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Incident
Reserve Deputy Charley Coen was killed in a single-vehicle crash shortly after midnight while responding to backup a police officer in Laverne.
He was traveling on Highway 64, about two miles west of Buffalo, when his Dodge Charger patrol car left the roadway on a curve and struck several large hay bales. The hay bales covered the patrol car, trapping him inside. He was able to radio dispatchers and inform them he was trapped before the heat from the vehicle ignited the hay bales and caused the vehicle to fill with smoke. Deputy Coen was overcome by smoke inhalation before rescue units arrived at the scene.
Deputy Coen had served in law enforcement for two years. In addition to being a reserve deputy, he also served as a full time police officer with the Laverne Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff Coen gave the Harper County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Deputy Sheriff Coen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Harper County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
William is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2012, 3 officers in OK were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 2012, 51 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2012, 56 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 95th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 57. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 57. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 57. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 3.7% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.3%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Harper County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Harper County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.