Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2019

Merle was the finest Trooper that I ever worked with. I have a framed picture of him in my home. It's been 33 years since he died in the line of duty. RIP good friend. Carl

FN1 Erdvig C.G.
USCG

July 13, 2014

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero... May you continue to rest in peace Trooper Cook.

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

July 13, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

It does not require great deeds of heroism. It does not demand a conquering strength. It does not involve overpowering authority. To touch a life, to make a difference, to be one that others want to emulate, takes only that a man truly be a man. Such influence, at any level of society, is found in the man of integrity and character; of quiet strength that needs no words or show of force; the man who values honor over status. It was found in this man, whose towering stature belied his tenderness and respect for his beloved wife. This man, who steadfastly placed himself in harm's way for the sake of others every day. This man, who showed me that the smallest kindness can change the fortune of another man's life, and who instilled in me the desire to become a man that could pass such a gift to another. Though he didn't really know me, I like to tell myself he thought I could be that man. Over thirty-two years ago. I was just a stupid kid. I hope that I have become a real man since then. I hope my wife and children think I'm a real man. Maybe one that Trooper Cook would give a quiet nod of approval. Coming from a man like that, a nod is all it would take.

A real man's influence is never forgotten.

Max

September 14, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 13, 2010

Many men pass us every day and go unnoticed. Others, a select few, touch our lives in lasting ways. Their manner, their ethic, stand out as worth emulating, worth remembering. Like John Wayne. Like Ronald Reagan. Men among men. Trooper Cook was such a man. He will be long remembered. God rest his soul and bless his wife and family.

May 12, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 29, 2004

You are not forgotten.

TROOPER
FHP

June 2, 2004

Rest in peace. You were taken much to early. God bless you.

DE
St. Louis City Police

May 25, 2004

You are not forgotten.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004

I DIDN'T KNOW YOU, BUT I THINK OF YOU AND OTHER FALLEN TROOPERS OFTEN.

TPR. S.W. COODY
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

October 27, 2003