Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Cook succumbed to injuries sustained five days earlier while pursuing a motorcycle on the Belt Highway.
The motorcycle had been observed harassing a St. Joseph police officer by continuously driving past the officer and doing wheelies while the officer was conducting a traffic stop.
The officer radioed the situation in to dispatch and Deputy Cook responded to the scene. As the motorcycle fled northbound on the highway Deputy Cook attempted to catch up to it. As he crested a small hill he encountered a semi-truck turning left across the highway at Sherman Avenue. Deputy Cook swerved to avoid striking the truck but his patrol SUV left the roadway and struck a traffic control box.
He was transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition until succumbing to his injuries. The motorcyclist who caused the incident was not captured.
Deputy Cook had served with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnnvjyavqk2g8118hfkg- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cook gave the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Joseph 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 · Accident
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Charles is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2007, 3 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 2007, 94 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2007, 103 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 28. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Charles was 28. 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. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 28. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 9.9% of these deaths in MO; August holds the most, 12.8%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; motorcycle, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; motorcycle, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; motorcycle, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; motorcycle, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Buchanan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
