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Part Of I-10 Renamed For Deputy Killed 33 Years Ago
April 6, 2022
A portion of I-10 in Escambia County has been renamed for an Escambia County deputy killed in the line of duty over 30 years ago.
On December, 3, 1988, Deputy Donald Ray Cook was on his way to an off duty job in his patrol car. While monitoring his police radio, Cook learned of a high speed pursuit of armed robbers on I-10 headed into Escambia County from Santa Rosa County.
Cook responded to I-10 where he set up a roadblock in the west bound lane between the off ramp to Highway 29 and the I -10 spur near the railroad trestle. Cook exited his vehicle and the pursuit continued toward the roadblock where he was struck and killed. The suspect were taken into custody several miles away after their vehicle was disabled.
Cook was a five-year veteran of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
“His name is engraved on the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., and he is recognized at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, but we have reached a point in time where our citizens need to be reminded daily of the sacrifice our officers make, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. One way we could do this is to name an appropriate section of Interstate 10 in memory of Deputy Donald Ray Cook,” retired FDLE Agent Ed Hudson of McDavid wrote in an email to Senator Doug Broxson’s Office asking for the renaming.
A formal ceremony was held Tuesday with Cook’s family.
Comments
7 Responses to “Part Of I-10 Renamed For Deputy Killed 33 Years Ago”
Heather – your dad and I are so proud of you! You did such a great job working with Ed and Wendell to have a portion of the interstate designated to memorialize your pawpaw. Your are such a sweet and thoughtful young lady and I know that your pawpaw is looking down on you with a big smile on his face. We love you!
Without you Heather Bennett,this would have not been possible. All your hard work and dedication to your Paw Paw paid off. Your speech was exceptional. He would be so proud of the women you have become today. We’re all proud of you.
How honorable thanks, This is so awesome. Dead is forever, but and now his Memory will live on and his name will always be on our lips! WOW! Deputy.. Donald Ray Cook…
Don was a good friend ,got to know him when he first joined the sheriffs department, he was ago getter.
This is awesome! We need more recognition of our men and women who put their life on the line for the safety of the communities they serve. It lets the families know that they are not forgotten.
Deputy Cook was a good man. He was dispatched to my house when I was 19, an argument call from my mom. He could have easily played big bad deputy and threaten me with jail, but he took me aside and had a good man to man with me. I’ll never forget it. He made a huge difference for me.
I’m glad to see this being done!