Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I carry your memory in spirit, every time I suit up for my shift. Rest in peace brother. You are not forgotten.

anonymous

March 8, 2005

Trooper Coates,

The first time I seen the video of your last traffic stop was a few years ago in the police academy. I would like to thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. Lots of new recruits have learned much from what happened on your last stop and will put that knowlege to good use. Please Rest in Peace and know that your brothers in arms will carry on the watch. May god bless your family and friends, as well as ease that pain and suffering from your loss. Godspeed

PSO Ryan Erwin
Watauga DPS, TX

March 6, 2005

Officer Coats was the officer who was dispatched to the scene when I was involed in an accident once I cant remember the date I was sadden when I heard of him being killed he was the nicest person I have ever met in law inforcement I will never for get him

Priscilla McCullough
none/self

February 19, 2005

I saw the tape of Trooper Coates traffic stop, and sickening murder in my class in rookie school. It hurts deeply that a person hasn't enough feeling to do something like this. I'll never forget the painful screams in the tape, and how a simple traffic stop can turn into something like this. Mark Coates, I didn't know you, but I feel like I did. God Bless you and your family, we will all see you again one day in a better place!

BLET Rookie, Jon M.
Gaston College- Dallas, NC

February 15, 2005

Never forgotten.

K. Rose
Lehi PD (Utah)

February 4, 2005

Mark, I am just finishing up a two week drug interdiction course with my department. Your stop was shown, and like the many times I have seen it before, I shed tears. Although you are gone, please know that your memory lives on in thousands of police officers nationwide. We lost one of our family that night. A Trooper, a Marine, a father and as I consider you, a brother. We never met, however you have helped and saved many an officer I am sure. Know that you are still helping those who help to protect and serve. Please rest easy and know we are still out there fighting the good fight, and believe that what we do is going to make many citizens safe and secure to return to their families each night. Thank you, Sir for your tour of duty.

Corporal Mark Rivera
Maryland State Police

February 3, 2005

I have seen your tape a dozen times and it still gives me chills every time I watch it. That video has probably saved a hundred officers by now, if not more. Thank you for all you have done, both before and after your tragic death. I know that you have forever changed me as a person and as an officer. God bless you and rest easy, Brother.

P.O. Michael Ferrarella
Oakland Police, NJ

January 28, 2005

Trooper Coates, I must have seen that video a thousand times and each time it scares me to death. Your death will never be in vain even though the killer is still living in prison, he will one day be judged in a different court where the punishment will definitely fit the crime. May you rest in peace.

Joseph McInerney
Chicago Police Department

January 17, 2005

I first saw the video tape a number of years ago in a training course for newly hired police officers. I have since seen the tape a number of times and wonder how many officers (new and old) have become smarter and better prepared officers. Hundreds, thousands who knows. Mark rest in peace knowing that your death was not in vain. That many officers are alive today from the training that they received from your video.

Sgt.Eddie Bounds (Retired)
Jacksonville Beac h Police Dept.

January 2, 2005

I saw the tape tonight for the first time and I don't know what to say. Rest Mark, we got it from here.

December 12, 2004

It was a Sunday morning a couple of years ago and our shift briefing was about to begin. I saw a training video on the table so I put it in the VCR. My squad mates and I watched the video and I realized I had seen it before. You could have heard a pin drop on the carpet when the video ended. My Sgt. simply said, "please be safe", as we headed out to patrol the city. We all became a little closer that day and we realized how fast it can all end. I can't watch the video without shedding a tear and wishing I had been there to back you up. God Bless you and your family.

L Phillips
CSPD, Texas

December 9, 2004

Rest easy, Brother. You are not forgotten.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 4, 2004

Trooper Coates a very brave police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his community. God bless you and your family, friends, fellow police officers. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

December 3, 2004

Mark, on this the 12th anniversary of your murder, we all honor you . . . as we always do. I continue to talk to you as I pass the location of your murder on Interstate 95. I hope you hear me. Rest easy Mark. With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 20, 2004

While attending a drug interdiction course this week I, Like many others, watched in horror as this brave soldier fought his last battle. I prayed for for his family and co-workers as I did my best to fight back the tears. Words alone cannot express the many emotions I felt during this brief look into a fellow officers worst nightmare.

