5 decades on the force

Shelby Cox can’t seem to stay away from the Clovis Police Department.

He joined the force in 1963, when the city’s population was less than 8,000 and there were only two patrol cars and two officers on a shift.

Cox retired in 1997 — only to come back to work part-time a week later.

Police Chief Matt Basgall said rarely do you find a person who dedicates him or herself to more than 50 years of service to one organization.

“Shelby Cox has been a dedicated and valued employee and friend. He is a friend to not only the Clovis Police Department, but also to the citizens of Clovis. He has truly dedicated himself to making Clovis a better place in which to live.” said Basgall.

Cox is now 80 years old and still working for the department. He is in charge of all subpoenas, schedules ride-alongs and helps in records.

Cox, a 1999 Clovis Hall of Fame inductee, has been asked to speak Tuesday evening in the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building for the local museum’s “Let’s Talk Clovis” forum.

Free admission and refreshments are served from 6:30 until program begins at 7 p.m., said Peg Bos, curator of the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Museum. It is expected to be an insightful speech.

“Shelby Cox has served the Clovis Police Department for over 50 years. He continues to provide us with a rich heritage,” Bos said.

Cox, born in San Francisco, was about 2 when his parents moved to Clovis. His father, Leroy, served as a Fresno County sheriff’s deputy for about 25 years.

Shelby Cox went to Clovis Elementary School and graduated from Clovis High School in 1954.

He had served eight years in the Marine Reserves, and had been working at a printing press in Pinedale for four years before applying to become a police officer with Clovis.

On Oct. 12, 1963, Cox was sworn in, and while working attended Fresno City College and Fresno State, where he earned a degree in criminology.

In 1970 he was awarded the fourth annual American Legion Achievement Award for being an outstanding police officer serving the community. Then police chief Tom Higgason recommended him for the award for his work with youth in the city.

Cox’s work with youth didn’t stop.

In 1984, the department established the Youth Services Division to assist in the positive development of young people in the community. Cox is credited with establishing Explorer Post 355 for kids to gain insight insight into the duties and responsibilities with a law enforcement career. He also organized the Clovis Neighborhood Watch Program.

Cox promoted to sergeant in 1976. He was given a 50-year award and was named Clovis Police Officer of the Year in 2013.

Resident who have ever been to the annual Clovis Day Parade will likely recognize him, said his wife, Margie Cox.

“Shelby loves the Clovis Day Parade,” she said. He has been involved in it for more than 50 years as a patrolman and then for the Rodeo Assocation. “You will find him at the next Clovis Day Parade at the corner of Sunnyside and Barstow streets, directing traffic and organizing floats.”

Beyond serving the department, Cox has helped Clovis residents through philanthropic work with several organizations. He was a member of the 20-30 Club, and held all of the club’s offices. He serves on the Rodeo Association, on the board of directors for the Big Dry Creek Historical Society and on the board of Clovis Exchange Club.

He served as president of the Central California Chapter of the Peace Officers Research Association of California and is the coordinator for his high school reunion at Clovis High.

This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "5 decades on the force."