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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Michael Cole was killed while responding to a call involving livestock on the road. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a tree on Pleasant Valley Road near El Dorado Street. It is believed that the improper placement of equipment in the patrol car interfered with the proper operation of the vehicle, contributing to the crash. Deputy Cole had served with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office for one year and had previously served with the Oxnard Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
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 Cole gave the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Placerville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cole.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Michael is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael 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 1991, 7 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 33rd heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 1991, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1991, 62 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 86th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 33. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Michael was 33. 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. Michael had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 33. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.9% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, 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
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from El Dorado County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
