New York Trooper Hailed as Hero for Capturing Escaped Cop Killer
Sgt. Jay Cook, a 21-year veteran state trooper and firearms instructor, was hailed a “hero” by Gov. Cuomo, after he single-handedly confronted escaped cop-killer Sweat on a desolate road and shot him twice in the torso as the fugitive made a run for the woods.
New York State Police Sgt. Jay Cook shot and captured escaped cop killer Dave Sweat. (Photo: New York State Police)
Prison-break fugitive David Sweat’s life on the lam came to an abrupt end Sunday, thanks to the aim of a New York State Police trooper.
Sgt. Jay Cook, a 21-year veteran state trooper and firearms instructor, was hailed a “hero” by Gov. Cuomo, after he single-handedly confronted escaped cop-killer Sweat on a desolate road and shot him twice in the torso as the fugitive made a run for the woods.
Sweat was taken into custody bloodied, but alive.
Cook graduated from the state police academy in 1994. Out of 150 candidates, he graduated the most proficient shooter in his class.
Besides being a firearms instructor, Cook was the Troop B officer in charge of a new ballistics and gun registration system.
“He did an excellent job,” state police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico told the New York Daily News. “I think he did a very courageous and brave act of policing.”
More Patrol
Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement
Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.
Read More →
Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout
Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.
Read More →
Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight
Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.
Read More →
5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →