Daughters of fallen Ohio officer get police escort to homecoming dance

DANVILLE, Ohio -- Officer Thomas Cottrell died in the line of duty in January in Danville, Ohio. Known as a devoted father, Cottrell was shot and killed behind the Danville Police Station.

His brothers in blue stepped up and escorted the daughters of their fallen comrade to their schools' homecoming dance last weekend, WSYX reports.

The smiles were contagious as the Cottrell girls got ready for their big night.

"We got up early this morning not too early but early," said Brooklyn Cottrell.

Their world changed eight months ago when their father died in the line of duty.

"Those girls were his life he always said those are daddy's princesses," said their mother, Anna Montgomery.

Princesses Courtney, Brooklyn and Alycia dressed to the nines for the Licking Valley homecoming dance.

"Yeah, he is watching over us in a way," said Courtney.

"If he was here today he'd be telling us don't make stupid decisions, be nice, have fun," said Brooklyn.

Three have dates and special escorts.

"It's an absolute honor for us to get to take your girls to the dance it is," said Officer Mark Perkins.

Danville Officers Mark Perkins and Josh Abshire standing in for their fallen comrade.

As their mom Anna Montgomery captured the moment, she couldn't say enough about the gesture.

"I keep thanking them but they just keep saying it's our honor," she said.

Heavy hearts as the Cottrell girls create another memory without their dad.

"He may not be physically with us but he's in our hearts that's all that counts," said Courtney.

This was Courtney's last homecoming dance. She graduates this school year.