Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark was an Inspiration in my life when he worked the I-26 IRMO area to the Newberry County Line. I was a Police Cadet for Irmo Police Department in the late 80s . I guess I was about 15 or 16 years old then and felt he was indestructible. I watched his every movement and tried to walk and talk like him back then. You see I had this “agreement” with him and some of the other Highway Patrolmen at the time and we would park my car on 26 and he, along with other close Highway Patrolmen would pick me up just so I could ride with them in that Highway Patrol car. I watched him as we cut the grass median to grab a speeder with a rooster tail of grass flying in the air! I would hold his hat and wait for him to say “Cover” as we pulled up behind the car and I was so proud to slide that thing out of the hat press and hand it to him I felt like I was the MAN. I watched him adjust that “Cover” and “Move with a Purpose” as he would say, walk up to that car, body bladed, uniform perfectly creased and “Squared Away” as he said, and I would just Dream of the day I could be like him. He would tell me “Keep ya eyes on him” as he stroked out that ticket and, Wow, what a mission I had, My eyes were locked on that speeder and didn’t come off until I heard the ticket book flap together and he approached the speeder again. Even then my eyes were locked on him. We had long talks of Military life, the Academy (that was nothing like the USMC) and life in general. This guy was the Best! I modeled myself after him starting with my Cadet Uniform. He told me how to drench the uniform in starch and iron with full steam when it was dry. No double creases or guess what, do it over. Shoes were to be polished by rubbing on Kiwi with your finger and heating it with the lighter then rubbed in tiny circles with a cotton t shirt and small dabs of water until it looks like glass. “Patten leather was for the Air Force” not us. This man taught me all the tricks. Then he moved on to the specialized team and I moved on with my life seeing him every so often. I became a Cop with Lexington City Police because I could not wait to get in uniform. Practiced all the things he taught me. As I progressed in my career his sayings would repeat in my head. “keep ya weapon clean kid, or it will fail I time of combat, it’s the only thing you have between you and the enemy.” I went against his advise to become a MARINE and joined the ARMY as an MP. Started a family and moved to the Charleston area. So never heard from Mark much after that. I will never forget the day I attended an Officer Survival class put on by the 100 Club. It was literally a class that effected the rest of my life. I sat in the class watching some videos with 50 0r 60 fellow officers. We watched several videos of officers being killed in the line of duty. Learned several tactics to keep us safe and be aware of. And took a small break. Upon our return the next video rolled. I saw “The Walk”, I saw “The Crisp Uniform” I saw, “The Cover”, I saw “The Man” the man who inspired my life like no other, Mark Coates. I said to my partner sitting next to me now is the time we are going to see the flipside of the Officers being down! I told my partner, as we watched the video Mark is probably going to “Open a Can” and I watched Mark as I did when I was a kid. Step By Step, Step By Step, clearly hearing his voice and thinking how I have seen him do this so many times. My anticipation peaked at the beginning of the search and my Breath was suddenly taken away. Mark didn’t appear to be winning this. He was on his back?, I said . Come on Mark, I had an Immediate adrenalin drop, Shoot Mark Shoot, when finally, thunder rang out Mark was getting him! Thank God I said, No Way this guy is taking him! Then I see the guy still moving? No way, final shot rings out, Mark Screams on the Radio and takes the last few steps I ever witnessed him take. I’m Stunned to this very day Mark. I value your teachings and pass them on to my troops now. Thanks for keeping me safe Brother. God Bless your family. Wish I was riding Shotgun with ya that day Brother! Remember what ya told me when I asked ya if you were afraid to die, while sitting at the weigh station on I-26, Marines die, that's what we're here for! But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means I live forever, I understand that now. I also figured out where ya got that saying from.


Sgt Robert Boris
Berkeley County Sheriffs Office
Selective Enforcement Team

Sgt. Robert C Boris
Berkeley County Sheriffs Office Selective Enforcement Team : Friend

November 20, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2011

I couldn't even begin to explain the feelings that I had when I first saw your death unfold. Rage! Sorrow! Helplessness? That is the one that really bothers me...although we feel that training and practice will prepare us for anything, it is important to understand that we are ALL helpless.
MDB

Former FTO M.D. Benton

October 15, 2011

We watched your vidio in class today, and I just want to say thank you for the ultimiate sacrafice you gave.Im excited to graduate and walk the thin blue line in Law Enforcement..R.I.P..you WILL NOT be forgoten!!

Andrew Kooinga
Freshman in Criminal Justice

October 15, 2011

Rest in Peace Trooper Coates you bring honor and pride to your name, your family, and this job.

Bowers
Rome Police Department

September 8, 2011

What an honor for my friend Mark to have a crime lab named after him! He was a wonderful guy and I will forever miss him. Rest in peace, brother.

Special Agent Bryan C. Merrill, Retired
DHS/ICE formerly USCS

June 2, 2011

Today, we had the privilege of taking part in a beautiful ceremony naming and dedicating our crime lab. The name is now Mark H. Coates Crime Lab. What an honor to see your parents and sons, side-by-side, honoring you. You've made them very proud!

The entire face of law enforcement changed as a result of your sacrifice and we thank you.

Forever in our hearts,
Janet

Janet Campbell
Criminal Justice & Criminology Student

May 17, 2011

Trooper Coates may god rest your soul. You live on during surrounding departments as they watch your incident. We watched it today as part of training and it was very sad.

