Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jeff was a good Christian man, I was glad he was my friend, I was always happy to see him when he stopped by, he came by the shop often in the 90's, He did not come by the shop as much after he got married, (I don't blame him), he was geuinely concerned with the well being of others, valued his office greatly and the responiblity that went with it. He was interested in video production work, computers, and concerned with the state of the nation, which we dicussed often, among other things. He is sorely missed, as he was one of the best.

Russell Canney
Abilene Texas

Russell Canney
Abilene Business Owner

June 1, 2008

I rode with Officer McCoy while I was on my internship with the Abilene Police Department. Officer McCoy was true one of a kind. I regret that I didn't meet him outside of work. Everyone that spoke of Officer McCoy at his funeral spoke of what a genuine person and true Christian he was. Officer McCoy had a passion for his line of work and it showed. You will be missed and never forgotten. Godspeed Officer McCoy.

Officer Matt Armbruster
Lubbock Police

May 6, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER MCCOY for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 28, 2008

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer McCoy. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Jeff, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Jeff's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Jeff's life was about so much more than the way he died. Jeff will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer McCoy, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 26, 2007

jeff my prayers and thought are with your family.. jeff you always took the time to make sure we were all ok at county.. all of us from taylor county sheriff department miss u.. u will not be forgotten, you have made an impact in or community. god bless 763

officer martinez
taylor county sheriff department/jail

November 28, 2007

I know these things about Jeff McCoy: He was 1. a strong Christian man, 2. a loving husband and father, 3. an exceptional police officer, and 4. a good son. I am proud to be able to say he was my friend. Exodus 14:14.-
Mitchell D. (Mitch) Springfield CHS class of '85

Mitchell D. Springfield CO IV
Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice & classmate

November 24, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 12, 2007

WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU GUY...
YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED.
LOSING YOU HIT SO CLOSE TO HOME...
I KNOW YOU ARE UP THERE WATCHING OVER ALL MY GUYS NOW.
WHEN YOU WENT 42 FOR THE LAST TIME... YOUR WATCH WAS PICKED UP AND WILL CARRY ON...
THE THIN BLUE LINE MAY HAVE GOTTEN THINNER BUT OUR COURAGE WAS STRENGHTENED...
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR YEARS PROTECTING US AND ALL OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED IN MY PRAYERS

KRISTI/ COMMUNICATIONS
BROWN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

October 13, 2007

Jeff will truly be missed but never forgotten. Sandy and the kids are in our prayers. May God bless you and give your family strength through this difficult period. We are all so proud of Jeff's commitment serving others and making our lives safer.

Doug Hadley
High School Classmate

August 1, 2007

With close to twenty years of service to your community there is really no telling the positive impact you have had in so many people's lives. We are saddened to hear of your tragic passing. We send our blessings, thoughts, and prayers to your family and friends.

A heartfelt thank you for all that you have done.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

July 19, 2007

My father has been with APD for numerous years. I fully understand the fear a family faces each time an officer goes on duty. I am deeply sadden for Officer McCoy's family, APD, and friends. My heart goes out to all of you.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Ps 34.18)

Autumn Phipps

Autumn Phipps
Daughter of Abilene Police Officer

July 14, 2007

What a jolt it was to learn that you were called home. Then again, in a way, I was glad for you. What could be any better than to stand in the presence of our God all Mighty! My prayers are for you and your family.

For your family.....Proverbs 3:5,6

Deputy Tim Donald
Wise County Sheriff's Office

July 13, 2007

My heart goes out to your family and co-workers. They have suffered a great loss as well as the citizens of Abilene.

Wendy Klare
citizen

July 13, 2007

Jeff, Thank you for going out of your way to share your faith and love for God. You will not be forgotten. Tracy Murphy

Office Tracy Murphy
Abilene Police Department

July 9, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family, your friends, your fellow brother and sister officers, and department. Also to the citizens whom you protected. "A Hero does not become a Hero by their death, but by how they lived their lives." God Bless you!

