Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

MY BROTHER, I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TRAGIC MOMENTS CAUGHT ON TAPE, THE NIGHT YOU LEFT US. AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE, I CANT GET THAT OUT OF MY HEAD. AS I TRAVEL TO FLORIDA FROM VIRGINIA AND BACK, I SEE YOUR MEMORIAL AND I CRY EACH TIME. "SINCE YOUR EYES HAVE CLOSED, MINE HAVE CEASED TO WEEP".

MPO MIKE WILLIAMS
FAIRFAX COUNTY , VA POLICE DEPT.

March 16, 2006

Mark, Thank You for all you have done and the example that you always set. I know that your story will continue to save lives and you will never be forgotten. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God Bless R-21 always.

TROOPER J.D. MCCARLEY #2489
SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL

February 25, 2006

Since a tragic and senseless loss. You are a true hero, rest in peace my brother.

February 13, 2006

IN TRAINING MY CLASS SAW YOUR DASH TAPE ON 9/11/01 AND I WANTED JUST TO SAY R.I.P WE ALL WILL MISS YOU AND ALL OF THE OTHER BROTHERS AND SISTERS UP THERE WITH YOU

DEPUTY D.N.JACKSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 12, 2006

When I attended the academy, we were shown the video of the Trooper Coates incident. All of us in the class were deeply moved. It was the first time many of us realized the seriousness of our profession. Our instructors had seen the video several times over and were still in awe once it was over. May God bless the Coates family. I hope it gives them comfort in knowing that Mark really opened my eyes to being a cautious officer. It makes me proud to be in the same profession with someone as brave as Mark.

Deputy J.K. Miller
Essex County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2006

I am a Texas police officer currently serving in Kosovo. I have used Trooper Coates' video many times as a training tool. I was asked once, in a class, if I thought that it was improper to evaluate and critisize mistakes made by an officer who lost his life in the line of duty.

My response is that by learning from the violent death of fellow officers, such as Trooper Coates, we give their death meaning. I honor Mark's sacrifice, and I strive to use his death to save the lives of officers that I am training. I can think of no better way to honor his committment and his sacrifice.

Michael R. Sanchez
UN International Police

February 4, 2006

My only son W.T. McKinney (Travis) became a South Carolina State Trooper on September 9, 2005. He asked me to watch the video online of Trooper Coates murder.I was very reluctant, but he told me "Mom, if that ever happens to me, you know I will go down fighting, and doing what I love."What special men these troopers are!God Bless and Protect Them All.

Raynette Bigham

February 3, 2006

Trooper Mark Coates:

I have been a police officer since 1996. I was able to watch the video of that fatal traffic stop and dont think I will ever forget it. I could watch it every day. it did alot for me and was able to teach me. You are still helping fellow officers even after so many years.

Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your bravery.
Thank you for your service to the brotherhood of law enforcement.
It will not be forgotten.

R. D. Hale

January 30, 2006

Trooper Coates: Like so many others on this page, I, too watched
your video tonite. I am enrolled in a
citizens academy at our local P.D.
and tonite it was on perception and the use of force. This was so difficult to watch, it caught us all by surprise,
just the way you were caught by surprise. Your killer sacrificed your life for $300 and a bag of marijuana. What a crying shame! I just wanted to come to your memorial page and learn a little about you and your family and read the reflections. You died years ago, but your memory lives on and you continue to save more precious lives. I just wish the outcome could have been so much different. You are still in our hearts.
With love from one coast of America
to the other,
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, Washington

January 18, 2006

The first time I watched this video, I was new to the Virginia State Police Academy. There are no words to explain how I felt. I too like many testimonials here on this web site had tears in my eyes. I have left the Virginia State Police and have returned to the Navy to finish out a 20 year career. I am still involved in law enforcement. I am currently filling the role of a 911 dispatcher for the naval base I am stationed at. I have showed the video to some of the military police officers I am stationed with(dispatchers), and they too have undescribable feelings. To the men and women of law enforcement my prayers are with you all. To the family of Trooper Coates, thank you for the opportunity to view this tragic video. And to Trooper Mark H. Coates REST IN PEACE!

military police officer
US NAVY POLICE

January 5, 2006

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten brother. Ever since my class witnessed your video back in Feb. of 2004, I always think of what you gave up that day when I hear that an officer is down. It reminds all of us of the very real danger we face everyday. Your watch has ended on earth, but it carrys on in eternity. God Bless and Keep you Trooper.

Deputy Aaron W. Williams #632
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office

January 3, 2006

Trooper Coates, I have had the pleasure to know both of your step daughters for along time. I have been in LE for almost 3 years and to this day I still remember watching the video of your last traffic stop. My heart continues to go out to your family. You'll never be forgotten, Rest in peace brother.