Anonymous

April 28, 2011

Trooper Coates,
I watched your video today in the academy after years of my father telling me that he watched it and remembered it during every traffic stop when he was a Trooper. As I got teary eyed
and upset I know that you are watching over us and keeping us safe every minute of the day. You are a hero brother which will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

February 2, 2011

Mark, Another year has passed without you here. This week we lost a Trooper as a result of gunfire. I hope you will welcome him to the heavens. May God continue to Bless your family. Thank You again for your sacrifice.

TFC J.E. Hutcheson #756
Georgia State Patrol

December 29, 2010

Tpr. Coates,
I watched the video again of your shooting today. It always makes me remember to "watch the hands" when I make a traffic stop. Your sacrifice and dedication will never be forgotten. You still are a shining example for all of us.
God Speed.

Cpl. Larry H. McClellan Jr.
Florida Highway Patrol

December 16, 2010

Mark, you gave your live protecting others and defending justice, but it was not in vain. Thousands of officers have seen what happened to you and are reminded of the dangers of the job. Your actions and bravery that cold night will never be forgot, and most likely have saved others. Rest In Peace my friend and brother officer.

Patrolman David Prechtl
Ravenswood, West Virginia Police Dept.

November 18, 2010

To Trooper Coates Family,

I have viewed Mark's video more times than I can could and used it in training hundreds of officers. The example of professionalism that Mark showed was unprecedented and will be forever used as the example on how to conduct yourself and wear your badge with honor. He was a courageous warrior and defended his streets with passion. We all hold Mark and his legacy with high regard and HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Detective
Gastonia Police Department, NC

November 11, 2010

The 1st time I seen this was in the Academy. I cannot make a Traffic Stop without seeing Trooper Coates in my mind. Each time I have a Driver step out I Think about Trooper Coates going down. I would like to Thank Trooper Coates for his Service and Sacrifice. And would like to Give My Thoughts and Prayers to the Family Trooper Coates Left behind.

Deputy C. Butler
Loudon County Sheriff Dept. TN

November 3, 2010

Trooper Coates,
I have thought about the incident the night you called 10-42 for quite some time. To this day I still think about it. I wanted to let you know you are part of the reason I went into LE. I still think about you whenever I make a Signal 25 or go into a hot call. I know you and all other LEO are watching over us making sure we are safe. Thank you for serving and leading the way.

Officer Blair
ACCPD

October 2, 2010

Today I was thinking about you. I have remembered you since the first time I saw your video when I was in the academy 7 years ago. Today I felt a need to write something on ODMP. When I reviewed your reflections, I didn't expect that you would have such recent reflections. That just shows what kind of impact you have left on other peoples lives and that you are not forgotten at all! You live on in all of us who wear a badge and walk the walk. You will be remembered always. Rest in Peace.

Sergeant Brian S. Miller
Hualapai Nation Police Department

August 23, 2010

Gone but never forgotten, RIP sir, you are a true hero and we will forever be grateful for your service.

Deputy J.Davidson
Galveston County Sheriff's Office

August 5, 2010

You are a true hero, I did not know you but your actions have left an everlasting memory in my head. May God bless you and may you continue to live in everyone's memory forever.

Officer Rubio
Cook County Sheriffs Dept. IL

July 22, 2010

Devil Dawg: While going through some of my paperwork, I discovered a South Carolina newspaper article published the morning after Your Murder. I did not even realize that You were an original member of the SCHP “ACE.” I will have to add that to my Facebook site.

(Amazing what I a finding now that I have time to finally clean up my messy abode.)

Michael B. Parlor

June 23, 2010

I was just reflecting back on my early years with the sheriff's office and remembered watching for the first time Trooper Coates video. He will always be remembered as one of many FIRST influences to help me hone in that six sense for surviving the street. Now as a detective I continue to use the skills and remember Trooper Coates during NATIONAL POLICE WEEK.

Detective Alex S. Smith
Stafford County Sheriff's Office

May 7, 2010

Trooper Coates, I just yesterday finished training as a STOPS Instructor. I had watched your video before but I saw it again yesterday. I want you to know your death is not in vain. Your video even now... 18 years later has probably helped other brother officers go home safely. Thank you for your service.

Corporal LaMaster
Sellersburg Police Department

April 23, 2010

This week I took officer survival training at GPSTC. I watched your dash cam video. It really opened my eyes to how dangerous this job can be. The video of your final hour has saved and well continue to save many officers lives throughout this country. RIP you will never be forgotten.

S. Carr #3464
Griffin PD, GA

February 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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.

You contiue to lead by example.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 20, 2009

A while back I watched Tpr. Coates' last call for service during a training video. Recently, I was travelling on I-95 and was fortunate enough to be reminded of his ultimate sacrifice when I passed his memorial sign. Tpr. Coates, God Bless you and your family and thank you for your continued service to law enforcement. RIP Brother.

Deputy, Badge #383
Allegan County Sheriff's Department (MI)

September 27, 2009

Trooper Coates,
I was a officer for several years when your video was shown as a training tool. It made me realize even more the dangers that existed in this line of work. Even though your death was tragic, I believe your video has save several officers lives. Thank you for your service, and I am sorry your life was cut short.

Retired Lieutenant/Current patrolman
Grand Traverse County/Caro Pd.

September 22, 2009