Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman David A. Cooper

Richmond Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Tuesday, February 10, 1970

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman David A. Cooper

Rest in peace Patrolman Cooper.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2020

Patrolman Cooper,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 10, 2020

I never got to know David. I got to know his brother Paul very well who also worked on the Richmond Police Department for years. David was killed two months before I was hired.

Captain David Haywood
Richmond Police Department

February 10, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice, courage and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 10, 2020

Patrolman Cooper,
On today, the 46th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 11, 2016

I was the first officer on the scene of your terrible accident and was assigned to investigate it. You were killed while responding to assist another officer in distress. I remember every detail today like it was yesterday. I know your family misses you and I offer my thoughts and prayers for them. May you rest in peace. You are not forgotten.

Detective Sergeant Robert Walker (ret.)
Richmond PD

February 10, 2016

Officer Cooper rode with me when he was field training. He was a dedicated young officer who was well versed in his law enforcement duties. He was a stickler for wearing his seat belt at a time when a lot of us didn't. Goes to show you can get injured or killed, even if you are following all safety procedures. Rest in peace, my brother. You are remembered.

Lt. Clifton B. Bradshaw, Ret.
Richmond, Va. P.D.

February 10, 2015

Once again my friend, the anniversary of your death has arrived. As promised, we will not forget you nor your sacrifice. Rest in peace.

Detective Sergeant Bob Walker (Ret)
Richmond PD

February 10, 2015

I was the first unit on the scene and subsequent investigator of your accident. Your bravery and dedication in responding to a fellow officer's needs that night will not be forgotten. We honor your service to your community. Rest in peace my brother.

Det. Sgt. Bob Walker (retired)
Richmond Police Department

February 10, 2014

David left this life far too young leaving his parents and 5 siblings. In 43 years he has never been forgotten nor will he be. So many have died in military and public service and certainly are deserving of the admiration and thanks of a nation.

Lynn Cooper Hutton
Sister

April 29, 2013

It has been 43 years since that night I responded to the scene of that horrific accident and ended up investigating it. You were going to aid another officer who also was involved in an accident. It was your duty and you would give your life trying to help. We will never forget you my friend. Rest in peace.

Robert Walker. Detective sergeant, ret.
Richmond Police Department

February 10, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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.

Time never dimishes respect, not even 40 years.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 10, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 2008

I was working that terrible night you were killed responding to an overturned patrol wagon accident. Another unit that was going to help you struck a pedestrian a half block from your accident. All this occured within a five minute time period.

Rest in peace, Brother.

Patrolman T. Carlton Jones Jr. (retired)
Richmond Police Department

December 15, 2005

I spend a lot of time viewing this website after the loss of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill May 30, 2003).

I try to write a short note to another family that has lost a loved one while serving their community. I chose Patrolman Cooper today because he died on the day my big brother was born. It has been 34 years since Patrolman Coopers death, but I am sure the pain is as real today as it was many years ago.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You!

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 3, 2004

In honor of your memory, service and sacrifice. Although I did not know you, I thought of you often as I drove on patrol through the intersection of Belvidere and Broad. We will not forget Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Policeman)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (Retired)

February 25, 2004

It's been about 33 years since you left us brother. The watch is carried on but you are not forgotten. 08/26/2003

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

August 26, 2003

In honor of Officer Cooper....

You are not forgotten.

Police Officer II J. Harding
Richmond, Virginia Police Dept.

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.