Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

trooper coates may you rest in peace brother.i watched the video of your last stop and its very sad. i will always look up to u and i pray for your family. i never met you but to me you will always be a hero in my book.

deputy sheriff
perry co. sheriff dept ky

August 27, 2007

Trooper Coates, I’m retired now and I miss it. I should have hung on for a few more years. While on patrol, every time a unit marked out on a traffic stop, I would head that way. It always goes bad when you least expect it. Before I retired, I saw the video and I drive by that spot on 95 and think of you and that night every time I’m in South Carolina. I only wish I could have been there that night to back you up. We never met but we are a band of brothers. Rest in peace my friend.

Sergeant (Retired)
Fairfax, VA PD

August 21, 2007

Trooper Coates along with Constable Lunsford of Texas ...Though I never met these two heros, I honestly think about them everyday, They in their passing, have probably saved the lives of countless law enforcement officers nationwide.
I pray that Trooper Coates family and friends have been able to find peace.

deputy claude hart
dixie county sheriff's office

August 12, 2007

It has taken years for me to formulate a statement worthy of submission to your site. I will strive to carry on your example of bravery and dedication to duty. Can't find words to fully describe the impact of your loss.

Lieutenant Raymond L. Hickman
White Sands Police Department New Mexico

August 3, 2007

Friday, November 20, 1992 changed my life. I was the Communications Operator on duty when Mark called for help. My first experience of an officer down. With all the training from CJA and 12 years of service, you don't want to lose a Trooper on duty. Every year I think of Mark's family. His death was so close to Thanksgiving. His legacy will always be remembered.

Retired TCS Shirley L. Young
SCHP Ridgeland Communications

July 28, 2007

Mark Coates was one of the best men I've ever known! In the worst of times him presents made everyone feel it will be OK! He was a Husband, Father, Brother, and trusted friend. I think of him almost every day and I shall never forget him and the sacrifice he made for me and all the people of South Carolina and this Great Nation! WE LOVE You Mark!

A. Todd Harvey

Alfred T. Harvey
Friend

July 19, 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.

July 11, 2007

I have also seen the video and i was in total shock. Us SCDC officers have high respects for all the SC troopers. But the honors for you are untouchable.

Officers stand before God

The Officers stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as their brass.

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

The men squared their shoulders and
The Policeman spoke first
"No, Lord, I guess We ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

We've had to work most Sundays,
and at times our talk was rough,
and sometimes we've been violent,
Because the streets are tough.

The Corrections Officer then added,
But we never took a penny,
That wasn't ours to keep...
Though we worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And we never passed a cry for help,
Though at times we shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive us,
We've wept unmanly tears.








Together they say,
We know We don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted us around
Except to calm their fear.


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

There was silence around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officers waited quietly,
For the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Officers,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Trooper Mark Hunter Coates you are 10-42 on earth but you are now 10-41 in heaven

Correctional Officer McManus
South Carolina Dept. of Corrections

June 14, 2007

What a great big brother you are. You have, whithout a doubt, saved countless other officers

jr

June 13, 2007

"No person was ever honoured for what he received. Honour has been the reward for what he gave."
--Calvin Coolidge

Debbie Brewer, Mother-in-law
citizen and COPS member

May 25, 2007

Been on the job for 10 years and on May 14th while visiting the Memorial wall in DC your name was scratched and brought back to Indiana as a reminder of a true Hero from the 18,000 Hero's on the wall in DC. I show the video to new officers and community groups to make sure that they know what kind of sacrifices have been made in this business. God bless you and your family.

