Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in peace, Trooper Coker. You are in the Lord's house. We will continue to honor your service to the citizens of South Carolina.

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother of SCHP Sr. Trp. Michael J. Rao
February 12, 2010

Trooper Coker,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of South Carolina. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
June 21, 2009

To everyone who has visited this page, I know I can speak for the family when I say "Thank You." I was 8 when we lost Uncle Mac. Even though I was young, I still remember everything. Mac was not only a hero to me, but he was also a loving man.


I love you Uncle Mac. I look at your picture everyday and remember the short time we had together. I wish you could have met my beautiful daughter, Alexis. I am proud to say that she resembles you in so many ways. Rest in peace and I promise we will all be together one day.

Samantha Zimmerman
Niece
December 3, 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
November 16, 2007

SCHP - the first agency which as a child, I fantasized about serving with. This week nine hometown firefighters joined You.

May You all Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
June 21, 2007

It has been eighteen years since the end of your watch. You are still remembered. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
June 21, 2007

Rest safe in the Arms of The Lord.

June 21, 2006

I was on this site of another reason and was curious as to see the fallen officers. I was shocked to say the least when I saw Mac's picture. To all of you Coker's, I am sorry for your loss. I know this has been some time ago when this happened but please know that I am thinking of you and hope that over this time that has gone by that things have gotten better for all of you. God Bless you All!!
Anne Derrick Johnson

February 9, 2006

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
June 21, 2004

Rest easy, Troop. You did not die in vain. We will push forward for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)