VW OSHP trooper gets statewide honor

Ohio State Highway Patrol news

COLUMBUS – A Van Wert Post trooper has been named Ohio’s “Trooper of the Year” for 2012. Troopers Shawn D. Cook of the Van Wert Post was selected from the nine District “Trooper of the Year” winners.

During 2012, Trooper Cook led the Van Wert Post in drunk driving and seat belt enforcement and was the post’s top case investigator. In addition, he also coached three newly-graduated troopers, earned the Criminal Patrol and Ace awards, became a certified drug recognition expert and was honored as one of Van Wert County’s best law enforcement officers.

In addition to excelling at work, Trooper Cook is also involved in his community. He participates in food drives, fundraisers to support Special Olympics and volunteers his time by participating in a school reading program.

Trooper Cook joined the patrol in September 2003 as a member of the 141st Academy Class. He earned his commission in March of the following year and was assigned to the Defiance Post. In 2005, he transferred to the Vann Wert Post, where he earned the Criminal Patrol Award in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. He also earned the Ace Award for his excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 2012.

He was selected as Van Wert Post “Trooper of the Year” in 2007, 2008, and 2011, and post and district Trooper of the Year in 2012. He resides in Van Wert with his wife, Julie, and their two children, Cadence and Caia.