Police Dispatcher Sara Singleton
Howard County Police Communications 911 Center

June 28, 2007

FINAL INSPECTION

The Policeman stood and faced God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now Policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true.

The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord I quess I ain't,
because those of us who wear a badge,
can't always be a saint."

I've has to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked alot of overtime
when the bills got just to steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had to much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was silence all around the Throne
where the Saints had often trod.
As the Policeman waited quietly,
for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward noe Policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

PO IV
UTHSCSA

June 27, 2007

Officer McCoy,

You swore to defend a nation and you've done that well. May you family take comfort in the light you shined and path you lit. RIP my brother, may your badge never tarnish.

Special Agent
Air Force Office of Special Investigations

June 20, 2007

Jeff was the best brother I could have ever hoped for. When we were young, he looked up to me and was always very interested in what I was doing. It seems that he was always somewhere nearby and within reach. Even many years later we remained close and in contact although, in light of what has happened, no amount of communication could have been enough. Our roles have reversed, because I'm now looking up to him and the legacy of intense faith, noble character, and great reputation he left behind. Even though he is in God's care, how I wish he would walk through my door once again!

He focused on doing good in the world, realizing that the days are short and life is only a vapor. He cared and loved others sincerely as proven by his willingness to help and to give, even reaching out to hardened criminals and sharing with them that there is a better way to live. Emboldened in his faith, he was actively doing more to help change the heart of the lawbreaker than what our current system of justice is capable. What a good man he became, what an good example to follow.

Jeff's love for his wife Sandy and little Ella is absolute. Had he lived, there is no doubt he would have given his life without hesitation in their defense at any moment. His love for his family ran very deep, as did his desire for harmony to prevail.

My brother safely rests in the house of the Lord, and we who remain are left to draw close to God and one another. I feel that if Jeff could speak, he might say this to comfort his friends and family:

"Don't mourn my passing too long,
For I am standing forever at ease.
Fill your days with God's purpose,
Taking each step carefully as for Him.
Keep the way that leads to Heaven,
And at the end of your watch
Be glad, and I will meet you there."

Sleep in peace dear brother, for you are dearly loved.

Randy McCoy
Jeff's brother

June 19, 2007

We pause to mourn the death of Officer McCoy and honor his memory. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies, go out to his family, friends, and all the members of his department.

May God comfort each of you.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Department - Montgomery, AL

June 19, 2007

Office McCoy,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Abilene. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

June 18, 2007

Jeff, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with you. What you have done here for the last 17 years was sacrifice your own self -interest for the greater good of our community, something very few outside of the police family are truly aware of. It was evident from the testimony of many over the last several weeks that you had a significant impact on the lives of many people on both sides of the law- something you should be very proud of. Your memory and your influence will live on in many of us. Thank you for all you have done and were willing to do for us.

Asst. Chief Ken Merchant
Abilene Police Dept

June 18, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the McCoy family. My wife graduated from Cooper as well and the Abilene community will feel the loss of this fine individual for years to come.

Patrolman Sean Prestridge
Clarkdale Police Department

June 15, 2007

Mrs. McCoy, God is at your side while you face what we fear. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as well as the rest of Officer McCoy's family, friends, and his coworkers. God bless you all.

...He says, "Don't be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior..."
Isaiah 43:1-3

Oregon Officer's Wife

June 14, 2007

My dearest Jeff, I miss you more than words can say. My heart aches for you. You have left the legacy that you wanted and the world will be changed because of you and your love of the Lord. I will make you proud. Ella loves you and she will know what a wonderful man you are and she will be proud. I am so proud to have been married to you and so lucky to have had the honor of knowing and loving you.
I love you now and forever. your wife, Sandy

Sandy McCoy
Jeffs wife

June 13, 2007

So long Brother, your years of dedication will never be forgotten. May you find peace with your fellow brothers in Heaven..

Traffic Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Department

June 13, 2007