Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

What a great man! Such a loss even all these years later. Still miss his humor.

Dr Richard Sample
Emergency Medicine
Montgomery, Alabama

December 29, 2023

Thoughts and prayers remain with the service of Deputy Donald Cook and the sacrifices of his family, loved ones and members of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. He was known for his positive disposition, humor and generally making a tough job better for others. As a young trooper from the Pensacola area, I remember the incident and the loss felt by the community. Deputy Cook's family are our family and your sacrifices are truly not forgotten.

Gary Howze, Director
Florida Office of the Attorney General

December 3, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 2, 2020

Don, you have left a lasting legacy for so many people. For me, it was your kindness and mentoring a rookie that made all the difference. You left a big hole and big shoes to fill. God be with the family during the difficult times of anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.

DFC Juli (Camac) Adcock (Retired)
Escambia County Sheriff's Office

December 3, 2019

It’s now been almost 30 years since that night. I came in to work only to find out that you had been killed in the line of duty.
You and Cris were like family. Your sense of humor never failed to lift my spirits. I often wonder how Cris & the kids are doing and there’s hardly a day that goes by when I don’t think of you and smile.
So, thank you for the great memories. And, though you may be absent in body, you are very much present in spirit.
Your death might have brought sorrow, but your life will be remembered for bringing joy to those who knew you.

Greg Wright
Don’s personal coffee server & popcorn maker

June 15, 2018

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Don was an amazing individual. I remember seeing him moonlighting at the K-Mart undercover during that year's Christmas season. He was dressed in jeans and a tee-shirt carrying a Teddy Bear around watching people. It was the funniest thing I had seen in a long time. He recognized me and gave me the "hush sign" with his finger over his mouth as he was following a suspect that was shop lifting. That memory always makes me smile. What a great, dedicated officer and public servant. It's been almost 30 years and he's still missed to this day.

Dr Richard Sample
Ensley Fire-Rescue

May 4, 2016

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Cook. Thank you for serving. I was wondering if you were related to Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. Cook, EOW 5-16-79, shot during a domestic disturbance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2014

This special man in my life was my Uncle or may I say My big brother,because he lived with me his sister and brother in law for years after his mother had died when he was eleven. this man growed
up with my family and their was only one Donnie. He used to play so many jokes on me and as every one knows he would live to make you smile. I just want to say that that hole in my family,s life is always there and we keep him alive by always talking about him, I can't wait to see him again. I loved my favorite uncle...God bless all the cook family and friends.

Jana Thompson
Niece

December 23, 2013

It's hard to believe it has been twenty-five years today. Although I never met you, you must have been a top notch cop and an even better father. You paid the ultimate price doing what you loved. You served and protected our community until the very end. I married your daughter, Shon, this summer. I fell in love with her just a couple of months after you passed. It took me nearly twenty-five years to finally marry her. I just wanted you to know what a positive influence you left on your family and friends. After all these years, not a day goes by that she doesn't recall some act of kindness that you displayed or remember something you did that is near and dear to her heart. I'm proud to call you my father in law.

Jeremy Small
Son-in-law

December 3, 2013

I need your strengh and guidance Please Keep me Close!! Love you daddy!! 256

Shon Cook
Daughter

August 19, 2013

I'll never forget Don Cook, although at his death I had only been with the department about a year and a half. I worked in dispatch then for his shift for some time. To show you what kind of guy Don was, we had a particularly busy shift one night and I had literally run Don all over the county to the point even I felt bad about it. At the end of the shift walking to my car I saw him in the parking lot and said hey Don I'm sorry I had to run you all over tonight. He looked at me and smiled, pointed at the patch on his shoulder and said it's ok bud my patch says Escambia County. I never heard a negative thing come out of his mouth. His funeral was the first and last department funeral I have ever been able to attend. RIP Don, you will never be forgotten.

Master Deputy Sheriff DeWayne White
Escambia County Sheriff

August 9, 2012

Came across your Stetson Hat today, my little boy Dylan put it on. As he was admiring himself in the mirror a tear fell from my eye! It's makes me sad to know that he will only know you thru the memories I share with him! You are thought of always and missed FOREVER!! I love you DADDY!!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

August 7, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Cook. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

I so miss my HERO and MY DADDY!!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

May 10, 2011

I know your in good hands now because you were a GREAT Uncle, GREAT Dad, GREAT Brother and most of all a GREAT Man and you did you did what you thought was best for your Family. I remember like it was just yesterday when you let me in your cop car when you came to my house and let me play around with everything and momma said don't break anything and you said I'm not worried about it if he does I can always get more. You were such a funny guy and you made everybody laugh. I loved you dearly and miss you, I wish you were still here. LOVE WADE.

Wade Cook
Nephew

February 26, 2011

there is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of.
you are truly missed and will be loved forever. you were not only a deputy but also a husband a great father ,a wonderful brother-in-law and a brother to your sister and brother who still loves you.god bless you and your family...

Anonymous

January 12, 2011

I was thinking of you today. You had a way to make the worst things seem simple. You are always in my heart. I miss you Don

Anonymous

December 18, 2010

HEROES do live forever, you sir are not forgotten....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

December 3, 2010

I was thinking of you and your sense of humor today, and brought a lift to my heart. You were dedicated to your family, your job, and to spreading kindness to everyone. I miss you.

Cynthia Armstrong Denson
First cousin

October 29, 2010

Daddy your sacrifice is our sacrifice we love and miss you always!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

January 28, 2010

Brother Don, another holiday season has come and gone since you were taken from us and I think about you alot. You will never be forgotten!

Jeff Payne
Former Escambia County Sheriff's Office Dispatcher and Reserve Deputy

January 11, 2010

Again it's that time of the year and there's still such an empty space in our lives without Don. Don was a great guy and a top notch LEO. We miss you Don!!

John Sanderson
Escambia County Sheriffs Office/ State Attorneys Office (retired)

December 6, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 3, 2009

Daddy, Missing and Thinking of you always!

Shon Cook Madril
Daughter

October 7, 2009