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Incident
Patrolman Vance Cooper was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street. Patrolman Cooper was assisting Niles Police Chief Bates with an unruly passenger aboard a Greyhound bus en route from Chicago to Niles. While removing the suspect from the stopped bus, Patrolman Cooper handcuffed himself to the suspect and was walking him across the road when they were both struck by an oncoming vehicle. Patrolman Cooper had served with the Niles Police Department for five years and was survived by his wife and son. He is buried in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, Michigan.
Survivors
Patrolman Cooper had served with the Niles Police Department for five years and was survived by his wife and son.
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.
Patrolman Cooper gave the Niles City Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Niles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cooper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Niles City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Vance is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Vance is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Vance 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 1937, 5 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Vance was 29. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Vance had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vance was 29. 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. Vance had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vance was 29. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Vance had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 6.3% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Niles City 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 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Niles City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Vance among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Niles City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
