Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are a warrior, a hero and an inspiration for the entire Law Enforcement community. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and please know that won't be taken in vain. I have watched the video over and over again and each time, I shed a tear. I pray each and everynight to the Lord above to watch out for all the brothers and sisters who are fighting the daily battle that you so bravely fought. Thank you my brother....

Officer Rick Blake
Gresham, OR Police Department

September 27, 2005

DEAR SIR

I AM IN THE ACADEMY PROCESS AT THE MOMENT ;AND MY CLASS WAS SHOWN YOUR TRAINING FILM.AT THE TIME WE WERE HAVING NAMES LIKE
NEWHALL AND ONION FIELD THROWN AT US . ALL OF THEM SHOCKED US BUT NOT AS MUTCH AS YOUR TRAINING FILM.THE WHOLE CLASSES HEARTS SANKED AS WE WATCHED THE ENCOUNTE R FROM START TO END. I THINK THE MOST CHILLING PART WAS WATCHING YOUR PARTNERS
ARRIVE NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND TRYING TO SAVE YOU.WHEN THE CLASS WHENT OUT ON BREAK AFTER THE FILM WE ALL FELT NUMB.I THINK THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME WE ACTUALLY THOUGHT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO US OR WORST ONE OF
OUR BUDDIES. THAT IS WHY I'M SURE YOUR TRAINING FILM HAS SAVED LIVES.IT WOKE US UP,AND WE WERE EVEN TAUGHT SAFER WAYS TO WEAR OUR HT MICS SO WHEN WE USE IT IT COVERS OUR ARMPIT AND IT LETS YOU KEEP
DIRECT EYE CONTACT ON THE SUSPECT BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE TO TURN YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU TALK.SO WHO KNOWS HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED FROM THE STUDIES
OF YOUR TRAFFIC STOP.MY THANKS GO OUT TO
YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR PARTNERS.

CADET
EASTERN SIERRA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY CA.

September 27, 2005

My New Watch

I began my new watch today and everything’s going fine.
I just wanted to let you know that I would be checking in on you from time to time.

It’s really different here, but in a good way,
Although the change was sudden, rest assured there is nowhere else I’d rather stay.

I work with a crew of true heroes, who always do their best,
They always do their part, and watch over all the rest.

I can’t change what happened on that fateful night
But remember that I will forever continue to fight.

Please tell my family I love them and I’m with them all the time.
Help my wife when I can’t and give a kiss to that sweet child of mine.

I walk a new beat that seems so far away
But you can reach me, and I’ll back you up, you only have to pray.

I have to go now for there’s a rookie on the street.
I have to do my part, for it’s not his time to walk this special beat.

In memory of all our fallen brother’s and sisters of Law Enforcement

D/S T. Arnold 416

Deputy Tim K Arnold
Cherokee County Sheriff's Dept. GA

September 21, 2005

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

recruit

August 23, 2005

No matter how you look at it, it was a freak accident. One out of a trillion. Trooper Coates followed all of the protocol when knocked off his feet. As we all know, a .22 calabur weapon ricochets when it hits the bone. It shouldn't have happened like this. Chances for survival are great if you look at this situation. Trooper Coates is very courageous, however, it was his time. No matter what we do, God has a plan for us all. It's not about Semper FI or any of that stuff. Coach is now living, whether or not anybody wants to believe it. He is living without pain or suffering. When people leave this earth, that doesn't mean their gone for good. They are very much alive. My thought may not be posted because, by society's terms, this is inappropriate. There is a lot more to this life than this life. I continue to be an officer despite this occurrence as do you. Turn to God, all will be fine, as Coates is. God bless Trooper Coates, for he is watching you now, as is our Lord.

Patrolman
Avoca Police Department

August 15, 2005

Trooper Coates we watched your video in training and I think of it every time I put on a vest.It does not seem fair to loose such a Marine and trooper such as yourself.Your cowardly killer deserves death,not you sir.God be with your family and may they be proud of the thousands of LEO recruits that learn from you.

Bruce Portmess
friend of troopers everywhere

August 10, 2005

Words cant say sorry enough for your grief..I wish only to say your husband and father was a HERO to all he protected and served, someday along time from now when iam gone I only hope i can leave a positive impact like him on many young officers, once again sorry for your heartache and grief....Semper FI trooper Coates...Never Forgotten

Patrol Officer J.A. Lubert
Gastonia Police Dept , NC

August 3, 2005

trooper coates,
I watched your a couple months ago at work.....from now on every time i put on my uniform or make a traffic stop i do it for you......i do it so i can take someone like the man who killed you off of the streets...you made the ultimate sacrafice and to you i salute....you are not only a hero but a brothe for whom i will not forget....i keep you in my mind every day that i go to work put on my uniform and pin the badge to my chest..You were before and weill forever be my brother officer...You made the ultimate sacrifice and you will forever be remembered by police officers all of that world...Love, Your Brother officer

July 28, 2005

Sir, I would like to first start off by saying thank you for your service to us all. You will never be forgotten. I was taking a police exam today and they showed us your video.