Ptl. A. Costner
Irmo PD. Irmo SC

December 20, 2005

I knew Trooper Mark Coates as just Mark back before he became a trooper. We worked at Lexington County EMS together. I first saw mark and knew he was a great person. He was so much of a friend back then. He was a person that put himself second and you first. I have truely missed working with him, but will always know that he was a good friend. Thanks Mark for being there for all that relied on you as a friend and hero.

Mike Shaffer

December 20, 2005

I saw your video today. I dont think I will ever get the image of you calling for back up and lying there on the roadway while cars just kept driving by. You have opened my eyes once again to what can happen on this thankless job that we all love. You did not die in vain Troop, you did not die in vain.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Deputy Timothy Hunt
Cook County Sheriff's Dept - Illinois

December 14, 2005

I watched the video of your carstop today at the SC Criminal Justice Academy. I am currently going into my third week there. I think, maybe, that video was the hardest thing I have ever had to watch. But, it is from your inspriration that I set my goals high, and am determined to be a graduate of the academy, and be the best law enforcement officer I can be. Thanks to your family for allowing this video to be shown, as it will forever be etched into my heart, and I will remember. For you, Trooper Coates, Godspeed, and blessings to your family.

Female Deputy
South Carolina

December 4, 2005

On 07/28/05 RTG 42-05 remembered Trooper Mark Hunter Coates and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 21, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS THIS HERO. A HERO NEVER DIES. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE TROOPER COATS.

Cpl Roger Kellermann
Swiss Army, MP, Traffic Unit

November 21, 2005

Trooper M. Coats,
I’m the range master and Sr. firearms instructor for my department. Each time I see the video of your stop, I remember we’re not there to trainer recruits to pass a qualification course but to survive the gunfight and never let their guard down, because here a man that did it right. I must say the video of your traffic stop has done more to save countless lives. So continue to rest in peace sir and know you will never be forgotten.

To the family of Trooper Coats,
No amount of words from any of us can ever ease your grief and suffering at the lost of your husband and father. But remain strong in your faith and know god as a plan for us all. Take comforted in knowing you will see Mark again as we walk the streets of heaven. I pray that our Heavenly Father has assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leaves you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. I pray god has blessed all of you. Take pride in knowing Mark’s life and death has made a different in so many lives.

November 20, 2005

The words "Ridgeland R-21" will echo in the hallways of my mind forever. wish i could have worked a shift with you. keep the beat safe up there.

November 15, 2005

I watched the video of your murder in the academy in 1996 and carry a laminated picture of your ODMP page in my patrol car every day. What happened to you changed the way I conduct every traffic stop, and to this day has had more influence on me than any training I have received. I would like for your family and friends to know that so many rookie officers have learned a very valuable lesson from the film recorded on Trooper Coates' camera that night and that most certainly some are alive today because of it. My heartfelt thanks to you, Trooper Mark Hunter Coates. You are there with me every day as I do this job. God Bless you and your family for the sacrifice you made.

Sergeant Teresa Quinn
Mount Olive Police Department, NC

November 8, 2005

I watched the video eight years ago in a class. I took my breath away, and I held back tears. Tonight, I sit at work, thinking back on this video. God bless you Trooper Coates for your bravery and dedication to your job. Watch down on us all!

annoymous

November 6, 2005

To Trooper Coates and His Family,
I have read the memorials and have seen those that were affected just like me by the video of this horrific event. It was so hard to sit and watch this happen, but let it not be in vein.

Though nothing will make your death "right" it has taught all of us who have watched it something. I thank you for your service...may you always be remembered.

I know I will...

Deputy Meredith Ward
Gulf County Sheriff's Office

November 5, 2005

Trooper Coates

I am currently a recruit in the police academy and Today we viewed a training video with the motor vehicle stop you did , I want to thank you ….. Today you made me realize more why I chose the carrier path of a law enforcement officer .You are a hero and a teacher. Every time I put that vest on I will think about you and I hope that you watch down on all your fellow Police Officers and State Troopers. Thank you Sir and God Bless your family

Recruit

Recruit PPB
Point Pleasant Beach , New Jersey

October 25, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Coates:

I never met this great man, but I can honestly say that he has impacted my life more than many others that I have known for years. Because of his sacrifice, thousands of other Troopers, Police Officers and Sheriffs Deputies will learn from and ultimately carry with them a piece of this hero. May God watch over and bless your family and friends.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the son's of god."

PO #255
WCSO

October 12, 2005

As many have... I watched your video during training. I could barely breathe as I watched the video. The sound of your voice plays in my head continously. I realized that day how things can go from nothing to something in a matter of minutes. I can't imagine the pain your family has gone through and continue to go through. I can only pray that the Lord gives them the strength they need to survive this tragedy. Although I never met you, you are an inspiration to me.

Guide me at the begining of my shift, protect me during my shift, and help me get to my son at the end of my shift... my brother.

Truly yours,

Deputy CC

Anonymous
Osceola County Sheriffs Office

September 30, 2005