Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lcpl Coates, I like millions of others have seen your tragic video. All I can think of is that God needed another Marine to stand watch over his gates. Your death was a tragedy, and we all take the oath to defend the public's lives and property, even if it means our life, that does not mean we have to like it. The citizens of South Carolina should feel proud and very well protected knowing there are Troopers like yourself "Fighting what you fear". Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Officer Josh Garner
Ga Depr Corrections

We watched this video in class last night and it really changed the way I look at the carrer I am about to get into. My prayers go out to his family. This video changed my life.

Ronald Butler
BLET #92 Gaston Community College

As a Law Enforcement officer I have had the horrible experience of seeing this video many times. Every time I see the video it bring tears to my eyes and I sit there in wonder and always ask myself the same question that police officers ask when some like this goes wrong. Why? Not a day goes by that I don't put to use the lesson's that can be used from the horrible senseless act of cruelty and bloodshed towards all police officers. This video effects us all in the Law Enforcement community. When Trooper Coates Died on that horrible night a peace of every Police Officer, Trooper, Deputy, etc., died with him on that traffic stop. I wish there was more that could be done for Trooper Coates than leaving this poem in his memory and using things from this horrible event that maybe one day will save the life of one of our Fellow Brothers and Sister's who every day put on the Badge and look danger in the eye

"U.S. Air Force Security Police Prayer":
Lord, you have called us to be guardians
of a nation founded on your principles.
Whatever our tasks as Security Police men and women,
we do them to serve you and our nation.
We are proud to accept the responsibility of this high calling.
We dedicated ourselves to our vocation,
and ask for guidance and courage
in aiding our people to live with dignity, in safety and peace.
We know that true security comes from your presence,
so we pray with the psalmist:
You bless those who obey you, Lord;
You love protects them like a shield.
Use us, O Lord, as a shield for your people,
reflecting your security and peace.



Amen

SRA Jason Slaughter
United States Air Force Security Police

Mark,
Your death was absolute senseless tragedy. Like many others I remember watching the video of your last traffic stop, like all others I had tears in my eyes and bumps on my arms. Every traffic stop I have ever made the thought of you in always in the back of my mind. I took a picture of you in uniform and put it on my ticket book, so each and every time I get out my car I think of you and the sacrifice you made. You died so that other could live. You are my hero and you will live forever through me and other officer like me, we continue to struggle each and everyday without you here on earth.....Rest easy bro!

Donald K Bond (EOW 9-6-01)
Julie R Jacks (EOW 5-6-02)

Officer C Penney
Chattanooga Police Department

I just completed the Del Mar Regional Police Academy last fall, and we watched the video of the tragic death of Trooper Coates. I remember thinking there is no way anything is going to go wrong. Everything appeared to be going smoothly during the stop. At the same time, I was anticipating the innevitable. I learned a lot from Trooper Coates--always expect the unexpected and take nothing for granted. Trooper Coates showed strength and courage and will always be an ispiration to me.

Ptlm. John Anthony Sandoval
Kingsville Police Department

As an aspiring young law enforcement student I have seen the video from your squad cam of that terrible night in Nov. 1992 a couple times. Each time I have felt great sadness. But also inspired to continue where those who didn't get that chance to come home at the end of their shift have left off. Watch over us in the law enforcement community in our daily struggles. Thank You.

Reserve Sgt. Andrew Dixon
Maplewood PD MN

I'm currently attending the night-time criminal justice academy, and we watched the video last week. I cannot begin to express the feelings that I encountered. I felt anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and more hatred than I've felt in a while. I will never second guess that video, nor the actions done that day by Trooper Coates . . but I know that by watching that video I can add some things into my "tool belt." I do know this . . that was a one in a million shot fired by Blackburn and that tells me that when Almighty God calls for one of his children to come home . . it is time. May you rest in peace brother. God Bless You.

Anonymous

I have learned so much from the untimely death of Trooper Coates. I couldn't help but wipe the tears from my eyes as I watched the video. Since seeing this tragedy, I watch for hands in the pockets, and I never pass another officer who is on a traffic stop. I always stop and give backup. May you rest in peace Mark. I'll be honored to meet you in heaven someday.

PTLM. Brandon S. Roberts
Cedar Key Police Dept. Florida

If ever there was a spirirt of "I won't give up.", it was displayed by Trooper Coates. As many have said, I also witnessed the video while in training. I knew then that the career that I had chosen was dangerous. Trooper Coates passing was not in vain. It helped me as well as my fellow trainees realize that we need to be alert to all possibilities. To Trooper Coates family, God bless you.

Deputy Chad Collins
Florence County SO

Trooper Coates,
I, too, have seen the in car video taken from your cruiser showing the graphic details of how you stopped a violent criminal one moment and fought to hang on to your life in the next. It all happened very quickly and unexpectedly. I was shown your video in the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training basic academy class #265. I have made it on the streets for 5 years now and I owe it to you. You see, every time I stop a vehicle I think of you calling Ridgeland for help. The ultimate sacrafice that you made continues to help new officers to be trained. I hope that it makes the same impact on them as it made on me 5 years ago.
May God watch over you as you walk the beat on your final tour. Thank you.

Trp. John Ballard
Kentucky Horse Park Police

May everyone always remember what Trooper Coates was doing. "Protecting our lives with his". God bless his family.

Justin Farnan,Patrolman
Red Oak PD,Iowa

I'm taken Basic Law Enforcment training right now, and our class just watched the video of this horrible traffic stop. At the end of the video my stomach was in my throat and I was sick. The trooper had no idea the suspect was a threat. I guess what we can learn from this is to approach everyone (big or small, male or female) as a threat. I walked away from this video with alot. I will alway remember this stop. My heart goes out to Trooper Coates family. May God Bless You.

Trainee Officer Postell
Andrews PD

I saw the tragic death of Trooper Coates while I was a recruit at the Northern VA criminal Justice Academy,and it hit me harder than anything else in the Academy. To a fellow Marine and Officer I just wanted to say Semper Fi brother you and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Deputy John Davis
Arlington County Sheriffs

"So that others may live..."

His death will not be in vain! Trooper Coates is in the back of my mind on every traffic stop I make. ALWAYS watch their hands, and be safe out there.

Anonymous