The services held in Arkansas for fallen Sergeant Fredrick Coleman were a powerful testament to the life he lived and the impact he made—on his family, his community, and his brothers and sisters in corrections. The sanctuary was filled to standing room only, with an estimated 450–550 attendees. Among them were more than 100 uniformed staff from Sgt. Coleman’s facility, a strong show of solidarity from the people who knew him best on the job and who continue to carry his memory forward.
A Celebration of Faith and Family
Sgt. Coleman’s immediate and extended family led a deeply spiritual celebration of life in the Southern Baptist tradition. Over the course of approximately two and three-quarter hours, stories, scripture, and song painted a portrait of a devoted husband, father, and friend whose quiet strength and kindness touched countless lives. The presence of the Department Director and Sgt. Coleman’s Warden underscored the profound loss felt across the department.
Honor Guards Standing Together
Honor Guard teams from Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the CPOF National Honor Guard stood watch with precision and reverence. Commander Ray Gonsalves and the CPOF team looked sharp as ever, their discipline and dignity offering comfort and respect at every turn. Their presence—alongside so many uniformed colleagues—spoke volumes about Sgt. Coleman’s legacy within the corrections community.
Compassion in Action
CPOF Field Representative Annie Norman and National Director Chevi Armein presented information and a check to Sgt. Coleman’s widow and children on behalf of our Catastrophic Assistance Program. In a moment that will stay with us, Annie shared that the widow held her close and could not let go—an embrace that said more than words ever could about the love, grief, and gratitude felt by the family. It was a reminder of why our mission matters: to be there, tangibly and tenderly, in the hardest moments.
A Community’s Respect
The service drew not only colleagues but a large extended family and many friends from the community. Together, they reflected on Sgt. Coleman’s character—his work ethic, generosity, and devotion to those he loved. Among the many poignant moments, one especially bright highlight stood out: Lorna Beth Caudell’s presence to pay her respects to our fallen brother. Gestures like hers stitched together an even wider circle of support around the family and the department.
We Were There—Together
As an organization, we were honored to stand with Sgt. Coleman’s loved ones. Our team represented the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation with professionalism, compassion, and unity. We are grateful to everyone who traveled and served, who stood watch and stood ready, and who helped ensure that Sgt. Coleman’s life was honored with the dignity it deserved.
To the Coleman family: we continue to hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. May the love shown in that sanctuary carry you in the days ahead.
Photos from the service will be shared courtesy of Manda Bass of the Arkansas Department of Corrections communications team. Our heartfelt thanks to Manda for ensuring these moments are preserved.