WWII Vet Helps Richland County Deputies with New Vests

In an effort to help keep Richland County deputies safe, World War II veteran Robert E. Cook Jr. and his wife donated $1,300 to purchase two bullet-proof vests.

Cook, who lives in Irmo, met with Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and two deputies at his home Tuesday for an informal ceremony to present the life-saving vests.

In a letter Cook wrote to Lott in September, he said he was “concerned about the officers” who put their lives on the line every day and night.

Cook also said he knew what being in harm’s way meant and thanked the department for keeping the community safe.  

Lott said in a statement that he was honored to receive  “such a generous donation from true hero – from someone who sacrificed so much serving our country in World War II and who has not stopped serving.”