Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ricky Dale you sure were one of a kind. We were talking about you today and how not only were you a great deputy because of the easy way you connected with everyone but just what an awesome man you were. I remember you worked my brother and both sisters wrecks. My brother and oldest sister wrecked in the same place on Berkey rd and when daddy got there how you told him there must've been a spot of oil back there, there's a slick spot, to keep them out of trouble with him because they were going a little too fast for that curve in the rain lol. You were killed before I had my wreck but I know you would've said the same thing, now Richard she's not hurt it could've been worse cause of that slick spot back there. Boy how we sure do miss you around here. We still pray for Lisa and your extended family and know your momma is in Heaven with you now walking those streets of gold. And now you have uncle Joe to cut up with again there too, so you two give Jesus a break every now and then lol. Thank God you were here even if it was only for too short of a time. Though you truly made the most of it. Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice to our community and country. Rest in peace in the arms of our Father. We love and miss you buddy!

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Shelton family
Ret. GCSD, Ret. constable, blue line family

October 21, 2023

I want to thank all of you for your kind words about my brother.
He was an awesome brother, as well as an awesome officer. I still miss Rick so very much. I know he's in heaven with our parents and one of my children.
Life goes on, but one day I'll see him, again.

Lisa Coyle-Prichard
Rick's sister

November 23, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 25, 2020

One of the best people you could ever know. Deputy Coyle you are never forgotten. Thank you for your service and being a class act in every thing you did.
May God bless your family and all the Fine employees of the Greene County Sheriff Department.

Kenny Wesley Collins
Knox County School Division
Knoxville Tennessee

September 25, 2020

Sgt. Coyle,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol

September 25, 2020

It's HARD to believe that it's been 25 YEARS ago today. It seems so long ago but also not long at all. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND WE GOT THIS NOW.

Captain Terry L. Rader
Greene County Sheriff's Department

September 25, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Coyle.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 13, 2019

I am Rick's sister, and I live in Morristown, TN, now.
Our mother passed away in Morristown in 2013.

Thank you for honoring my brother on this site.
I am our family's final survivor. I miss my family!

Lisa Coyle-Prichard
Sister

September 25, 2018

Rick,I was cleaning my old Model 59 S&W 9mm today and thought about you and how you always said to leave that gun to you in my will.You always made everyone laugh and you truly made everyone a better human being

Steve Rimmer
Deputy

February 3, 2018

Rick, i remember passing you not long before you were shot, you stuck your tongue out and smiled at me.

Donald Dean

January 9, 2018

Sgt. Coyle,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 25, 2017

You were killed, NO you were murdered on September 25, 1995. I was working day shift and at that time that was 7a.m.- 3p.m. It was a Monday that tragic day and I saw you at the department of transportation building that morning at about 9 a.m. because we were trading out patrol cars that day. you were going on with a bunch of silly stuff as usual and making me laugh. I remember you telling me that you had been working with the greene county sheriff's department for 16 years now and you were excited because you told me this was the first ever new patrol car that you had gotten. I did not realize this was the last time that I would ever talk to you again and see you alive. you drove off as I watched and then you went on duty at 3 p.m. that day and drove that new car for 5 hours and then was killed. I will never forget that call at 8 p.m. that night calling all off duty officers back to work. I could not believe when I heard that you had been shot and I had talked and joked with you only 11 hours earlier. I remember standing outside of the emergency room that night around midnight and hearing the news that you had passed away. I remember going to work the next day at 7 a.m. and thinking WOW nothing changes and the calls keep coming in.... REST IN PEACE RICK..YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lieutenant Terry L. Rader
Greene County Sheriff's Department

July 9, 2016

I will never forget Rick.His laugh and that little bounce in his walk he had. A smile that was truly genuine and a good friend. I had the pleasure of working with Rick and I thank GOD for giving me the priviledge to know him . He was one of the best people I've ever known and a great officer.

Sgt.Glenna Estepp
Greene county Sheriff dept.

