Officer Louis O. Cochran
BADGE #59
EOW: December 22nd, 1958
Age: 45
While stopped along U.S. 80 one mile east of Dateland, Patrolman Cochran’s patrol car was struck from behind by another vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver. Upon impact, his vehicle burst into flames killing him. It was the first death in the 25-year history of the Arizona Highway Patrol.
Louis O. Cohran Memorial Site
Located just west of the main walkway.
Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. God bless you and your family.
I was 12 years old when I remember a Patrolman came to our house to talk to my dad. I don’t remember if my my dad was Superintendent of the Highway Patrol then or if he was in charge of Communications, any way, he told my mother a Patrolman had been killed. Dad put on his uniform and left, along with the other Patrolman. The Patrolman who was killed was Loui Cochran. I did not know him, however I remember that night and how sad and upset my dad was. Loui was a good friend of his.
Love
Our family just stopped by this rest area and saw the memorial in his honor. Out of curiosity google searched your dad. Then saw your message. Thinking of you and Thanks to your dad and all officers!
Bless you, Daddy. I still miss you. Somewhere along the line I heard or read that there was a bus load of service men, not too sure which branch, that stopped the night of the accident to assist. Has anyone else heard this?