Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Alabama
End of Watch Saturday, September 17, 1988
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Donald Lawrence Cokeroft
Rest in peace Donald
Carson loveless
February 3, 2024
Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 17, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Cokeroft,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jefferson County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 17, 2018
It's been 25 years today since we lost you. I was only 9 at the time. I never got to know you as well as I would have liked. I'll always be curious about what qualities we share and what you would think of me and Jennifer -and your grandchildren now.
You weren't deputy Cokeroft to me you were just "dad". I remember the way you looked in your uniform and the way you smelled. I remember how you taught me to add and subtract. I remember how you wrote a song for me and Jenn one night when you tried to teach me to play guitar. I'll always smile when I think of these things. I'm glad that if we had to lose you, it was in service to others.
I'm thankful for the kind words of all the others that have posted here in preserving my father's memory.
Becky (Cokeroft) Millican
Daughter
September 17, 2013
You are remembered.
From your cousin, Vera & Gene's daughter.
Emily Bell
November 24, 2012
I was in Police Academy with Donald, A nicer person you couldnt find, he was a Wonderful Officer and I Consdered him a friend.
Mike Cain Chief (Retired)
Dora, alabama
March 9, 2012
To the family and friends of Deputy Donald Cokeroft and his fellow officers in the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Donald's memory on the twenty-second anniversary of the day Donald so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.
Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Cokeroft gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1988.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
September 18, 2010
Deputy Cokeroft your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace
SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 23, 2008
"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
November 12, 2007
Rest in Peace, Deputy Cokeroft. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
October 23, 2006
Rest in Peace Sir.
September 17, 2006
Deputy Sheriff Cokeroft,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Cokeroft.
R.I.P.]
Anonymous
September 17, 2005