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Incident
Patrolman Edgar Cooley was fatally shot by a 73-year-old man when he responded to a domestic disturbance call at Mississippi Street. The suspect surrendered to officers a short time later. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Details of his incarceration and the reason for and date of his release are not known, but he died at his home in Honea Path on October 23, 1977. Patrolman Cooley had served with the Honea Path Police Department for five years and in law enforcement for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sons, and a daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Cooley gave the Honea Path Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Honea Path community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cooley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Honea Path Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Edgar is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Edgar is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edgar 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 1973, 4 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edgar was 50. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edgar had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
Edgar was 50. 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. Edgar had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edgar was 50. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edgar had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Honea Path Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 11.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Honea Path Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Edgar among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Honea Path Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
