Jeffrey A. Kocab was always a person who wanted to help. He began his career in law enforcement with the Plant City (FL) Police Department in 2006, where his colleagues voted him “Officer of the Month” four times in three years. In 2007, the rookie cop earned the department’s highest honor: “Officer of the Year.”

"I love helping people," Jeff wrote in his application to the Plant City Police Department in 2005. "I know police work is not just about showing up when someone has broken a law. I look forward to just helping the motorist whose car has broken down on a busy road."

In April 2009, Jeff joined the Tampa Police Department. He moved through the training program at an accelerated pace because of his outstanding police skills. During his 14 months on the Tampa force, Jeff continued to shine and was a respected member of one of the hardest working squads in the department.

According to his wife Sara, “Jeff loved the Lord, and that was evident in the way that he loved people. He was an amazing husband. In the 13 years that we were together and the 10 years that we were married, he was dedicated to loving and supporting me.”

On June 29, 2010, Jeff, 31, and his partner David Curtis, were shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest at a routine traffic stop.

“When looking back on Jeff’s life, it is decorated with portraits of helping people. It started when he was young, with his willingness to help his family, and it continued until after his passing by checking the donor box on his driver’s license,” said Sara, who was nine months pregnant at the time of Jeff’s passing. “Jeff and I discussed the option of becoming a donor in the event of either of our passing. It was not even a question for Jeff. His life was filled with the love of Jesus and to not give after life was not an option for him.”