Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Alec Elijah Cohen died of an undisclosed medical-related illness Sept. 18 at Sinai Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after being found unresponsive in his Cockeysville home the day before. He was 29.
Cohen’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“May his memory be a blessing,” the Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland posted on Facebook.
In a statement, Gov. Larry Hogan wrote, “TFC Cohen loved being a trooper, he brought honor to his badge every day, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”
A native of Apalachin, New York, Cohen was a member of the Maryland State Police for four-and-a-half years and was assigned to the North East Barracks in Cecil County at the time of his death.
“This is a significant loss for the Maryland State Police family,” read a statement issued by the Maryland State Police. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Trooper First Class Cohen’s family and loved ones. TFC Cohen will always be remembered for his extraordinary commitment, selfless service and unwavering dedication to the citizens of this state as a Maryland State Trooper.”
An Eagle Scout and 2010 graduate of Vestal High School in Vestal, New York, Cohen graduated with summa cum laude honors from Boston’s Northeastern University in 2015 with a master’s degree in criminal justice.
He joined the Maryland State Police after graduating with the 146th Academy Class.
In a statement, Cohen’s family said the “Maryland State Police fulfilled his lifelong dream for public service and law enforcement. He was proud of his job and his MSP family.”
In a written tribute on the website of Allen Memorial Home in Endicott, New York, the family wrote, “Alec touched many lives and left most people in a better place. He was a smart, humorous, loving son, brother, and friend to many. … Alec’s demeanor of calmness, kindness, and willingness to help people in need graced many lives.
“Some of Alec’s favorite things were reading, competitive shooting, walking his dog, and computer gaming with a large circle of friends. He enjoyed bad Scotch, good beer, and a funny story.”
Cohen is survived by his parents, William and Suzan Cohen; his brother, Joel; his girlfriend, Marissa Sord; his grandfather, Phillip Eiche; his grandmother, Norma Cohen, and loving aunts, uncles, cousins and his dog, Arlo.
Cohen’s life will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 24, from 3-5 p.m. at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main St. in Endicott, New York. His family requests that memorial donations be made to Vestal Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 959, Vestal, New York 13850, for a foundation being established in Cohen’s name for students pursuing a law enforcement career.
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