Having also read many reflections left for Officer Robbie Bishop, I would like pass on this little message that I found. I have adopted this saying and carry it with me in my cruiser as a remembrance of those who payed the ultimate price.

SIC VIS PACEM PARABELlUM
(If you want peace, prepare for war)

Sgt. Larry Covey
LafayetteTwp. Police

November 18, 2004

I have watched the film of what happen to you in the police academy that I am in now. My classmates and I thank you for your service and bravery. You will always be missed and never forgotten. Always walk with us in spirit. God bless you!

TSgt Jeffrey Outlar
U.S.Air Force

October 28, 2004

I was a rookie when I saw the video,
of the horrible night that you fell.
I remember fighting back tears
as my throat began to swell.

I remember making you a promise
to pursue the fight that you fought,
and to provide the gift of Peace
that by your very life was bought.

Each day as I prepare for work
and pull my body armor tight,
I remember Trooper Mark Coates
who gave all that he had that night.

A Brother in Blue.

Patrolman Argeropoulos
Paola Police Department

October 28, 2004

The video to this tragedy is almost too much for words. My sympathy and prayers go out to Trooper Coates' family and friends.

Ofc. Jonathan F. Esposito
Lighthouse Point Police Dept., FL

October 28, 2004

Mark, Thank you for saving my life and many others.

Ptl CC McQueen
SPD

October 21, 2004

I would like to leave my condolences to all that loved Mark. I often drive I-95 during business trips, and say a prayer for you and Mark. I would like you all to know that his death was not in vein. Many police officers and Marines have learned from his tragic death, and I assure you, it has saved others lives. Mark's bravery is not forgotten. Semper Fidleis, Dave

fmr SSgt David J. Nawrocki
USMC, PMO, MCAS New River

October 3, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 29, 2004

Your legacy lives on. Just like many other Law Enforcement professionals that have watched the video, there was nothing but silence for 10 minutes after the video ended. I thank you, Trooper Coates, for I remember you everyday before I go out on patrol. God Bless your family.

Officer II J. Pacheco
MD Transportation Authority Police Dept

September 29, 2004

To Trooper Coates and family. I have read many of the messages and mine is similar. I cannot remember the last time that I shed a tear up until I watched the video as a training aid in the academy. I wanted so badly to be there at his side fighting with him. It tore me up emotionally to a degree that I have never experienced. I was furious and at the same time as helpless as a baby because there was nothing I could do. Through all of the negative I found positive. Trooper Coates' tragedy reminded me that nothing is EVER routine and that things can turn from ok to a nightmare in the course of one second. When Trooper Coates went to the ground with the suspect I did not see one ounce of quit in him. He never gave up. This reinforced to me that, "it ain't over till its over, fight to the end." Trooper Coates, sir, you did not die in vain, my entire class learned from your experience. Another person that I would like to mention and the only thing that I remember is that he was an African-American Trooper whose name was "Jake" that was the first assist officer on the scene. Sir from what I saw on that video your actions in helping Trooper Coates were amazing. It felt great watching you arrive on scene and take control of such a horrible situation as best you could. You did not falter or hesistate. God Bless You sir. This message to the coward that ended the life of a hero. To the coward that could not face his wrongs like a man. Good Riddance.

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Sons of God."

Matthew 5:9

Andrew Young, Police Academy Graduate 16
Weatherford Coll Law Enforcement Academy, Weatherford, Texas

September 18, 2004

To the family of Trooper Coates. Before each shift begins, I watch the horrible events of that tragic night. That memory stays with me the entire shift. Trooper Coates in his death has saved my life on numerous occassions. Even in eternal rest, his lesson continues. Thank You my brother. Watch over all of us.

Deputy
Butlet County Sheriff

September 6, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward 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 guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully 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 too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too 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 judgement of his god.

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

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

August 23, 2004