September 25, 2012

I had lost touch with Rick after we had worked together at Illinois Yarn Co in Rochelle, Il, the other day something reminded me of Rick so I thought I would Google his name, I was shocked to read about his sensless death. Rick was a great guy, very funny and kind, My heart goes out to his family.

Pete Esterday
Old friend

September 23, 2012

I have fond memories of serving with R.D. in the USAF. He always made us laugh no matter how bad the situation was.rest in peace my brother. Remo Leoni Chicago Police Department.

PO Remo Leoni
Chicago Police Department

April 28, 2011

Rick was the very first person I met at the Greene County Sheriff's Dept. on 9-12-83, my first day at work. He was a dispatcher then. I will never forget how he smiled and laughed with me that day. He made me feel so much more at ease. Through the years, we became friends. We had a football rivalry: He loved the Chicago Bears and I loved the Dallas Cowboys. Every Mon. morning, if the Cowboys had won their game on Sunday, I'd get on the radio and simply say, "hey Rick. How 'bout them Cowboys?" When the Bears released a record called "The Super Bowl Shuffle" I had to buy a copy for Rick. Apparently he loved it because he told me often, "Rhonda, I've never taken the record out of the wrapper. It's still on my dresser just the way you gave it to me". Later, he gave me a gift that I will always cherish, a wool Cowboys hat that still hangs on my bedpost. After my daughter was born in 1990, he would always call me "mom". In fact, that was what he said to me the last day I saw him. He was getting in his patrol car a few days before he died. He saw me going into the Courthouse and he yelled, "MOM" as loud as he could and waved at me.
Rick, I miss you...we all do. You were one of a kind. I am blessed that I knew you.
And by the way Rick, "Bailey-ton" as you always said it, is "Belton" around here. (He always laughed at that)
I'll never forget you.

Rhonda Craft Youth Services Officer
Greene County Juvenile Court

July 16, 2009

RIP BROTHER. WE REMEMBER.

OFFICER
AND MEMBER OF WSCC CLASS 69

December 19, 2008

To Sgt. Ricky Coyle and his loved ones:

On this the thirteenth anniversary after your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Ricky Coyle. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ricky gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 25, 1995.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen Officer Larry Lasater

September 25, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 29, 2008

Rick, it's been a long time since that afternoon that you left my office to go and work the wreck that ultimately led to your death. I've often wondered if you volunteered for that call because you felt danger and wanted to save another officer's life. I will never forget the last time we talked. You came into the office joking and laughing, like always, trying to make sure I was in a good mood! You always wanted everybody to be laughing with you and we were! You were watching over us that day and continue to watch over us now. We love and miss you, "you old sea dog you"!!

From a friend and co-worker
Lori Rader

Dispatch Lori Rader
Greene County Sheriff's Dept

January 22, 2008

I lost the best friend anyone could ever have. Cus your 54th birthday is coming up on Feb 8th. Happy Birthday in Heaven. Not a day goes by that you're not in my thoughts. I miss you dearly but I know you're still with me. Who loves ya...

Deb
Best Friend / Cousin

January 7, 2008

Thank you for your service, you are not forgotten. I want to think that you have been by my side on several nights when things were going bad, stopping me from getting hurt, watching my back. You were gone before I started with the Police Department, but you are not forgotten. Your spirit still lives within all of us in Greene County when we go on duty. God Bless You.

Patrolman Shane Matthews
Greeneville Police Department / WSCC Police Academy

August 7, 2007

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

June 21, 2007

I NEVER KNEW YOU PERSONALY,BUT IV HERD MY FATHER TALK ABOUT WHAT A GOOD FRIEND AND OFFICER YOU WERE.I KNOW YOU ARE STILL WATCHING OVER YOUR FELLOW OFFICER AND STEERING US AWAY FROM DANGER.

PTL NAKIA TWEED
GREENE COUNTY SO

December 4, 2006

I never knew you, but i have heard alot of stories about how wonderful you were... REST IN PEACE..

A. Elswick

October 1, 2006