Sir rest easy and protect us from HEAVEN

Police Intern Robert Lawrence III
Montgomery County Police Dept., MD

July 10, 2005

Mark, i watched your video in the libary at the SCCJA when i was in fire arms instructor training. I cried but I also learned from it.. Your death was not in vain my brother others have learned from that video.. one day I will be called to be with the lord and I know that you will be there standing next to GOD and St.Micheal and you will say welcome home my brother......

State Constable retired,C.T. D'Amato
MUSC/CofC

June 27, 2005

Trooper Coates,

I will start by telling you that you are a man of a men.I have seen the video of your last stop and if you do not get cold chills and feel a tear coming up from it you are not real. I have lost freinds from war, accidents and from the line of duty this badge calls us to do and I wanted the world to see that we still have heros and I know you are always watching over SC's highways and I'm sorry you were taking from the world but I'm really sorry for your family. May they always be blessed and under your watch. Rest well my freind. HOOORAAAA

Patrolman
Chatham County Police Dept

June 24, 2005

One of the first videos I ever saw during the academy was of this trooper's death. As long as I live, I will never forget what a poignant moment that was for me. Unless someone has done our job...it is not possible to fathom how much heart and courage it takes to do what we do. I have done so many traffic stops in my short tenure, but I can't help but think about this trooper's last traffic stop everytime I approach a car. It always seems like we can never win with public opinion and how society views us...but we still go on...I feel honored...to be amongst brave, brave people...everyone of us.

Officer Melinda DeKyle
Largo Police Department, Florida

June 16, 2005

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning just as brightly as his brass.
"Step foward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No lord. I gues I ain't. Because those of us who carry badges, can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays and at time my talk was rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the strees are awful tough."
"But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep... though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just to step."
"And I never passed a cry for help, though at time I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place mong the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear."
"If you have a place for me here, Lord it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had to much, But if you don't... I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne, where the saints had often trod, as the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step foward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk the beat on Heavens strees. You've done your time in hell."

L/Cpl. C. K. McLendon
Horry County Plice Dept.

June 11, 2005

While attending a police academy I had the opportunity to view the video from Tpr. Coates vehicle the night of his final stop. To say Tpr. Coates is brave would be an understatement. It was a terrifying reminder to us all to never let your guard down and to never become complacent with your daily work (which we are all guilty of at some point). May god be with you and your family. Thank you for your service.

Patrolman
Watertown Police Dept., New York

May 23, 2005

Although i never met you my brother officer i watched in horror as your young life was stolen from you. Trooper Coates, you have paid the ultimate sacrafice..God bless you Mark and you family and thank you for keeping us safe on your watch..

Deputy M. DaSilva
Rhode Island Sheriff's Dept.

May 16, 2005

Ive never seen the video of the death of trooper Coates. I am a student at UCS Upstate and I am leaving for Parris Island tomorrow of all times. I read the reflections that my father printed off for me to read and they caused me to have to hold back the tears from my eyes. My father, Bill Griffith, knew trooper Coates. He retired from the SCHP after 25 years and said that Mr. Coates was a good man. As a soon to be fellow Marine I have to say that Trooper Coates gives true meaning to the definition of the word courage. That he would lay down his life for the safety of others truly speaks highly of this man. He has also saved many lives through the tape of his courageous act and his family should be proud to have known such a great man. I am truly saddened by the fact that the majority of people in todays world do not show the proper respect and gratitude toward the people, like trooper Coates, who have risked their lives daily, whether in the military, policing, or both, to protect this country and make it a safe place to live. On the other hand, it makes me happy to see the people leaving reflections on this page to Mr. Coates and his family and to know that there are still some out there who do honor the brave men and women that have risked their lives for us. Someone once told me when I asked them about joining the service, "There isnt anyone in this country worth dying for." I have to disagree with that statement because of the people like trooper Coates and many other men and women who have put their lives on the line just so others can live in a safer place. IF ANYONE IS WORTH DYING FOR, IT IS MEN AND WOMEN LIKE MR MARK COATES WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES BEFORE US.
Rest in Peace SEMPER FI

Jared Griffith

May 14, 2005

I just saw your video in a police training class yesterday. It was certainly tragic the way things transpired. I do feel that the video will save many lives of law enforcement officers now and in years to come. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice you are not forgotten.

