Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch Monday, July 13, 1981
Add to My HeroesRobert L. Pruitt
Trooper Robert Pruitt, Corporal Cleo Tomlinson, and Trooper Merle Cook were killed in an airplane accident while searching for two breaking and entering suspects in St. John's County.
The suspects were charged with three counts of homicide in connection with the deaths of all three troopers. The primary burglary suspect was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released only to be sentenced to 6 years for cocaine sale in October of 2010 and he currently resides in the Florida State Prison System.
Trooper Pruitt had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 13, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

