Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch reflected on everything he learned from his longtime friend, former Sheriff Sam Cochran, one day after Cochran passed away.
Burch called Cochran one of the smartest law enforcement officers and said he will miss referring to him in certain situations.
“I wanted to share a few words reflecting on my time serving under Sheriff Cochran,” said Burch. “Having worked with him in various capacities for over 30 years, he was not only a mentor but a friend who deeply influenced my career. Sheriff Cochran took great pride in developing and nurturing future leaders in law enforcement. I will deeply miss his friendship, as well as the ability to call him for advice or to bounce ideas off of him. I often told people that Sam Cochran was one of the smartest law enforcement officers I’ve ever known and one of the best politicians Mobile has ever had.”
The sheriff’s office highlighted some of Cochran’s accomplishments during his 48-year career. They said his "lifetime of service, leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety left an indelible mark on our community and the State of Alabama."
Cochran was elected to four terms, and he endorsed Burch after announcing his retirement in 2022. Burch credited Cochran for championing initiatives that strengthen public safety, modernize law enforcement operations and build stronger partnerships throughout Mobile County.
“Among the accomplishments for which he was most proud was leading the effort to curb the methamphetamine epidemic by advocating for stronger controls on pseudoephedrine sales,” the sheriff’s office stated. “His work helped pave the way for Alabama's electronic tracking system for pseudoephedrine purchases, a measure that dramatically reduced methamphetamine production throughout the state and protected countless families from the dangers associated with clandestine meth labs.”
Cochran is remembered by his dedication to ensuring people in Mobile County felt safe in their homes and communities. Those who worked with him said he was more than a leader; he was also a mentor, teacher and friend. They said he expected excellence and led with humility.
“Sheriff Cochran understood that effective law enforcement required more than enforcing the law,” the sheriff’s office continued. “He believed in finding lasting solutions to complex problems, investing in the people who served alongside him, and building relationships based on trust, accountability, and respect.”
Before becoming sheriff, Cochran served as the chief of police for the Mobile Police Department. Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis also extended sympathies to Cochran's family.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Cochran," said Cheriogotis. "As a former Mobile Police Chief and Mobile County Sheriff, Sam was a true servant leader. On behalf of the City of Mobile, I want to share my heartfelt condolences to Sam’s wife Sabrina, their children and grandchildren. Lucy and I will be praying for everyone impacted by this tremendous loss."
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