Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a Law Enforcement training student of his in 1993 at the Delta-Montrose Votech. After 17 years I still find myself remembering Roger as an awesome instructor and person. I was very saddened by his death and will never forget what a kind and amazing person he was. I hope his family was able to heal and move forward. I know they too will never forget how truly blessed they were to have had him in their lives as well.

Thank you Roger for serving your community in many ways. You are and will always be remembered.

Sarah (Hughes) Ashpaugh
Former Student

June 11, 2011

Roger was a good friend, and I miss him. What I remeber best is his sense of humor and love of his family. He was a great cop, brave and intelligent, but I remember him most as a person, and friend.

Bill Davis
Former News Editor, Moab Times-Independent

January 24, 2011

Think of you often my friend. Will always remember the impact you had on me and my family.

Jery Sharpe
Friend

November 18, 2010

Just a little note that I'm thinking about you and your family today. You first touched my life in the fall of 92 in the academy. You have touched the lives of many and for that we are all better people. Thanks for watching my 6. May God bless you and your family.

589

Trooper Tom Bostelman
Nevada Highway Patrol

November 18, 2010

Sheriff,

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers this November 18th. Thank you for your sacrifice.

EPSO Deputy

Deputy
El Paso County Colorado

November 14, 2010

Hi Honey, Justin told me about this site a long time ago but, wasn't able to bring myself to check it out. Even today, reading the reflections,took me back to that dreadful morning, listening to the scanner, hearing the frantic shouts, "Officer down, officer down!" Speeding to the site, crying, screaming, selfishly praying that it wasn't you....but, it was you! You were already gone and in the ambulance when I arrived. The EMT said the heart monitor went crazy when I held you in my arms. One of the two most terrible days of my life....I know our son, Joey, joined you in heaven 11-20-02. Our 31st wedding anniversay just passed, today is the anniversary of your Sheriff election victory and, 10 days from now will mark 16 years since your death. I've always said, you was a husband, father, and grandpa, a family man first, and then, a law enforcement officer and teacher....and, the absolute best at them all. The first perfect man was crucified, and the second best was you. In my eyes and heart, you did everything but, walk on water. You touched the lives and hearts of so many and, you are so loved and terribly missed. It's not how you died that made you a hero but, how you lived. My heart is yours forever and, I will love you for eternity. Karen
P.S. Honey, you know that Trevor needs you desperately. Please let him feel your presence spiritually and, watch over him during his difficult times. He misses you so much. Ricki and Justin miss you. How about our two beautiful great-grandchildren....aren't they beautiful. Watch over them, too.

Karen Coursey
Wife

November 8, 2010

Grandpa Roger,

I know we didn't get to meet, but I wish we could've. Justin has nothing but wonderful things to say about you. I feel that I know you so well and that I've known you all my life. He is such a good man and he really looked up to you. You have made an impression in his heart that no one can ever take away. From everything everyone has told me I can tell that you were a wonderful person inside and out. Sometimes things happen and we don't know why but hopefully someday it will all make sense. I love you so much and will you please do me a favor, Will you please let me grandpa know I love and miss him so very much. I know someday we will meet and I just can't wait for that day.

Forever&Always,

Amy Brown

Amy Brown
Grandson's Wife

August 6, 2010

Sheriff Coursey - Sounds like you were leading from the front, sir. Thanks for your examples of committment and courage. Last Friday, on a very rainy morning, I stood in the State Assembly chamber when your name was one of almost 250 others read off during a motion regarding next month's Police Memorial Week. You are not forgotten. Next May 15th we shall wear our mourning bands in memory of you all. Thank you for your service to the people of Hinsdale County and the state of Colorado. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 30, 2010

I just got done looking through old files and pictures and remembering what it was like fifteen years ago to find out about you and how it has always affected me. I still think about you and still miss ya. If it hadn't been for you (28) years ago I wouldn't be where I am. Your friendship, guidance teaching and brothers love from the years we worked together has always impacted my career and life.

Sorry that I couldn't get to your grave this year to stop by and B.S. and clean off the marker, but I will again next year. So with this years passing I will raise a toast to ya and remember "Eternally Brothers in Arms".

Lt. Scott Mallon
Moab P.D.

December 9, 2009

Grandpa, here it is 15 years later and I still find it hard to believe your gone. Amy made a memorial for you and we she hung it under the flag for you. I want to thank you for sending her to me. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. I love you grandpa and we all miss you so much.

Justin Stephens
Grandson

November 19, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. The hurt of losing a beloved family member under these circumstances never goes away. Both the pain and the pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 18, 2009

Hi Grandpa,
I just wanted to ask you to do me a favor. Joshua is going to be completing his training next week and I wanted to ask you if you would guide him and watch over him through his career with the strength, wisdom, courage, and pride that you had as an officer. I love and miss you.

Justin Mitchell Stephens
Grandson

April 18, 2008

Roger,

You had a big impact on me early in my career as a cop. Thank you.

Lt. Aaron Barrow
Blair, NE PD

January 18, 2008

Grandpa,
I just want you to know that not one day goes by that I don't think of you or mention your name to someone at work. I have your picture and the badge I got from Rick hanging in my room so that it is the first thing that I see when I walk in the door. Thank you so much for watching over me when I was going through my hard times and thank you even more for not letting God take our Trevor from us. I sure wish you could be here to hold that beautiful great grandson of yours. Please give Uncle Joey our love. I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO SO MUCH! Love Justin

Justin Mitchell Stephens
Grandson

December 15, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

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

September 24, 2007

My friend you are not forgotten. I think of you often and remember my days in the academy and your encouraging words. When we responded to assist in the hunt for your killers you must have been looking over our shoulders. The driving skills that you taught me kept our team on coarse and we arrived safely. I still laugh about the day when we almost ran into Marks truck after driving through the safety cones. How you managed to stay calm still amazes me to this day. May God be with you my friend and comfort you.

Mitchell Risenhoover
Delta Police Dept.

June 9, 2007

You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over those close to you and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 18, 2006

Roger was my light in my darkest hour after my fathers death. roger is and will always be missed. i miss you roger.

wes schultz

August 13, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

November 18, 2004

Roger,
I still can't believe that you are gone. You taught us so well at the academy. You taught us that priority #1 was to go home safely every night. So many times since that fateful early morning I have wished that I could have been there and done something, ANYTHING to change what happened.
I will always remember the humor you brought to class. You could even somehow make constitutional law fun?!? Ha! I will also always remember you being so kind as to have my wife and I over for dinner. The marble indian paintings you made me will be treasured forever.
I feel blessed and honored that God allowed me to be taught by the best. You were the best Roger. I think of you every day and hope that you realize that what you accomplished saved officers lives. I promise that you Roger Coursey will never be forgotten! Rest in peace. And most of all, THANK YOU!
P.S. Say hello to my pops for me. I'm sure you two brothers in blue have had the Angels rolling with your war stories=)

Jed Leist
Delta/Montrose Vo-Tech Academy Class 91-3

June 25, 2004