Patrolman
Fairfax Police Department

May 14, 2005

Mark, I got a chance to see the video when I was sent to Northern Virginia Police Academy so I can get some extra training to show the Marines in my charge, it was definitely a wake up call. I speak of your video constantly, and I always mention how you displayed the warrior spirit, the Corps values that we are taught from day one. Honor, Courage, Commitment. My prayers are always with you and your family. My eyes water everytime I drive on I-95 and see the section of the highway dedicated to you. Semper Fi. God Bless.

SSgt Norberto P Rodriguez
Military Police USMC

May 4, 2005

The video from that terrible night comes to my mind in every single traffic stop I make. I will never forget your voice and that of your back up after he arrived. I pray for your family. You are not forgotten.

Off II J. Pacheco
Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department

May 3, 2005

I remember hearing about your death when I was a young Marine attending MCT training in North Carolina. My dream was becomimg a New Jersey State Trooper so when I heard of your death I was extremely saddened. Your hard work and role in the South Carolina Highway Patrol was not a surprise because you were a Marine, the best of the best. I now patrol the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and think about you, about the dangers that you faced, God Bless You Devil Dog, and Semper Fi.
"When he gets to heaven, St Peter he will tell, another Marine reporting sir, I served my time and hell."
Tpr. Glenn Robertson
New Jersey State Police

Trooper Glenn Robertson
New Jersey State Police

April 29, 2005

I had worked 1st shift on 11-19-92 the day before you were taken away from us so I was in bed asleep when it happened and was across the state. I woke up that morning and headed to Clemson to work the U.S.C. vs Clemson football game. This is when I got the terrible news. I thought about you the rest of the day. I remembered you when I was one of your instructors at the academy when you were a recruit. You had "Marine Corp." written all over you. I favored you from the start. I remember you when we were instructors together and at inservice training. You were sharp as a tack. Before the game that day the announcer came over the public address system and asked for a moment of silence in your memory and to honor you. It was the first and last time I ever heard that silence from 80,000 Clemson-Carolina football fans. I thought my eyes would never dry that day. You were a great Marine, Trooper, Father, and Friend. You were USMC and I was US Army but my son who is a criminal justice major leaves for Parris Island in May 16. I hope he returns just half the man that you were. I miss you Pal but I will always remember you. You fought to the end never giving up. A real Devil Dog Trooper.

Sgt. W.R. Griffith JR. (Ret.)
S.C.H.P.

April 28, 2005

Trooper Coates,
I am a student majoring in Criminal Justice hoping to be a federal agent one day, my father is also a police officer in my home town of East Lyme. After seeing your final stop in one of my Crim classes I was in awe. I cried for you, and now I now hug my father tighter when he leaves to go work and tell him I love him everytime I talk to him, knowing the possible consequences of the job. Trooper Coates after seeing the video and having to write a paper reflecting on it, two main words stuck out in my mind. Your actions reflect the definitions and so much more.
1)Hero; b: an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage.
2)Self-Sacrifice: : sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or for a cause or ideal.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you dedication and your sacrifice.

Lauren F. Roland
Central Connecticut State University

April 6, 2005

Mark, I still remember witnessing the video where your life ended. I could hear the pain and fear in your voice as you radioed for help, and I just remembered feeling an unimaginable helplessness and sorrow, already knowing the eventual outcome. Mark, I have only been an officer now for about 3 years, but not a shift goes by where your voice does not resonate as a daily reminder. Be at peace brother, we have the watch.

anonymous
NAS Oceana Police Precinct

March 30, 2005

Trooper Coates,

I am in a police academy and they showed us your final stop. I have no words to express how i felt after i viewed it. I consider you a hero and my prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace brother.

Jailer Jimmy Hill
McCulloch County Sheriff's Office

March 18, 2005

Trooper Coates,
I had the honor of meeting your mother and sitting next to her during a training seminar for the Concerns Of Police Survivors. I knew right away after hearing her name and knowing she was from South Carolina that she was your mother. For me,it brought back those very tramatic and sad memories of the events that unfolded(November 20,1992)in the video that was shown to my academy class many years ago. It has been a very useful/dramatic/real tool in showing new law enforcement officers the potential for threats that may occur in a blink of an eye. I mourn the loss of your life, cut short hear on earth and my heart goes out to your entire family and friends. As you look down upon us, we in law enforcement carry on with you in our thoughts and prayers. Blue Skies!!

Patrol Officer
Montgomery County Police Department, MD

March 16, 2005