Prev
Incident
Sergeant Paul Cole was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a domestic disturbance call involving a weapon. As he responded to the scene a herd of deer ran into the roadway in front of him. He swerved to avoid the deer, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree. Sergeant Cole had served with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office for 19 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpvmhgm4jgr5nd2dn907- 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 Paul. 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.
Sergeant Cole gave the Ingham County Sheriff's Office 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mason community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Cole.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Ingham County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Paul is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Paul is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 1 officer in MI was lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1996, 49 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 98th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1996, 57 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Paul was 40. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Paul had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 40. 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. Paul had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 40. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Paul had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.6% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Sundays: 13.8%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Ingham County Sheriff's Department.
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 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Ingham County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Ingham County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
