Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Copeland,
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 Wheeler County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 1, 2023

I remember the news of this horrid event, and though I didn't know you Officer Copeland, I knew your brother Don, and am reflecting on Don's memory today. I am grateful for men like both of you and your service to the citizens of our communities.

Keith Stowers
Grateful Citizen

June 28, 2022

Love and miss you, Dad. I hope you would be proud of the man I have become.

Kirk Copeland
Son

December 24, 2020

I was only 3 years old when I lost my Uncle Carrol. I can't say that I ever remember meeting him, but I grew up knowing everything about him. I am proud to have Carrol as my uncle. I know though the years, his family and especially his children missed him very much.
I have always and will always have a special place in my heart for my uncle.

R.I.P.
Trent Copeland

Trent Copeland
Nephew

May 11, 2016

Happy Birthday Daddy! I miss you.

Leslie Copeland Patrick
Daughter

January 23, 2013

It's been 40 years since we lost you! I miss you every day and hope I am living a life you would be proud of. Love you Dad!

Leslie Copeland Patrick
Daughter

December 31, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 1, 2012

"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 5, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 30, 2007

Thank you for your services, I wish I could have known you and that you could have been here to see your little girl grow up, I know she misses you and is very proud of you. R.I.P.

Mike Patrick
Son-in-law

June 15, 2007

I miss you daddy!

Leslie (Copeland) Patrick
daughter

June 15, 2007

Although I only got to call you "Daddy" for a short period of time, you have profoundly influenced my life. Thank you for the time we had together.

David Nelms
Stepson

May 10, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Copeland,
I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Wheeler County. Your death proves to all LEOs that no traffic stop is routine and to always be alert.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Senior Patrol Agent Michael F. Casey
United States Border Patrol

January 1, 2005