One of the largest rooms at the Springdale Police Department was filled to standing room only of family, friends, and coworkers past and current. Officers and colleagues throughout ranks and area departments greeted one another joining in small talk, catching up, and reminiscing on “war stories”. All have descended into the tiered training room to celebrate the legacy of Captain Lester Coger and his astonishing 34-year career with the Springdale Police Department serving his hometown.
Captain Coger was born and raised in Springdale, graduating from SHS in 1983 and later attending and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arkansas. At the age of 24 he began doing ride alongs with some High School friends and began his career at the Springdale Police Department on June 1st, 1990. The starting salary was $14,800/yr and he was issued two uniforms a .357 Magnum with 18 bullets, handcuffs, baton and radio.
Through his time at the Police Department, Coger rose through the ranks and divisions spending 16 years in Patrol, 12 in Criminal Investigations, 6 in Internal Affairs, and time as head firearms instructor and in training. Captain Coger spent 25 years of his career as a member of the SWAT team.
Chief Gamble gave remarks about Captain Coger being one of his supervisors and then being able to supervise him. Chief talked about Captain Coger’s demeanor and only hearing him raise his voice once and that it was deserving as the person was giving them a hard time. This was prevalent with Captain when you were around. There was a sense of calm and composure even in the most chaotic of times.
After presentations of his duty weapon and shadow box containing his badge and items sentimental through his career; Captain Coger spoke to his peers. That calm and composure that we all know stayed with him gaining the keen attention to every word that was spoken and the message that was going to be given. Captain Coger first gave thanks and glory to God which is evident in his daily focus and is his compass in life. He then turned his attention to his wife, Mary. Captain Coger upped us all by surprising her with a wonderful bouquet of flowers; setting the bar high. This was well deserved as family dedicates and sacrifices just as much as the Officer through shift work, callouts, and uncertainties. To see their love and dedication was the epitome to his dedication to the city in which he serves. Captain Coger also gave thanks to his three children: Rachel, Daniel, and Leslie whom are doing great things following the giant footsteps of their father.
A handful of Officers spoke about Captain Coger’s dedication not only to his faith and family but to his peers and the citizens he swore to protect. (Retired) Lieutenant. Lewis talked about Captain Coger’s “all in” attitude. Captain Coger enjoyed Martial Arts so much he opened his own DOJO leading and teaching many over the years. Lt. Lewis, also a member of the SWAT team stated that they did not have snipers and Captain Coger took the reins and became one of the original snipers on the team becoming team leader from 1997-2015. This was commemorated with a gift from former and present SWAT members.
Captain Coger has made a lasting mark not only to the Springdale Police Department, the Officers that he has grown either alongside or brought up, but to the city as a whole. It was stated that the City owes a lot more to Captain Coger than Captain Coger does the city and these are definitely true words.
Enjoy your retirement Captain, we got the watch.