Trooper Merle J. Cook, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

Trooper Merle J. Cook

Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

End of Watch Monday, July 13, 1981

Merle J. Cook

Trooper Merle Cook, Corporal Cleo Tomlinson, and Trooper Robert Pruitt were killed in an airplane accident while searching for two breaking-and-entering suspects in St. John's County.

The suspects were charged with three counts of homicide in connection with the deaths of all three troopers. The primary burglary suspect was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released only to be sentenced to 6 years for cocaine sale in October of 2010 and he currently resides in the Florida State Prison System.

Trooper Cook had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 10 years.

Bio

Age 44
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

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