Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

having known cpl.coursen for a short time was blessed. lord knows beaufort county has been through enough having 4 officers injured. cpl. coursen, you have paid the ultimate price that every officer fears. you have gone beyond the call of duty sacrificing your life to save another, and for that i commend you with the utmost respect. rest in peace now as you protect the rest of the officers in beaufort. godspeed

leonard wilson
ex- sc patrol cadet

I met you when things weren't so great in my life and you went out of your way to help. You were a big help to me. I know your friends and family are going to miss you. I remember how you talked about your family, and I hope they know that you loved them very much. God bless you and your family.

Kim Sibley
PALMETTO HOMES

To the only officer who my friendship with ended before it had a chance to start. I miss you and reflect on our last moments we saw each other. The jokes were many and I miss them. Deep inside me you meant more to me than you could imagine. Your tenure was short with us and for this I am sorry and I will not forget any of it. I had your back thru thick and thin, for I know you would have done the same for me. For you-I will raise a cup of coffee and salute you my brother. Sincerly "this damn fireman".

Lieutenant, Paul Williamson
Burton Fire & Rescue

God Bless you and yours, Peace be with you, and thank you.

anonymous
des moines police department

I saw this prayer and thought of A.J. and Dana.

He walked life’s lonely path with honor, Lord,
Protecting those you sent his way…
Until, at last, with task well done,
Your call is heard today.
We hear you saying:
“Come, my friend, with me apart…from years of service rest.
You’ve helped the poor, protected all, you’ve passed Life’s every test.
You did not falter, did not fail though weary was your soul
I saw your tears, I felt your fears…I helped you toward your goal.
Beneath that badge there beat a heart, strong, courageous, true…
When duty called, you answered, my hero dressed in blue!
Come, my friend, your reward awaits: the law you did obey.
Faithful through life’s endless storms you showed my people the way.
Your beat is ended; roll call’s done! Now, rest on Heaven’s shore.
The good you did so willingly will remain forever more.”
Thank you; Father, for your great love as we cherish his memory dear
We offer this brave soul to you…be with him ever near.
And when, at last, we hear your call may we each take our place
On Heaven’s shore, eternal home, beneath your kindly gaze.
By: Sister Ann Stamm Livonia Police Chaplin

Take care by brother.

Officer Randy Marrero
Beaufort City P.D.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Lisa and Cory. Lisa who loved Dyke for twelve years and Cory who only knew his father for such a short time. He loves his Daddy and fire trucks and police cars. You are in our prayers Lisa and Cory.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. & Mrs. William Coursen. You have a beautiful grandson who looks just like Dyke. May he replace the sorrow you are feeling at this time.

Anonymous

I have had the pleasure of being A.J.'s supervisor for the time he was with Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and I must say that in this short time he was as close to me as my own brother. A.J. and I have a lot in common and were able to relate to each other. A.J. was a professional on and off duty. This is very hard for me as for I was one of the first officer's to respond to the scene. I will miss you bro, please pray for his family and his fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

SSgt Glenn Zanelotti
Beaufort county Sheriff's Office

My deepest sympathy to you as you grieve the loss of whom I have learned... an amazing man. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of need.

Fire Captain T. Marchant
Glendale Fire Department, California

Sleep well fallen brother and watch over the rest of us...your sacrifice will not be forgotten!

P.O. B. Gillaspie
Pacific (MO) Police Dept.

The Badge

It is polished and shiny and looks so fine.
Once you earn it you have to tow the line.
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.
It means honesty, integrity, and fairness to all.
Your life is never your own, but at the publics call.
Night or day, any hour, it makes you a mark.
It doesn't protect you from a shot in the dark.
Over the years the shine starts to fade,
but brighter still is the man its made.
It is often what seperates you from the crowd.
It is a second family of which you are proud.
So now comes your time, you can't be denied.
When you pin on your badge, wear it with pride
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.


