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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Donald Cook was struck and killed while manning a roadblock during a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 10, east of U.S. 29. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office chased the armed robbery suspects' vehicle into Escambia County. The subjects attempted to run the roadblock and swerved at the last minute to avoid Deputy Cook. The vehicle in pursuit struck him at 7:30 p.m. The suspects were apprehended several miles down the road when their vehicle was disabled. The subjects were convicted of second-degree murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping. One was sentenced to 27 years with ten years of probation. His brother was sentenced to 15 years with ten years probation. Deputy Cook had served with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, and six grandchildren.
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 Escambia County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pensacola 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
Escambia County Sheriff's Office has lost 13 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 1 officer at Escambia County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1988, 10 officers in FL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 37. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Escambia County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 45.5; the middle age was 40.5. Donald had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Donald was 37. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Donald was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10% of these deaths at Escambia County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 30%.
December holds 9.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 76.9% of all 13 deaths at Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.5% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Escambia County Sheriff's Office has 13 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
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A. Cary Ellis
Sep 25, 1923
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Joseph Elmer Whitworth
Apr 22, 1954
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Roland E. Davis, Sr.
Sep 24, 1955
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Len Burt Adams
Jun 16, 1958
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Joseph Mallory Gassman
Jan 30, 1966
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Charles Leroy Wilkerson
Jan 19, 1974
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Morley G. Ray
Apr 7, 1978
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Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr.
May 3, 1980
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Eric Byron Streeter
Mar 13, 1984
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Donald Ray Cook
Dec 3, 1988
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Roosevelt Walker, Jr.
May 22, 1998
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George Hura, Jr.
May 4, 2004
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Jeremy H. Cassady
Jul 15, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Escambia County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
