Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I attended the services in Beaufort, SC for Dyke and I have to say it was an incredible show of affection and respect for an incredible man. He was my best friend and I've missed him dearly since his move to SC. During his tenure as Fire Chief for LaGrange Township and Captain with the LaGrange Police Dept. his dedication to the community, his department and fellow officers was immense. He lived his dream moving to SC and working in the Sheriff's Dept there. He died happy, doing the job he loved and we should all learn a lesson from him that you have to take a chance in life sometimes to fullfill your dreams. We miss you Dyke but you'll live on in our hearts and minds forever.

Roberta Dove
LaGrange, Ohio

Rest in Peace, my brother.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division

My prayers go out to the family of Corporal Coursen. I believe he was doing God's work. We in Muskingum County lost an officer the same day, please say a prayer for his family as well.

Anonymous

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You're in heaven now with my son and some more of your fallen officers. May God Bless you all.
D. Jones
Mother of Fallen Officer Ron Jones

A.J....As you know, yesterday we said our farewells to you and Dana. We all walked hand in hand, we laughed, we cried, we felt emotions we didn't know we had. We watched your daughter stand tall, stand proud, and laugh, and cry, as she spoke to thousands about you. She was beautiful, and I can only imagine how proud you are. Tonight I said my farewells in my own special way. I hope it didn't sound too bad. Rest in peace my brother, you are not alone.

To the family and close friends of A.J....Know in your hearts that your tragic loss does not go without merit. Know that in hero's deaths, lives are saved. Our fallen commrades saved lives on January 8th, and will continue to do so for a long time to come. You are a strong and proud family. I know I feel a little safer on every call for I know I have two extra men by my side. Thank you for bringing A.J. to us. Although it may not seem like it at times, know that you will never walk alone.

Sgt T.J. Slupski
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

I attended Cpl. Coursen's Funeral today, 1-14-02. It was a fitting tribute to a great officer. They retired his call sign "Alpha 35" over the radio at the burial site as a dispatcher called out "Alpha 35-This is dispatch", "Alpha 35-This is Dispatch". Of course no one answered dispatch's call. And "Alpha 35" ended his tour of duty.
Great job Beaufort Co. Sheriff's Office, you all did a great job honoring our fallen brother!

Deputy Russell Brewton
Richland Co. Sheriff's Department,SC

having known cpl.coursen for a short time was blessed. lord knows beaufort county has been through enough having 4 officers injured. cpl. coursen, you have paid the ultimate price that every officer fears. you have gone beyond the call of duty sacrificing your life to save another, and for that i commend you with the utmost respect. rest in peace now as you protect the rest of the officers in beaufort. godspeed

leonard wilson
ex- sc patrol cadet

I met you when things weren't so great in my life and you went out of your way to help. You were a big help to me. I know your friends and family are going to miss you. I remember how you talked about your family, and I hope they know that you loved them very much. God bless you and your family.

Kim Sibley
PALMETTO HOMES

To the only officer who my friendship with ended before it had a chance to start. I miss you and reflect on our last moments we saw each other. The jokes were many and I miss them. Deep inside me you meant more to me than you could imagine. Your tenure was short with us and for this I am sorry and I will not forget any of it. I had your back thru thick and thin, for I know you would have done the same for me. For you-I will raise a cup of coffee and salute you my brother. Sincerly "this damn fireman".

Lieutenant, Paul Williamson
Burton Fire & Rescue

God Bless you and yours, Peace be with you, and thank you.

anonymous
des moines police department

I saw this prayer and thought of A.J. and Dana.

He walked life’s lonely path with honor, Lord,
Protecting those you sent his way…
Until, at last, with task well done,
Your call is heard today.
We hear you saying:
“Come, my friend, with me apart…from years of service rest.
You’ve helped the poor, protected all, you’ve passed Life’s every test.
You did not falter, did not fail though weary was your soul
I saw your tears, I felt your fears…I helped you toward your goal.
Beneath that badge there beat a heart, strong, courageous, true…
When duty called, you answered, my hero dressed in blue!
Come, my friend, your reward awaits: the law you did obey.
Faithful through life’s endless storms you showed my people the way.
Your beat is ended; roll call’s done! Now, rest on Heaven’s shore.
The good you did so willingly will remain forever more.”
Thank you; Father, for your great love as we cherish his memory dear
We offer this brave soul to you…be with him ever near.
And when, at last, we hear your call may we each take our place
On Heaven’s shore, eternal home, beneath your kindly gaze.
By: Sister Ann Stamm Livonia Police Chaplin

Take care by brother.

