Patrolman David L. Coker New Mexico State Police New Mexico Sunday, November 11, 1979  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

On the 30th anniversary of Patrolman Coker's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Patrolman Coker is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
2009-11-11

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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
2009-11-11

Officer Coker, thank you for your service and dedication.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

2009-10-01

It's been almost 30 years. I will always remember that day, it was one of the saddest days. My husband and baby son and I were on that highway with you. I remember you passing our car with your lights and I knew someone was going to be pulled over for a traffic volation. I guess this is why I have never forgotten. I remember seeing you down the hill from your car and almost at the same moment were we passing I saw your life being taken. My husband stopped he had some medical training in the air force. As my husband ran to you it was then he realized the person who took your life was trying to drag himself to a hand gun. It was then that I saw my husband kick the gun away and put his foot on that criminal to hold him to down until help could arrive. I remember looking at the criminals car and he had little puppies in his car. I couldn't understand how this could have happened. You were doing your duty, your job, he had no right to take your life. I know your resting place is in Heaven and one day we will meet. I will say thank you for making the street safe. A job well done.

Theresa (Boone) D
Witness your last moments
2009-05-26

"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
2007-12-17

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VAnDenBerghe
Manchester, NH
2007-11-06

Good on you,Ptlm. Coker, for taking down the worthless piece of trash who took you from the good people of NM on that lonely night so long ago! Because of you (and the presence of your backup gun), none of us will ever have to worry about being harmed by that sub-human. Cst. Henry of EPS said it all,and I second it. RIP-you more than did your badge and the Oath proud.

Paul
na
2007-06-16

Hero! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-11-03

You are a hero. You killed your executioner. Rest in peace.

Cst. Mike Henry
Edmonton Police Service
2006-04-24

David - I think of you today as Deputy McGrane is laid to rest after dying in the line of duty as did you. You were a wonderful cousin and a fine man and we will always miss you.

Judy Burkhead Paulsen

2006-03-28

David
I will never forget you. Thank you for the friendship and training that you provided me. Your memory lives on.

Captain Michael R. Mirabal
Alamogordo Department of Public Safety
2005-11-07

You, like many other Troopers and Officer's in our great nation should never be forgotten and always be remembered and thanked for your bravery and sacrifice. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
2004-07-01

Rest easy brother for you are not forgotten. David you have now been joined by your Mom Dorothy and Dad Harvey. May you all rejoice.

Senior Special Agent L. Winders
Union Pacific Railroad Police