Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Gara Oliver Cooper

Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas

End of Watch Friday, October 2, 1970

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant Gara Oliver Cooper

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 2, 2020

Sgt. Cooper,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 2, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 27, 2013

Thank you, Sgt. Cooper. You are not forgotten.

A Grateful Citizen

October 22, 2008

38 years have passed but your memory is not forgotten. Rest in peace Sgt.

Trooper II
Texas Highway Patrol

October 2, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 3, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
nh

October 14, 2007

Sgt. Cooper- You are not forgotten- watch over us.

Sgt. Brian Wassmann
Alaska State Troopers

June 29, 2005

God be with Sgt Cooper, who gave his life on traffic duty. You are a true hero who stood his last watch guiding and protecting those you swore to protect and serve! You will be remembered forever! The "Thin Blue Line" has lost another piece of its armour.

Richard Raymer
Private Citizen

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