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Incident
Marshal Coats was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had failed to return to court to pay a fine on public drunkenness. Marshal Coates and a friend went to a hotel room where the suspect was staying and ordered him to come out. The suspect, however, was in a room across the hall and fired four shots through the door, striking Marshal Coats three times. Marshal Coats' friend picked up the marshal's gun and then took the suspect into custody. The suspect later died in prison.
Survivors
Marshal Coats was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
City Marshal Coats served with the Pryor Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pryor community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Coats.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Pryor Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1914, 5 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 48. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 48. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 9.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Pryor Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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