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Incident
Railroad Detective Frank Cook and Railroad Detective Daniel Vreeland were shot and killed in Detroit, Michigan, by a railroad police officer from another railroad in a case of mistaken identity.
The three officers, who knew each other well, were accustomed to meeting nightly at the junction of Michigan Central Railroad tracks and Lake Shore Railroad tracks near Junction Street. Detective Vreeland and Detective Cook, knowing that the other officer was attempting to locate a pair of thieves, attempted to play a practical joke on him by jumping from behind a railroad car and surprising him.
Not recognizing them, the other officer opened fire, fatally striking both officers.
Still not knowing whom he had shot, the officer met a Detroit police officer and informed him he had shot two robbers. When they returned to the scene the officer discovered he had shot his two friends and collapsed. He was arrested by the Detroit police officer but later released following a coroner's hearing.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Railroad Detective Cook served with the Michigan Central Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Railroad Detective Cook.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Michigan Central Railroad Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
Frank is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Frank is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Frank is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1911, 3 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 16th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1911, 29 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 115th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1911, 42 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 114th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Frank was 35. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34.
Frank was 35. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Frank was 35. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
August holds 14.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Fridays: 12.5%.
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.1%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Michigan Central Railroad Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Michigan Central Railroad Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Michigan Central Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
