Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember watching this video shortly after this happened. I was working in a rural area as a deputy sheriff at the time. This incident really hit home and, because of his sacrifice, imprinted many lessons in me. May he rest in peace.

Detective Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood PD

March 12, 2016

I was traveling on I-95 this weekend when I happened along the sign designating that portion of Interstate as a memorial to Trooper Coates. I immediately recognized the name. As an officer/instructor with the NMSP eleven years ago, I used video from this incident during our patrol operations training. My heart sank realizing that I was in the area of this tragic incident just as it did the first time I learned of this tragic loss.
God Bless Trooper Coates, his family and the South Carolina HIghway Patrol. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

DG Holley
Instructor- FLETC/ NMSP- Retired

October 25, 2015

I along with a fellow Officer Matt Ross had the pleasure of meeting Trooper Coates Mother last week while at the Candle Light Vigil in DC at Police Week. We just happened to be standing at the wall where Trooper Coates name was engraved when his Mother came to look for his name. She showed us his name and we both immediately recognized his name from the video that was shown during the academy. His mother gave us a hug and thanked us for our service. She was a great lady.

Lieutenant Steven Sweeney
Boston Police Department

May 20, 2015

Semper Fi Brother

Officer
Kimball Police NE

May 2, 2015

I'm in BLET in North Carolina I am currently employed by the Wilson county Police Dept. We watched the video in class and it brought tears to my eyes no man should have to die like that. At least you gave that jerk off some .357 scars to remember you buy RIP Trooper. Coates you will be forever remembered.

Police Officer 1 Bobby Knight
Wilson PD NC

April 13, 2015

RIP brother, thoughts to all officers and the families

Capt George Gardiner
Charleston Fire Dept

November 21, 2014

Semper Fi, My brother in arms

Peri Johnson
USMC

December 8, 2013

RIP Brother.......

RET. DEPUTY G V DAUNHAUER
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

November 20, 2013

As troopers from the 66th GSP Trooper School celebrate another year of service, your family reflects and remembers that fateful night, 11/20/1992. Prayers of comfort are being said today for your family.

In Christ,
Clay

Lt. Clay Kicklighter, #51
Georgia State Patrol

November 20, 2013

Mark gave me and Rudy our first high and tight haircuts when he was a Paramedic with Lexington county. Driving his old F100, Saturday mornings Mark would bring his son to the Irmo fire station, drinking coffee with the crews and carrying his boy on his shoulder, showing him the trucks.

Shawn Raye
friend

November 12, 2013

I find it hard to express the emotions I feel when your name comes up in a conversation. I never had the honor of meeting you, yet I feel sadness and anger every time I hear your story or watch the video. You didn't deserve that. Those who knew you speak very highly of you and it's clear that you touched many lives. People love you. We, your brothers and sisters in uniform, respect you. You sacrifice has not, and will not be forgotten. My family and I wish to thank you for your brave and honorable service to our great country. You continue to inspire, teach, and save lives. You are a hero and have earned your wings. Rest easy my brother.

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Honor Guard Member

March 29, 2013

Last night I was shocked to hear that I received the award named in your honor for Troop 3 in 2012. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, whiie you are gone your memory lives on.

God Bless

L/Cpl. J.B. Cannon
South Carolina Highway Patrol

February 8, 2013

It's never mentioned, but Trooper Coates also served as a EMT and Paramedic with Lexington County EMS in the mid 80s. He was in paramedic school when I first began my career. I recall many shifts working with him as my Crew Chief. He was a great mentor, co-worker, professional and servant to the people in my career also. The day he died is also my birthday and every birthday since, he has been in my thoughts. I think he would be pleased that this incident could serve as such a powerful lesson for all of us in Public Safety as he continues to serve us all.

Captain J. Stuart Platt
Lexington County EMS

January 7, 2013

I attended the event where the cross was dedicated. The "Trooper Coates shooting" is something they always made us study in training & it's always in the back of my mind. I never thought I'd be working the same piece of interstate that it happened. Every time I pass that spot I am reminded of your bravery & dedication to duty & I am inspired to keep fighting the same fight. We all walk the same thin blue line, officers, deputies, & troopers alike & anyone who has ever put on a badge & walked out into the night has a special reverence & respect for you Mark. Semper Fi Marine.

Pfc Frank Josef Vopasek
Hardeeville Police Department

December 10, 2012

Today we will erect a cross in your honor, my K9 "Coates" and I will continue the fight in your honor for years to come. You would be proud. RIP

Cpl Steven English
South Carolina Highway Patrol

November 20, 2012

Two decades may have passed since you were called away, but those that love you dearly miss you every minute of every day. I'm sure it has been a long and rocky road for them without you here. Continue to keep watch over them and know that you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and also to your Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 19, 2012

THANKS TO OFFICERS LIKE CORPORAL A.S. ENGLISH YOUR MEMORY STAYS ALIVE.OFFICERS REMEMBERING FELLOW OFFICERS.

