by LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Services will be conducted with full police honors for Officer Elijah Garretson on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Cadence Bank Center, Garth Arena, located at 301 West Loop 121 in Belton.
“The Copperas Cove Police Department is grateful for the continued support shown to Officer
Garretson’s family and our department during this difficult time as we honor his life, service,
and sacrifice.” said Lt. Krystal Baker with the Copperas Cove Police Department in a statement.
Garretson, a native of Manchester, New Hampshire, left a daughter, and his wife, Alexis Hering. The two were married in a courthouse ceremony around the same time he joined the Copperas Cove Police Department in June 2025. The two were planning a larger celebration set for April, 12, 2026.
He was a graduate of the Central Texas College Police Academy, where he received the Academic Award at the top of his class.
He and a fellow Copperas Cove police officer, Officer Tyler Murphy, were commended during their time at the academy for saving the life of a fellow cadet who was experiencing a medical emergency.
During his time at the Copperas Cove Police Department, Garretson and two other officers were commended by the Copperas Cove Fire Department for their aid removing a driver trapped in a vehicle, and normal extrication was not possible.
Garretson grew up in New Hampshire and was a graduate of Manchester Memorial High School. Garretson was also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army for seven years as a cavalry scout.
“Elijah was brilliant intellectually and had an amazing soul. He was a kind, compassionate, loving, and wonderful human being,” Garretson’s father, Roger, said in a statement to a local news station in New Hampshire. “Long before he became a police officer, he did his best to help people in need. He was there for his friends and family to the absolute best of his ability.”
Roger Garretson said Elijah loved to read, play soccer, watch baseball, football, hockey and spend time with friends and family.
“Elijah did not want to be the center of attention. He would be embarrassed by all of this. But he was a hero, and he deserves every bit of love and respect we can offer up to him. His passing leaves an enormous hole in all of our lives.”
Expressions of sympathy and support have come to the CCPD from all over Central Texas, the rest of the state, nation, and around the world.
On Tuesday, members of the Patriot Guard Riders came at twilight to pay their respects at Officer Garretson’s patrol car which has been parked in front of the Department since Sunday afternoon. All week, people have stopped by to show their support and mourn in their own way.
Texas Senator Pete Flores shared more information on Sunday afternoon regarding the incident, which has been investigated by the Texas Rangers.
Flores confirmed that Garretson was “shot and mortally wounded while attempting to apprehend a fugitive wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and failure to appear in court.”
During an ensuing scuffle with Garretson and two other officers during the attempted arrest which occurred at the vicinity of Great Hills Drive and Lost Trail on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 11. Police said Jamison Cavazos, 26, shot Garretson and fled the scene.
Cavazos was located and shot himself, investigators said. He died at the scene. Police said he had two pistols in his possession.
Garretson was transported to Advent Hospital, where he died. His official End of Watch was Jan. 11, 2026.
“This officer placed his life in harm’s way trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price,” said Flores, a former Colonel of the Texas Game Wardens and longtime peace officer whose Senate district includes Copperas Cove. “This loss is a tragic reminder of the courageous sacrifice that our law enforcement officers face every day.”
Cavazos had failed to show up for a Jan. 9 court date in Lampasas County and there was a warrant for his arrest. As far back as 2021, Cavazos faced various charges, one for engaging in organized criminal activity. He had been placed on deferred adjudication. Motions to revoke his probation followed, and in 2022, Lampasas County District Attorney Jessica Hanes Guy’s office had requested Cavazos be sentenced to prison.
Most recently, in November 2025, Cavazos pled guilty to a probation violation by driving while intoxicated in Coryell County. He was scheduled for sentencing in January but failed to appear.
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