Perris Citizens Patrol

Perris Citizens Patrol
Perris Police Volunteers, CA

The law enforcememt community here in South Carolina and around the country feel the grief and pain of our fallen brothers. Life can be so fragile. Nothing hurts more than to have that feeling of loss and void in your life. What a tremendous loss for one department and community as a whole. The officers here at the Summerville Police Department honor your department's fallen heroes.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they may all be called the childen of God". Matthew 5:9

Corporal Douglas Wright
Summerville Police Department

It takes a strong heart and a passion to help people in the most desperate circumstances to be a public servant. Law Enforcement Officers are no exception, every day these men and women risk the same fate as these two fine officers.

The value of ones community can be measured in the respect and love (admiration) of our public Servants and how they were known by the public they served.


The hardest part is not being a LEO but, being a leo's family both extended and physical...

God bless you both May you rest in peace and may your family carry your memory on.

todd maschino
Private citizen

For those who knew Dyke "How wrong is that?"

Anonymous

Dyke, I just wanted to let you know that it was an honor and privilege to serve under you in "LA." I, as well as the other officers, was sorry to see you go down to SC, but after talking with you and listening to your stories, I could tell by the sound of your voice that you couldn't be happier. You were a great friend who will be truly missed.
Until we meet again, please watch over and protect us.

To Dyke's/A.J.'s family and co-workers, please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences in our time of suffering.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Ptl. Donald J. Franks
LaGrange (OH) P.D.

The LaGrange Police Department has established the "Deputy Dyke Coursen Memorial Fund" at the First Merit Bank, 106 South Center Street, LaGrange, Ohio 44050. Telephone 440 355 8000.
The hope is to raise money to provide Cory, Dykes two and one half year old son, with a college education.

Anonymous

Dyke, you tought me everything you knew about being a cop you were my mentor and my friend. You touched everyones heart. thank you for being such a wonderful friend you will be deeply missed.

Anonymous

Thank you Corporal Coursen for you and your partner's service to your community. May you both rest in peace.

Anonymous

With extreme sadness I send my condolescences to the officers of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department on the loss of their brothers and my deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of Officer Tate and Coursen. May they rest in peace.

I consider myself fortunate to have met "AJ". Both his and Dana's deaths are truly tragic. No incident has sent a shock wave through the law enforcement family since the deaths of Mark Coates or Frankie Lingard. To friends and family I want to say you are in our prayers. God Bless.

Sgt. David Kopenhaver
Walterboro Police Dept. SC

May God hold Corp.Coursen in the hollow of His Hand and give comfort to his family. The death of one lessens us all.

P.O.Mary Scheider #206
Jersey City Police Dept. (NJ)

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. You will be sadly missed. May God bless you and keep your family strong.

Corporal John Neal & wife Rachel
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

I am the brother -in-law of Lance Corporal Dana L.Tate.

My heart and Prayers go out to your family for strength and understanding. May God Bless You All.

John A. Williams

John A. Williams

May God watch over and protect you Mrs. Coursen. I didnt know your husband but I feel as though I know him in my heart for he and I wore the same badge. I am no longer in law enforcement but on January 8, 2002 at approximately 1700 I was with him and Dana in spirit and prayer. As I sit here with tears in my eyes and my heart full of pain I remember that they loved what they did, you cant be in this field and feel otherwise. Not many people can say that. Up til the end they were and will always be Heros.

God Bless and keep you.

Tracy A. Franklin

Dyke and I spent many many hours together both personally and working together on the LaGrange Ambulance Service as volunteers. I'm sure many remember Dyke from Keystone as well as his many friends from the Autobody class at LCJVS. Although I lost contact with Dyke years ago, I've never forgotten the time we spent as friends and I never will. God Bless you Dyke, Rest in Peace.

Tim Tabol, EMT-P

The Policeman stood
and faced his god
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass

"step foward now, Policeman
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The policeman Squared his shoulders
and said, "no, Lord I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry bades
cant always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to call their fear.

So, if you've a place for me,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I've neither expected nor had
too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had after trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"step forward now, policeman,
You've done your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL!!!"

ANONYMOUS

Dyke, I miss you.."LA" was never the same when u left, and will never be again. Rest in peace my friend....You where there for me in times of need, I wish I could of repaid u this once, but god decided your time was done, an angel you will forever be!

Love,
Robyn and the kids

Robyn Kubisen