Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

David and I were classmates at the CHP Academy, graduating together on 3/3/83. I remember him well and we had some funny times at the Academy. Hearing the news of his death through our agency notification process was very sad. My sincerest sympathy and condolences to his family.

Chief Michael S. Champion (retired)
California Highway Patrol

January 14, 2024

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

April 6, 2020

I know your Father, Ron, who is a retired CHP officer. I learned of your accident from Ron many years ago. I hadn’t written to you before and I apologize for that. I do know that he was very proud of you and your service as we all are. Rest In Peace David and know that your life was one of service and dedication. Semper Fi Brother in Blue. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
CHP South LA

April 8, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Copleman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 6, 2018

My uncle was David Wayne Copleman. Thank you all so much for all the kind words. My uncle was the only hero I've ever had. He was an amazing jokester. Comedy was his center, thank you Bill P. For giving a shout out to David's Curly impersonation. And thank you to Steven Amiott for the anecdote. It's awesome to see people affected by David in so many positive ways. It warms my heart that David is still alive in all of you. I miss my uncle and thank you for the fond memories for me to reflect upon.

Jake Sullivan Nephew of David Copkeman
[email protected]

May 30, 2017

My uncle was David Wayne Copleman. Thank you all so much for all the kind words. My uncle was the only hero I've ever had. He was an amazing jokester. Comedy was his center, thank you Bill P. For giving a shout out to David's Curly impersonation. And thank you to Steven Amiott for the anecdote. It's awesome to see people affected by David in so many positive ways. It warms my heart that David is still alive in all of you. I miss my uncle and thank you for the fond memories for me to reflect upon.

Jake Sullivan Nephew of David Copkeman
[email protected]

May 29, 2017

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

I travel the 126 often and thank you each time for your service to the citizens of California.

Tim Liddell #5342
CHP (retired)

January 14, 2014

Dave and I were buds growing up together and having the time of our lives doing it. He always made me laugh doing his curly act of the three stooges...love you man may god bless you always.

ret division chief aviation usfs Bill P.

May 3, 2013

Thank you for your dedicated service. I did not know you even though I grew up in Ventura but I now have the honor of working alongside your daughter who is a fine medic and a good friend. We grew up one block away from each other and never knew it until we met many years later and over 700 miles away. You are remembered fondly by your family and will always be remembered by those of us who serve.

Officer 1107
Mt. Shasta Police Department

January 12, 2013

Hi Dave, We went through Fillmore last week and of course I think of you and will remember you.... glad the area is dedicaded to you. I can never forget you..... a friend

RW
VSO RETIRED

May 22, 2011

David and I grew up together from grade school he was one of the most fun guys to be around,We would go to Dodger games together and play sports all the time. he had great parents along with his brother and sister. I think of you all the time. Miss ya Dave...your buddy Bill Pierce 1/28/11

Anonymous

January 30, 2011

David,
I know your father who is retired from the CHP. I never met a better man in my life and I know that he spoke of you often. Your service to your state as well as to the Highway Patrol will never be forgotten. Please rest in peace and remember that you will never be forgotten. Semper Fi CHIPY and God Bless.........

State Traffic Officer #7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol

January 25, 2011

David, I thought of you again today after two Ventura Deputies were in a serios accident on Hwy 126. not far from the sight of your tragic accident. I always think of you, when traveling in the area. Rest in Peace brother

RETIRED R.W.
VSO

April 18, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 6, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Copelman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 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.

This truly must have been one of the darkest days in law enforcement history. What a devastating blow this must have been to the families and agency.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 6, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 21, 2007

Well today they named a 9 mile stretch of Hwy 126 from Santa Paula to Fillmore after you. It's long over due. I will not forget that day and everytime I have driven through the area I always think of you...

RETIRED /R.W.
VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.

June 13, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 8, 2007

I remember coming home and knowing instantly that something was wrong. Dave was my neighbor the year he died. His wife taught me how to iron, we praticed on his uniforms. I remember him bringing the Highway Patrol car home on his lunch brake. He was the one who protected us from the bad guys. I always admired Dave, and I will always remember him....

Diane Smith-Torrence

February 21, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005

My God bless and Keep the family , relatives and friends of Off. David W. Copeland in the Palms of HIs Hands. May they know peace and love comes from all. Thanks to Off. Copeland for wearing the Badge and keeping the citizens of Calif. safe.

Former Lieut. Hugh H. Mills, Jr.
Baltimore Police Dep't.

February 2, 2005