07/09/2026
Sheriff Sam Cochran, a lifelong public servant whose distinguished career in law enforcement spanned 47 years, passed away leaving behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the citizens of Mobile County and the State of Alabama.
A native of Mobile, Sheriff Cochran graduated from McGill Institute before attending the University of South Alabama, where he earned both a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Public Administration. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, reflecting his lifelong commitment to professional excellence and leadership.
Sheriff Cochran began his law enforcement career with the Mobile Police Department as a police cadet. During his 31 years with the department, he rose through the ranks, ultimately serving the final 10 years of his career as Chief of Police. His steady leadership, commitment to community policing, and dedication to protecting the citizens of Mobile earned him the respect of colleagues and the community alike.
In 2006, Sheriff Cochran was elected Sheriff of Mobile County. The confidence the citizens placed in him was reaffirmed with re-election in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Throughout his four terms as Sheriff, he worked tirelessly to strengthen public safety, modernize law enforcement, and advocate for policies that protected families throughout Alabama. Among the accomplishments of which he was most proud was his leadership in combating the methamphetamine epidemic through legislation that strengthened controls on pseudoephedrine purchases, helping significantly reduce methamphetamine production across the state.
Beyond his official duties, Sheriff Cochran believed in serving his community in every way possible. He served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Drug Education Council, where he dedicated 26 years of service. In recognition of his commitment to drug prevention and education, he received the Joseph Treadwell Award from the Drug Education Council in 2012. His service also included the Child Advocacy Center, Boy Scouts of America, Penelope House, Alabama Safety Institute, and the Mobile County Communications District (911). In 2015, he was appointed by the Governor of Alabama to serve as a Commissioner on the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, where he helped shape the future of law enforcement training throughout the state.
Sheriff Cochran was a mentor to countless law enforcement officers and public servants. He believed leadership was measured not only by accomplishments but by the people you inspired, encouraged, and prepared to lead after you. His influence will continue to be felt through the generations of officers whose lives and careers he helped shape.
Sheriff Sam Cochran was preceded in death by his first wife, Cherri Lewis Cochran; his parents, Herbert Lee Cochran, Jr. and Mary Margaret Peterson Cochran; and his brother, Michael Douglas Cochran.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sabrina Enger Cochran; his children, Tiffany Cochran Roten (Jason), Brian Martin Cochran (Catherine), Theresa Loris Newquist (Drew), and John Daniel Loris; his brother, Herbert Lee Cochran III (Nancy); his sister, Teresa Ann Cochran; his sister-in-law, Mary Cochran; and his five beloved grandchildren, Lee Martin Cochran, Emma-Kate Louise Roten, Louise Branch Cochran, Decker James Newquist, and Sawyer Rose Newquist.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36608, beginning at 11:00 am.
A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 pm, with interment to follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens. After the internment we will have a "Celebration of Life" at the community center located at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
In keeping with Sheriff Cochran's vibrant spirit and the family's desire to celebrate a life well lived, guests are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful colors in place of traditional black attire. The family hopes this simple gesture will reflect the joy, kindness, and warmth that Sheriff Cochran brought to so many throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Drug Education Council in honor of Sheriff Sam Cochran, continuing his lifelong commitment to protecting and educating Alabama's youth. Go to https://buy.stripe.com/28o8y19vfh1T4fedQQ or mail checks to 3000 Television Avenue, Mobile, Alabama 36606
