The Sheriff’s Office will hold a memorial ceremony in front of the Batesville Courthouse on Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. to mark the dedication of the day, and every Sept. 30 to follow, as Deputy Joe Cosby Day in Panola County.

County supervisors approved a request earlier this month to forever have Sept. 30 marked for special recognition.

U.S. Marshal Danny McKittrick and Pennie Cosby Branch, daughter of the fallen officer, will speak at the inaugural Deputy Joe Cosby Day. Branch was 24 years old when her father was killed in 1988.

On that day, Deputy Cosby was transporting a prisoner from the Tunica County jail to the Batesville Courthouse for court. Just past Thermos Drive coming into Batesville, Cosby was attacked by the prisoner and ultimately shot and killed with his own weapon.

The prisoner fled and after a brief manhunt was taken into custody. He is currently serving a life sentence at the Mississippi State Penitentiary.

The public is invited to attend the event.