Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Walter Nathan "Nicky" Coleman

Camden County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, May 19, 1985

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Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Walter Nathan "Nicky" Coleman

Deputy Sheriff Coleman,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Camden County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 19, 2019

Nicky I can't tell you how much I miss you! I don't think anyone knows that the morning GOD took you, that we were working radar on I-95! That you came by my residence before work and my wife made us cheeseburgers. That the uniform you had on was borrowed from me, because yours was still on order that we had breakfast and then went back on I-95 and within 5 minutes you were gone! Me and Arthur Thigpen were first to find you. Since that morning a piece of my heart has been missing! You were my young brother and I will never forget you.

Retired Al Cooper
Camden County Law Enforcement

November 2, 2016

Nicky
I think of you often and remember your smile and laugh. Our years together but we're when we were young. You will stay that way forever in my minds eye, even as my hair grays. Love you man. You Boy Scout brother. G Lovell

G Lovell

April 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 19, 2015

27 years.....

CPL JoDee GIbson (Retired)
Georgia State Patrol

May 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. You are in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Coleman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

26 years and counting......

Retired CPL JoDee Gibson #485
Georgia State Patrol

May 19, 2011

Nick the Greek! Twenty-five years ago you left us; suddenly and without goodbye! Well, that was typical Nickie Coleman; surprise em and leave em astounded. :) I'm near the end of my career now and I often think about you and the fun we had, the laughs and the tears! You are one of a kind Nick!! You brought a lot of sunshine into a lot of lives and we are grateful that God gave you that gift to share. I wonder what we would have accomplished if you had been allowed more time here on earth? God has a plan and we have to seek His face and know that He will not forsake us nor leave us. I miss you! Will see you again one day!! P.S. I haven't been back to Emmaline and Hessies and charged the bill to the Sheriff; don't have your nerve!! :) Love you man!

Capt. Robert Phillips
Georgia State Patrol

August 8, 2010

You often cross my mine an heart.It doesn't seem like 25 years has come an going.There are people put in your life for a reason. I did not know at the time why I do now. You did your job well Nick.If you knew Nicky Coleman you had a friend for life he loved his job an helpe other's Nick we had great time them an we will when we meet again soome day. Love you Nicky of Rua Sharon

Sharon Hilton

May 19, 2010

25 years today...and it only seems like it was yesterday.

CPL JoDee Gibson
Ga. State Patrol - Retired

May 19, 2010

"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

December 23, 2007

639N,
I miss you my brother! I will never forget the times that we shared on patrol and the times that we shared away from the job. Your constant laughter, smile and your voice will forever echo in my mind. My only regret is that we did not get to share more time together. However, I know that one day when God calls me home, I will once again get to see that smile, hear that laughter and spend eternity with my friend. You are sorely missed and friends like you only come along once in a lifetime! Keep your hands upon us and keep us safe as we continue to fight crime where you left off! You were a true professional and a tremendous asset to the Law Enforcement world!

Chief Fred English
Homeland Police Department

May 28, 2007

22 years... the accomplishments he would have achieved here on earth. God has His own plan. Such a gifted, kindhearted professional. A "blue Angel". Still missed after all of these years.

Stephanie A. Mader
GSP

May 21, 2007

22 years have passed & there is still such a vivid sense of loss. Time may dim the pain, but never the memories.

CPL JoDee Gibson #485 (Ret.)
Georgia State Patrol

May 19, 2007

I still remember your voice over the radio when I started my Law Enforcement career in 1979 with St. Mary's PD. You were always helpful and you always had people laughing. I recall the time we were looking for a drowning victim both of us have been up over 24 hours and we went to you grandmothers to sleep before we started work again. The friends you introduced me to in Camden and Charlton Counties. You were always playing jokes. You were a true friend and you will always be remembered by all.

Chief David Dyal
Georgia Department of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division

July 3, 2006

Oh yes Angie... the jesture. In fact not just by expression, but the "Court Jester". And the sound of that laugh of his. So much humor, love, compassion, rebel rouser, and humbleness all wrapped into "One Good Man". Still missed and loved.

Stephanie Altman Cannon
Loving Friend

May 6, 2005

Well Brother, it has been 20 years this month since you left us. Don't seem like no time that I hear you voice. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to get to see you and talk to you even for a few moments. You really made an impact on my left and YES, I am 20 years older, but I have never forget the many memories that we had. I listen to Camden County Radio calls and sometimes I can almost hear you talking. I will never forget you, MY FRIEND. One day we will be together again. Hang in there brother....

Jerry Gibson Fire and Safety Officer
D. Ray James Prison

May 6, 2005

May 19th will mark the 20th anniversary of our loss of Nicky. His memory is still so vivid & his loss is still felt so deeply by his family & his friends. God bless & keep him. We miss him so.

CPL JoDee Gibson #485
Ga. State Patrol - Retired

May 6, 2005

little brother, you were always larger than life and full of bull. you were always the rock of the family and the jesture. so many times you would always cheer everyone around you. your humor was off the chain and delightful! i never got the opportunity to tell you how proud i was of you for your many accomplishments in life. i admire you for the man you had become and respect you for the brother that you were. you are sorely missed and thought of often. hope the lord has you patroling the golden streets of heaven.

c/o angela k. coleman/sister
drj prison

January 27, 2005

I'll never forget how Nicky always livened up the room or lightened the mood when we he was around. He was a great deputy whom took his job serious, but also knew the importance of keeping a sense of humor in a profession that weighs heavily on so many.

Nick, I'll never forget the lessons I learned while riding and training with you. Some of those lessons undoubtably saved my lives during my time on patrol. On a lighter side, one lesson I learned was to make sure that my light bar was installed correctly and wouldn't fall off during a high speed chase! That was hilarious!

I can so vividly remember the times when I dispatching in Camden and you in Charlton; man the fun we had, but the nights on patrol we're even greater.

March 19, 1985, 0351 hrs, is one of the saddest days and times of my life. I can sometimes still hear myself calling you on the radio. The good news is that in the end, I will finally get an answer. When my time comes brother, I'll walk through the pearly gates calling, "Camden to 639N"; I can't wait for the hear you say, "Go ahead Camden." Continue to watch over us and know that you're not forgotten.

Former Sgt. Wade English
Camden County Sheriff's Office

September 9, 2004

Well, My Dear Friend... The years have past but the pain is still there. Not a day goes by that i dont think of you. The good times, the pain, The hard times we faced together, but we did it together. that is what friends do. I miss you so much at times that i just wish you wold come for a visit to tell me what you think.. friends are hard to replace, but in my world you have never left. Hang in there brother, and watch over us until we meet again...

Fire and Safety Officer Jerry S. Gibson
D. RAy James Prison

September 8, 2004

Folks who never had the opportunity to meet or know Nicky missed a treat. You can't mention his name without someone having a hilariously wonderful story to tell about him. He is sorely missed by all of us who loved him & the mere mention of his name always precedes an untold number of great stories about him. He was truly one of a kind. Thank God! No telling what would've happened had there been two like him! You may be in a better place, Nick, but damn if we don't miss you down here! Take care brother......

Retired CPL JoDee Gibson #485
Georgia State Patrol

January 26, 2004

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