Wade H. Cobb, Sr.

Term of Office, 1961-1968

 Wade H. Cobb, Sr. was born in 1901 in Milton, Florida and was educated in the Milton public schools. He married and had two children. Cobb served as a deputy sheriff for fifteen years.

 In 1931, Cobb played a significant role in capturing four desperadoes who were reported to be some of the most dangerous in Florida history. They were known to have terrorized Floridians from Jacksonville to Milton through brutal shootings, kidnappings, and holdups across the state. Two were escapees from a Missouri prison. While fleeing the state, they encountered Panama City posse men. In an exchange of gunfire, Chief Deputy Sheriff D.J. Brock was shot and posse man Gillis Malloy was critically wounded. Later, an abandoned vehicle containing bloodstained clothing was located near Mulat. Over 700 posse men moved into the swampy area to apprehend the suspects. The desperadoes were arrested and disarmed by Cobb and the well-armed posse men. Cobb never sustained any wounds during the capture, but was later wounded by his own weapon as it fell from its holster and fired a round into Cobb’s liver. It was the only wound ever sustained during his law enforcement career.

Cobb’s reputation, as a law enforcement officer, was renowned across the country. While serving as Constable, District 1, Cobb was elected sheriff in 1960, taking office in 1961. He served as sheriff for two terms. Cobb was the first sheriff to occupy a newly remodeled county courthouse. Cobb also served on the Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch and was active in numerous local civic organizations. Cobb died in 1977 and is buried in the Milton Cemetery.