CONGRATULATIONS TO LT. LANCE COOK – OFFICER OF THE YEAR!
The La Porte Police Department proudly congratulates Lt. Lance Cook on receiving the Officer of the Year Award from the Cortez/Norris American Legion Post 319!
Lt. Cook was recognized for his outstanding dedication and perseverance in reopening a cold case involving the suspected homicide of a one-year-old child in July 2012.
After the case went cold in 2016, Lt. Cook reopened the investigation in April 2024, dedicating countless hours to researching evidence, pursuing new leads, and revisiting old ones.
His determination led to assistance from the Texas Attorney General’s Office in June 2026. Through their combined efforts, the case was presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where criminal charges were accepted against a suspect.
Lt. Cook’s commitment is a powerful reminder that no victim should ever be forgotten and that the pursuit of justice never ends.
Please join us in congratulating Lt. Cook on this well-deserved honor! Your dedication and commitment to justice make us proud!
Summary
Lt. Lance Cook of the La Porte Police Department has been awarded the Officer of the Year Award by the Cortez/Norris American Legion Post 319. This recognition comes following his significant work in reopening a cold case related to the suspected homicide of a one-year-old child in July 2012. The investigation had stagnated in 2016 until Lt. Cook took the initiative to revive it in April 2024. He invested extensive time researching evidence, pursuing new leads, and re-examining previous ones. His efforts gained traction when the Texas Attorney General’s Office became involved in June 2026. This collaboration resulted in the case being presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where charges against a suspect were accepted. Lt. Cook’s persistence emphasizes the importance of justice for victims, regardless of how much time has passed since their cases were first reported.