Lt. Coby Webb – Why Not Try?
Lt. Coby Webb grew up between Oregon and the Coachella Valley. After graduating high school in Palm Springs, she attended a local community college before being hired as a police officer. As a young officer, Lt. Webb initially worked patrol operations. She was assigned to bicycle patrol, hostage negotiator, and started the Department’s first Bloodhound program. She was the first and only handler out of 26 dog teams to work two dogs at once. She stayed as a K-9 handler for almost 10 years and became a Trainer, Certifier, and K-9 Judge.
While assigned to K-9, Lt. Webb re-enrolled in college. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and then a Master’s in Public Administration. In 2006, Lt. Webb became a single mother and was promoted to Sergeant. As a Sergeant, she continued to work toward her degree while being a new mother. Lt. Webb worked various assignments as a Sergeant, including Patrol Supervisor, K-9 Supervisor, and she was selected to develop an agency-wide leadership program for all ranks. In January 2010, Lt. Webb earned her doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
In December 2010, Lt. Webb and her family were involved in a near-fatal car accident after a snow storm, on icy roads in Oregon. She was airlifted with her son. Her daughter had a broken foot, and her son had a concussion. Lt. Webb was not expected to survive. She had shattered her back and spinal cord, broken her left hip, left femur, and numerous ribs. Lt. Webb was told that she was an L1 paraplegic (paralyzed from the waist down).
The day of the car accident was a turning point in Lt. Webb’s life and one she now calls a blessing. “How many people get the opportunity to start life over?” She had to decide if she was going to fight or accept the situation. Lt. Webb says her faith helped her and not only did she pray, she had deep conversations with God. This helped her decide, “Why not try? I have nothing to lose by trying.” That is her motto and what she instills in her children.
Lt. Webb made it back to work in law enforcement and has since been promoted to Lieutenant. She is proud for trying and relearning how to do things to overcome her injuries. Lt. Webb believes the accident gave her compassion and empathy, now some of her strongest character traits. She feels her greatest achievement is showing her kids to work hard, never give up, have faith, and surround yourself with good, positive people. Since the accident, Lt. Webb has competed in the U.S. Police & Fire Olympics and has won 2 Gold Medals in the 1000-yard swim.
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