Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am thankful that God allowed such a courageous man as Trooper McCoy to have walked this earth even for a short while. As bad as things are, they would be much worse without people like him. My prayer is for comfort, peace, and many good memories for those he left behind.

Anonymous

August 1, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

I wondered about your story when I passed the bridge named for you on I-81. I am saddened by the cruel, heartless way in which you were murdered and the stories of the other innocents who suffered. Know that you are not forgotten and that I and many others appreciate your sacrifice.

Joy
Citizen

August 28, 2007

01-03-2007
On this the anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember. Rest in peace Trooper McCoy job well done, you may be gone but know you will never be forgotten.

Master Deputy
Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office

January 3, 2007

Two decades have passed since your watch ended, you have not been forgotten and you never will. You are a true hero. The individuals that caused so much pain to so many families by their actions took the easy way out by committing suicide. Wrap your wings around your loved ones and protect them.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

July 9, 2006

On this the 20th anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
Know that we continue in your memory.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

January 3, 2006

Rick and I attended Radford University together but didn't get to know each other well until we met car to car on a midnight shift while I was a rookie deputy with Roanoke County. I could always count on Rick for a word of encouragement, a smile and a time to swap war stories. I attended his funeral and was both sad at the loss but happy at the celebration of the life he lived and the assurance that when my watch ends I will see my brother again. I miss you Rick and hope that my time here on earth is half as noble as the life you lived.

Tim

Sergeant Tim Field
Fairfax County PD

June 30, 2005

Some years ago I worked with Rick while I was with Salem P.D. Rick was a quaility cop and and great person. After I leftand had to return to Salem for court I was impressed with his good attitude and love of life. I was a great honor that my unit (VBPD/Motors) was asked to provide escort from Roanoke to his burial. I just came back from D.C. to see the Memorial and said my peace to Ricky, God rest you my friend, you served well, and are proof of what makes America great. I am honored to have known you.

Tom Hayden

Sgt. Tom Hayden
Va. Beach P.D./ 2nd Pct.

June 28, 2005

May God continue you to grant you eternal peace, and bring peace and comfort to your loved ones.

January 19, 2005

Rest Easy Trooper McCoy

January 3, 2005

REST IN PIECE TROOPER

POII
npd

I got to thinking tonight about when I was at Radford University and I won a scholarship in Trooper McCoy's name for being a top student in the criminal justice department. At the time, I was too naive to understand the devastation and importance of a police officer's death. I now know, having become a police officer myself. Every bit of money helped in college, and I hope for future students, they will realize Trooper McCoy's sacrifice and the sacrifices of all other officers out there every day putting their lives on the line, sometimes for ungrateful citizens. May Trooper McCoy rest in peace, and his family still find comfort in knowing he served well.

Police Officer II K. Swanson
Montgomery County, MD, Police

Remember Trooper McCoys uncalled for death as a kid. The two migrant workers killed themselves prior to that VA State Police roadblock (unfortunately). They were cowards who took his life with total disregard. Remember riding past his childhood home between Dublin and Pearisburg with my parents. Sad how a subject will take a life for a stupid reason. My instinct is on 10th sense for every call or traffic stop. 10-42 in peace.