Being A Police Officer Is Always Dangerous: Cop Killed By A Cow

Being a police officer is just not pulling people over or responding to calls. And sometimes, when you least expect it, danger lurks by. In Smith County, Texas, a police officer was killed by a cow. From the Tylerpaper.com: “God Speed 54,” one officer said after learning Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Britton died Monday of injuries suffered during an attack from a wounded cow. Britton, call number 54, was dispatched to Farm-to-Market Road 344 west Thursday to direct traffic after a vehicle struck a cow in the middle of the road. The 54-year-old Britton was directing traffic when the cow suddenly charged, tossing him into the air, Sheriff J.B. Smith said.Britton landed on his head on the pavement, and the cow trampled the downed deputy.Deputies arriving to assist Britton euthanized the cow because of the seriousness of its injuries. Britton was taken to East Texas Medical Center and was in intensive care until he died shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, said Smith, whose department is mourning the deputy’s death.Britton was injured just hours after Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Caulkins was shot in the chest with a shotgun as he attempted to apprehend a fugitive at a Tyler apartment complex. Caulkins, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was treated and released from the hospital for bruising. http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20110329/NEWS01/110329710/0/FRONTPAGE R.I.P. Officer Britton and thanks for your service.