Monitor Photo/Bodey Cooper
The City of Kaufman Police Department set up a memorial in front of their station for Austin Cooley, who was killed in a motor vehicle crash in the early morning hours of Monday, Dec. 8.

Monitor Photo/Bodey Cooper
Wreaths and balloons outside the Kaufman Police Station honor Kaufman Police Officer Austin Cooley, who was killed in a traffic incident just south of Greenville Dec. 8.

Multiple communities are mourning the loss of 26-year-old police officer and deputy fire chief that was killed in a wrong-way collision Dec. 8.
Austin Cooley, 26, was a Kaufman Police Officer and Deputy Fire Chief for South Hunt County Fire-Rescue. Cooley was driving home early Monday morning after working the night shift when his Honda Accord crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Dodge pickup truck on Texas Highway 34 and FM 2186 near Greenville, according to Texas Department of Public Safety investigators. 
First responders from the South Hunt County Fire-Rescue who were called to the scene were unaware at the time that Cooley was the one they were attending to until at the scene. Despite their best effort, Cooley died at the scene. 
“Officer Cooley was not only an outstanding officer within our department, but he was also a caring mentor to new officers, a trusted colleague and a true friend to so many,” Kaufman PD said on social media. “Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. His loss is felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him. We ask that you keep his family, friends and our City of Kaufman Police Department family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.”
Cooley joined Kaufman PD back in May and was a husband and father to a newborn. 
The cause of the crash is under investigation.