Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Wednesday, July 17, 1974
Add to My HeroesDavid L. Cole
Patrolman David Cole was shot and killed after responding to an alarm call at United Dairy Farmers at 2373 Florence Avenue.
When he arrived on the scene, he observed two men walking nearby. As he approached them, they opened fire, wounding him twice. One of the suspects then took Patrolman Cole's revolver and shot him again. Patrolman Cole was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Both suspects, both 23, were sentenced to death but had the sentences commuted to life. One of the men was paroled in 1991 and moved to California. The other suspect has been denied parole four times, and the next hearing is on March 1, 2027.
Patrolman Cole was an Ohio National Guard veteran and had served with the Cincinnati Police Department for five years. His father was also a Cincinnati Police Officer. He was survived by his wife, parents, and four siblings.
In September 2021, a street near Florence and Gilbert Avenues in Walnut Hills was named after Patrolman David Cole. In 2023, a portion of Interstate 71 was dedicated as “Patrolman David L. Cole Memorial Highway.”
He is buried in Saint Peter Cemetery, New Richmond, Ohio.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 5 years
- Badge P160
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, July 14, 1974
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Two sentenced to life. One paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman David L. Cole of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 89 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
July 17, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Sergeant William Marty Jackson, II
Winchester Police Department, KY
EOW: April 14, 2024