R. Patrick
Crown Point Police (Indiana)

May 21, 2007

I just graduated from Basic Law enforcement academy at CJA. Upon arrival, and during our stay there, i had a high respect for the troopers, they train hard, are focused, and dont mess around at the academy. One of the videos we watched in the police academy was of Trooper Coates. Everyone in class had chills, i get sad at heart when his screams over his radio echo in my memory. I have passed many troopers over the past few months, who have stopped a car at night. And, I am unable to simply "pass by" without thinking if they are okay, without making the sign of the cross, asking the Most High God to bless that Trooper that they complete their shift without injury, that they complete their career without serious injury. It's because of seeing Trooper Coates, an honorable man who deserved better than to be struck down by Mr. Blackburn. To all SCHP Troopers, no officer will put themselves in more harm's way on more occasions than you. May you all be safe and free from harm. We who are in the community, be it police, probation, or anything else, will be there, if you need us, we will help you, I know I will. God bless the family and friends of Trooper Coates and all the SCHP

michael tierney
south carolina probation and parole

May 5, 2007

I never met you but thank you for your service and bravery, and through your sacrifice, many young officers will no doubt be saved. Sir, thank you again.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta (SC) Dept. of Public Safety

May 2, 2007

I have had to watch many videos in my academy, this is the first to make me cry. Trooper Coates is a true hero and is a true testament of a great trooper. Rest in Peace my friend.

Anonymous

April 27, 2007

Warrior.

Anonymous

April 25, 2007

A "routine" call going bad so quickly. Watching the video made me feel cold inside.

Rest in peace.

PC Marko
Metropolitan police, London, England

April 24, 2007

Trooper Coates, I saw the video of this incident while I was attending the SC Criminal Justice Academy, and could not help but to cry. Thank you for your service on the Highway Patrol. Your mother came to speak to my class and receive a donation to your charity. She is an astounding woman. My prayers are with your family still to this day. Thank you, Sir.

Officer Zachary Taylor
Batesburg-Leesville Police Department

April 24, 2007

Mark: On night patrol your video has often reminded me of how fast things can turn bad. Rest in peace my brother.

TFC Harry Slifer
Maryland State Police

April 14, 2007

Trooper Coates you are truly a Hero. I saw the video of the stop that ended your life it made me very sad and I was upset something like that would happen to someone who has dedicated his life to others. The video of this brave man has changed my life and I carry with me the memory of Trooper Coates and remember him as I conduct my job on a daily basis. Trooper Coates you will be missed and God bless you and your family. you will never be forgotten.

shawn
Utah State Corrections Adult Parole & Probation

April 6, 2007

The very first hour of my very first day at the academy I was shown the video of your last stop. It was an experience that sends shivers up my spine to this day and made such an impact that I had to find you here.
God Bless Brother..

Chief Ranger
VA State Parks

March 29, 2007

You are remembered, brother. Your death, how tragic it was, is being used to save officers lives everyday. You will never be forgotten.

Reserve Officer
southeast Tennessee

March 8, 2007

I saw the video of Trooper Coates being shot and killed in a training class. It is a very sad and tragic incident which started over a traffic stop. May he rest in peace.

Sgt
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

March 1, 2007

I started with SCHP after Mark's death and of course watched the video in patrol school. I think about Mark and his family often. I have had the pleasure to meet his Mother on numerous occasions. She is still actively involved with the SCHP. God bless his family. That video has certainly been a great training tool and it's probably saved other officer's lives. Mark Coates was and is a HERO. I'll never, ever forget him!!!

L/Cpl Babb
SCHP

February 28, 2007

I am currently attending the corrections academy. I also work part time at a local police department as a dispatcher. We watched the the video from Trooper Coates vehicle. It broke my heart. My father-in-law is a retired SC Trooper. He retired after 30 years of service. I have utmost respect for the brothers and sisters that put their lives in danger for the publics safety. After watching that video my heart went out to Trooper Coates family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I want to thank Trooper Coates and all the men and women that sacrafice everything to protect and serve. Rest in peace my brother!
Officer Perry/SCDC

Officer Marie Perry
South Carolina Departmant of Corrections

February 14, 2007

I started my career in 1999. I first saw your last call for service while I was in the acadamy. The images from that night are always with me, reminding me that the people we encounter on a dailey basis are not always as they appear to be. I just want to say thanks for your dedicated service and your continued service looking over all of the ones left to continue the fight here on earth. God bless you and your family. Rest in piece brother you will never be forgotten.

Sgt Trevor Howell
Walton County Florida

February 11, 2007