Former Waynesfield police chief finally getting recognition for service
Decades after his death, Waynesfield Village Marshal Clyde Cook is being recognized as a fallen officer on the Officer Down Memorial Page, a national database.
The database has specific criteria for inclusion, including records. Law enforcement historian Jacob Howell of Waynesfield had been researching documents on Cook since the beginning of the year, but started pushing for Cook’s inclusion in June. Howell runs social media pages dedicated to law enforcement vehicle photos with roughly 15,000 followers.
“I am over the moon; it should not have taken this long.” Howell said.
According to Howell’s investigation, Cook passed on Oct. 24, 1963, when he responded to a group of juveniles on Westminster Street who were throwing apples at passing cars. Cook asked them to stop and was struck with one of the apples. He then pursued juveniles to Earl and Wapakoneta street, where he suffered a heart attack.
Howell had contacted several police agencies for leads on documentation, as well as the Allen County museum and Auglaize County Historical Society. He even used a funeral log to try to find officials who attended Cook’s funeral.
He said the coroner’s office at the time decided not to open an inquest due to the circumstances of the case, which hindered his efforts in getting Cook recognition.
“In 10 years time there wouldn’t be anyone who was around when Clyde Cook died,” Howell said.
Howell said documentation from a Bureau of Workers Compensation case ultimately helped him get recognition for Cook. Dr. David Nielsen was a witness in the case — Nielsen held Clyde as he passed and confirmed he died as a result of doing his job.
Cook’s family members were grateful for Howell’s efforts.
Robyn Anderson, his granddaughter, said it was relieving and that she hoped to have national recognition and have Cook’s name added to a memorial in DC. Howell is currently looking for recognition for Cook’s status from the State Fraternal order of Police.
Patty Cook Mulllenhour, his daughter, said that she was surprised by it and it was very wonderful to have happen. Cook passed when she was 17. She recalled how dedicated he was to his work, having spent 30 years as an officer, and how respectful he was. She said he loved everyone, even the kids involved in the altercation associated with his death. Cook Mullenhour said he was known as “Cookie” and she still had his badge as a memento. Cook had also worked for Baldwin Lima Hamilton, a locomotive company, in security.
Howell is planning to further research other Waynesfield police officers as well as other area law enforcement and EMS as part of his efforts to preserve local history. He is currently seeking information on Chief Del Preston who served in the 1960s, Chief Paul Spillman who served in the 1940s and Village Marshal Emil Hanonkrat who served in the 1910s and 1920s.