KENNETH MACBRIDE
BUILDERS FIRST SOURCE

November 12, 2012

Semper Fi

Cpl VT
Marine Corps

November 10, 2012

11/20/92 will be a day that will always be bitter/sweet for me. On this date, I graduated from the 66th Georgia State Patrol School. I remember driving home that afternoon and taking pictures of my patrol car that night. This day was one of the best days in my life but it was one of the worst days if not the worst for your family. I called your mother about 6 years ago just to tell her that I had thought about your family many times over the years. Even though I never knew you, when I spoke with your mother, it was very emotional for me. I can't explain the deep sense of loss I feel. As the anniversary of my graduation approaches, I will pause and reflect on your graduation from this world to your heavenly home. I will say a pray for your family. Hope all is well with them.

In Christ,
Clay

Lt. Clay Kicklighter, #51
Georgia State Patrol

November 3, 2012

I responded as backup for HPD, his sacrifice and video review of what occured before my arrival probably saved my life more than once.

God Bless and God Speed Warrior.

SSGT. KEEFNER
HPD

September 19, 2012

Every time I hear or see this video I get emotional. This hurts deeply as a fellow brother in blue.

Chief Roman Sanchez
Walker River Police

August 30, 2012

I watched your video earlier this year in the academy, and it brought many emotions. As a fellow Marine Corps veteran and peace officer, your death hurts that much more. I know you are watching down on all of us and I hope your family has found peace.

Deputy
Catoosa County Sheriff's Office

August 26, 2012

Trooper Coates,

I remember the first time I ever saw the video from your dash cam in the academy. Thank you for serving our country with both the Marine Corp and the Highway Patrol. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, and neither will you.

Rest in peace, brother.

Deputy L. Schwendeman #612
Washington County Sheriff's Department (OH)

June 10, 2012

Mark was an Inspiration in my life when he worked the I-26 IRMO area to the Newberry County Line. I was a Police Cadet for Irmo Police Department in the late 80s . I guess I was about 15 or 16 years old then and felt he was indestructible. I watched his every movement and tried to walk and talk like him back then. You see I had this “agreement” with him and some of the other Highway Patrolmen at the time and we would park my car on 26 and he, along with other close Highway Patrolmen would pick me up just so I could ride with them in that Highway Patrol car. I watched him as we cut the grass median to grab a speeder with a rooster tail of grass flying in the air! I would hold his hat and wait for him to say “Cover” as we pulled up behind the car and I was so proud to slide that thing out of the hat press and hand it to him I felt like I was the MAN. I watched him adjust that “Cover” and “Move with a Purpose” as he would say, walk up to that car, body bladed, uniform perfectly creased and “Squared Away” as he said, and I would just Dream of the day I could be like him. He would tell me “Keep ya eyes on him” as he stroked out that ticket and, Wow, what a mission I had, My eyes were locked on that speeder and didn’t come off until I heard the ticket book flap together and he approached the speeder again. Even then my eyes were locked on him. We had long talks of Military life, the Academy (that was nothing like the USMC) and life in general. This guy was the Best! I modeled myself after him starting with my Cadet Uniform. He told me how to drench the uniform in starch and iron with full steam when it was dry. No double creases or guess what, do it over. Shoes were to be polished by rubbing on Kiwi with your finger and heating it with the lighter then rubbed in tiny circles with a cotton t shirt and small dabs of water until it looks like glass. “Patten leather was for the Air Force” not us. This man taught me all the tricks. Then he moved on to the specialized team and I moved on with my life seeing him every so often. I became a Cop with Lexington City Police because I could not wait to get in uniform. Practiced all the things he taught me. As I progressed in my career his sayings would repeat in my head. “keep ya weapon clean kid, or it will fail I time of combat, it’s the only thing you have between you and the enemy.” I went against his advise to become a MARINE and joined the ARMY as an MP. Started a family and moved to the Charleston area. So never heard from Mark much after that. I will never forget the day I attended an Officer Survival class put on by the 100 Club. It was literally a class that effected the rest of my life. I sat in the class watching some videos with 50 0r 60 fellow officers. We watched several videos of officers being killed in the line of duty. Learned several tactics to keep us safe and be aware of. And took a small break. Upon our return the next video rolled. I saw “The Walk”, I saw “The Crisp Uniform” I saw, “The Cover”, I saw “The Man” the man who inspired my life like no other, Mark Coates. I said to my partner sitting next to me now is the time we are going to see the flipside of the Officers being down! I told my partner, as we watched the video Mark is probably going to “Open a Can” and I watched Mark as I did when I was a kid. Step By Step, Step By Step, clearly hearing his voice and thinking how I have seen him do this so many times. My anticipation peaked at the beginning of the search and my Breath was suddenly taken away. Mark didn’t appear to be winning this. He was on his back?, I said . Come on Mark, I had an Immediate adrenalin drop, Shoot Mark Shoot, when finally, thunder rang out Mark was getting him! Thank God I said, No Way this guy is taking him! Then I see the guy still moving? No way, final shot rings out, Mark Screams on the Radio and takes the last few steps I ever witnessed him take. I’m Stunned to this very day Mark. I value your teachings and pass them on to my troops now. Thanks for keeping me safe Brother. God Bless your family. Wish I was riding Shotgun with ya that day Brother! Remember what ya told me when I asked ya if you were afraid to die, while sitting at the weigh station on I-26, Marines die, that's what we're here for! But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means I live forever, I understand that now. I also figured out where ya got that saying from.


Sgt Robert Boris
Berkeley County Sheriffs Office
Selective Enforcement Team

Sgt. Robert C Boris
Berkeley County Sheriffs Office Selective Enforcement Team : Friend

November 20, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2011