Roll of Honor
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.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MS-28D97E66- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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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
Patrolman Lawrence Dale Coker is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MS, 242 of 349 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.3% of this state's fallen. That is 15.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lawrence Dale Coker's cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence Dale Coker Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence Dale Coker is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence Dale Coker was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.