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Incident
Patrolman Coker was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle that was driving over 100 mph. As Patrolman Coker approached the vehicle the driver leaned out of the window and opened fire with a .44 caliber handgun, striking Patrolman Coker in the chest. Patrolman Coker was able to return fire and wound the suspect who was taken into custody and charged with Patrolman Coker's murder. Patrolman Coker had only been with the agency for two weeks.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Lawrence is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Coker served with the Heidelberg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Heidelberg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Coker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Lawrence Dale Coker served in the U.S. Army (1970â1972) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lawrence is the only officer of Heidelberg Police Department remembered here.
Lawrence is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Lawrence is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Lawrence is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 6 officers in MS were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lawrence was 28. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Lawrence had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Lawrence was 28. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Lawrence had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lawrence was 28. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lawrence had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Heidelberg Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Military Service
Lawrence Dale Coker served in the U.S. Army (1970–1972) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Lawrence Dale Coker’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Heidelberg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.