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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Nelson Cook succumbed to head injuries sustained two days earlier when he was beaten by a man he had arrested. He was attempting to place the man into a jail cell in Jonesville when the man attached him, gained control of his revolver, and struck him in the head multiple times.
The subject was wanted for forging United States express money orders. During the arrest the man beat him upon his head and body, causing fatal injuries. The man fled the scene but was later arrested. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years.
Deputy Cook was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Deputy Cook was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Cook gave the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hillsdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cook.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Nelson is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Nelson is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nelson is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 1 officer in MI was killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nelson was 65. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Nelson had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Nelson was 65. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Nelson had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nelson was 65. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nelson had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Thursdays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Nelson among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
