffalo Tri-City High School with a class size of 50. While at Tri-City Richard was a four-year varsity baseball player, and involved in student organizations.

In 2014, Richard worked with the Fairview Heights Police Department as a Civilian Police Aide for 11 months. The CPA position with Fairview Heights opened the doors to law enforcement for him. Richard processed, searched, fingerprinted, and bonded inmates in and out of the jail as well as processing tow fees for the city. This position also allowed Richard to do many ride-a-longs with the department.

Richard graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in May of 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Criminal Justice. During his time at SIUE he volunteered with their police department for active shooter training and conducted an internship with the Illinois State Police in 2013.

In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, playing sports, and working out.