Officer Down Memorial Page

Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Sutton is playing football this year. Mark Jr is playing the big drum in marching band. Each first that has come along emphasizes the fact that you are no longer with us. This past Friday I went to the mall with Shane and Gracie. After I dropped them off I realized that was just one more thing I would not get to do with you. I still have a big hole in my heart. I miss you so much. Everyone tells me it will get easier with time but so far it hasn't. I still expect you to walk through the door with that big smile asking what's for dinner. It is so hard to believe two years have passed and it will soon be three. I love you son and I am so proud of the wonderful man you became.

Lynne Tuck
Mom
August 29, 2011

Brandon i look at your pic everyday i go to work i look up and still see your smile a smile that will always stay with me

deputy
December 16, 2010

I miss and love you Brandon!!

rbk
friend
June 26, 2010

To Deputy Brandon Scott Coker, his family and his fellow officers with the Vance County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Coker’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Coker and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
April 25, 2010

Brandon Coker was not just a friend but also a brother who we love and miss each and every day. There are some days when I am riding around and I start to think about you and remember all the fun and crazy times we had. Well I know you are in a better place looking over us. Well rest easy my brother we love and miss you.

Deputy T.C Wallace VCSO
Friend
April 15, 2010

Brandon we still see you smile you had the smile that showed that you were a great friend

Anonymous
March 17, 2010

Brandon, you were the best in all of us. kind, smart, brave, and dedecated. i will never forget you, and will miss you always. i am greatful for having gotten to know you.
Chase

Ofc. Chase Stott
February 1, 2010

Not a day goes by that we don't miss you and remember you. What a wonderful son you were and a great blessing to all that had the pleasure of knowing you. A friend to many. You truly touched us all, even in your very short life, some without ever realizing it. I will see you again one day, and it won't be too soon. A special thank you for watching over us while serving and protecting the community that we live in.

Love, Daddy.

Wayne Coker
Father
January 11, 2010

In disbelief about the situation. When we were at Fort Bragg as Parachute Riggers, he was always a person that could keep you laughing in a good mood while you deal with stressful situations. He will be truly missed.

Harold Lawrence
friend
January 7, 2010

Deputy coker and I talked a lot about him possibly becoming a k-9 handler. we also talked a lot about our families and his love of video games.Deputy coker was a friend of mine and I think about him often. I know you are watching us Brandon and we will never forget you my friend.

Sgt N R Shearin
VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE --FRIEND
November 4, 2009

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Deputy Coker's family. May he rest in peace.

Beverly Phillips
Mother, Michael Phillips, VBPD EOW 8-7-08
November 3, 2009

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. If ever you need to talk to someone or if you would like to know more about the support that NC Concerns of Police Survivors (NC C.O.P.S.)can offer, please don't hesitate to contact me. They have been a blessing to myself and my boys.
Catherine Callemyn [email protected]

Catherine Callemyn
Widow of Officer Charles J Callemyn EOW 2-17-07 Durham NC Police Dept
September 1, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Brandon Scott Coker,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Brandon Scott Coker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Brandon Scott Coker is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
June 24, 2009

To Deputy Brandon Scott Coker, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Brandon's death and extend my sincerest condolrences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Coker family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Brandon's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Brandon gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 25, 2009.

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

Anonymous
June 22, 2009

May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
June 3, 2009

God Bless you Sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO
June 1, 2009

Thank you for your loyal service and dedication to our profession. You will be sadly missed by everyone.

Investigator Bowman
Dare County Sheriffs Office
May 29, 2009

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
May 23, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Coker,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Vance County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
May 14, 2009

On behalf of my fellow recruits from the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Deputy Coker. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Recruit Carrie Kane
Zone 5 Academy
May 7, 2009

rest in peace brother

provincial constable marty lalonde
ontario provincial police
May 6, 2009

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Deputy Coker and may they know you will never be forgotten. Thank you Deputy Coker for your dedicated service to the people of North Carolina and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
May 5, 2009

God Bless you Brother and may he look after your family and friends during their time of need. Than you for your service.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY
May 5, 2009

God Bless and Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN
May 4, 2009

My heart breaks for your family for the road they have started travelling is a difficult one. I pray our Lord will wrap his loving arms around them and carry them through the days ahead for only he can provide healing and peace. Thanks for your service to the people of Vance County & N.C.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor NCSHP
May 4, 2009