Officer Randy Marrero
Beaufort City P.D.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Lisa and Cory. Lisa who loved Dyke for twelve years and Cory who only knew his father for such a short time. He loves his Daddy and fire trucks and police cars. You are in our prayers Lisa and Cory.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. & Mrs. William Coursen. You have a beautiful grandson who looks just like Dyke. May he replace the sorrow you are feeling at this time.

Anonymous

I have had the pleasure of being A.J.'s supervisor for the time he was with Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and I must say that in this short time he was as close to me as my own brother. A.J. and I have a lot in common and were able to relate to each other. A.J. was a professional on and off duty. This is very hard for me as for I was one of the first officer's to respond to the scene. I will miss you bro, please pray for his family and his fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

SSgt Glenn Zanelotti
Beaufort county Sheriff's Office

My deepest sympathy to you as you grieve the loss of whom I have learned... an amazing man. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of need.

Fire Captain T. Marchant
Glendale Fire Department, California

Sleep well fallen brother and watch over the rest of us...your sacrifice will not be forgotten!

P.O. B. Gillaspie
Pacific (MO) Police Dept.

The Badge

It is polished and shiny and looks so fine.
Once you earn it you have to tow the line.
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.
It means honesty, integrity, and fairness to all.
Your life is never your own, but at the publics call.
Night or day, any hour, it makes you a mark.
It doesn't protect you from a shot in the dark.
Over the years the shine starts to fade,
but brighter still is the man its made.
It is often what seperates you from the crowd.
It is a second family of which you are proud.
So now comes your time, you can't be denied.
When you pin on your badge, wear it with pride
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.


Perris Citizens Patrol

Perris Citizens Patrol
Perris Police Volunteers, CA

The law enforcememt community here in South Carolina and around the country feel the grief and pain of our fallen brothers. Life can be so fragile. Nothing hurts more than to have that feeling of loss and void in your life. What a tremendous loss for one department and community as a whole. The officers here at the Summerville Police Department honor your department's fallen heroes.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they may all be called the childen of God". Matthew 5:9

Corporal Douglas Wright
Summerville Police Department

It takes a strong heart and a passion to help people in the most desperate circumstances to be a public servant. Law Enforcement Officers are no exception, every day these men and women risk the same fate as these two fine officers.

The value of ones community can be measured in the respect and love (admiration) of our public Servants and how they were known by the public they served.


The hardest part is not being a LEO but, being a leo's family both extended and physical...

God bless you both May you rest in peace and may your family carry your memory on.

todd maschino
Private citizen

For those who knew Dyke "How wrong is that?"

Anonymous

Dyke, I just wanted to let you know that it was an honor and privilege to serve under you in "LA." I, as well as the other officers, was sorry to see you go down to SC, but after talking with you and listening to your stories, I could tell by the sound of your voice that you couldn't be happier. You were a great friend who will be truly missed.
Until we meet again, please watch over and protect us.

To Dyke's/A.J.'s family and co-workers, please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences in our time of suffering.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Ptl. Donald J. Franks
LaGrange (OH) P.D.

The LaGrange Police Department has established the "Deputy Dyke Coursen Memorial Fund" at the First Merit Bank, 106 South Center Street, LaGrange, Ohio 44050. Telephone 440 355 8000.
The hope is to raise money to provide Cory, Dykes two and one half year old son, with a college education.

Anonymous

Dyke, you tought me everything you knew about being a cop you were my mentor and my friend. You touched everyones heart. thank you for being such a wonderful friend you will be deeply missed.

Anonymous

Thank you Corporal Coursen for you and your partner's service to your community. May you both rest in peace.

Anonymous

With extreme sadness I send my condolescences to the officers of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department on the loss of their brothers and my deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of Officer Tate and Coursen. May they rest in peace.

I consider myself fortunate to have met "AJ". Both his and Dana's deaths are truly tragic. No incident has sent a shock wave through the law enforcement family since the deaths of Mark Coates or Frankie Lingard. To friends and family I want to say you are in our prayers. God Bless.

Sgt. David Kopenhaver
Walterboro Police Dept. SC