Fallen security officer remembered as friendly Oath Keeper
Source: ABC13 KTNV Las Vegas
72-year-old Stanley Cooper’s final act of public service is something that isn’t going unrecognized.
The retired Metro sergeant was likely the first to come in contact with the crazed triggerman who unleashed five shots. He is being credited in part for not letting that gunman past security.
Cooper was able to unload one round before going down. He was later pronounced dead at UMC.
“Stan would be the last person that we would expect to be murdered in this horrible way,” said Dave Freeman, a friend and former colleague of Stanley Cooper.
Freeman first met Cooper when he came for motorcycle instruction with the Metro Police Department. He describes “Stan” as a quiet gentleman who was always punctual.
After more than 25 years on the force, Cooper retired and eventually convinced Freeman to work with him as court security officer.
“He says, there’s like 29 of us. You’d be the 30th one. He says, we all have over 30 years experience. He said we can provide 1,000 years of experience to protect this federal building,” Freeman went on to say.
Beyond being driven to protect, Stan was known by other close friends as a private man. Those who knew Cooper well, say he enjoyed his home and horses in quiet Sandy Valley. He was also known for cherishing the quality time spent with his kids and grandchildren.
“They’ll never have the same kind of trips out the Sandy Valley that they did. From here on out, it’s a life changing event that will forever impact who they are and how they perceive life,” said attorney John Funk, a close friend of the family.
A procession of police vehicles took Cooper’s body from UMC to the coroner’s office after he was pronounced dead.
Friends say they are proud to have known such an oath keeper to the community.
“That man tried to go through him. I’m sure to get into the courts or get into the judges or get into someone else other than security. He didn’t make it past Stan. Stan made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for the community,” added Freeman.
Funeral arrangements for Stanley Cooper have not been announced.
Farewell and well done, Stan. You make us all proud, especially those of us that are retired cops and those in OathKeepers.
You held your post. Rest well.
[I want to try to be part of whatever honors are bestowed upon Stan, whom I was never privileged to meet.]
I hope a whole continent of Oath Keepers can show up for the funeral. Patches on sleeves too.
Farewell to a brave and dedicated man and peace officer. I pray for God’s peace to be with his family and friends.
Eddie Gilbert
“Not on Stan’s Watch!” I am proud and honored to be a member of an organization that practices what they preach and thank God that no other soul was injured or killed because of the action of one man who would not stand down.
“Not on his watch”. Stan walked the walk and did it with honor. God’s peace be upon his family at this time. Those of us who live here in Las Vegas need to honor him by being there for his family, whatever it takes.
Rest in peace fellow Oath Keeper.
Not sure if protecting a federal building makes one an oath keeper (given their unconstitutional nature), but rest in peace anyway.
I am saddened at our loss.
I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Cooper.
My condolences go out to his family, Dave Freeman and to the rest of his close friends.
Go with God, Mr. Cooper, thank you for your service and for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others.
I wish I had the opportunity to have met Mr. Cooper. His dedication to his duty and his willingness to make the supreme sacrifice to protect others stands as a shining example to all his brothers and sisters in Oath Keepers. God bless and comfort his family, and may he rest in eternal peace.
He saved countless lives. I’m sad it cost him his life. He truly is what we are about. We will protect this country from threats foreign and domestic. Stan was ready, I’m ready, are you?
Another Thread of the Thin Blue Line has been removed , removed to that of a much higher purpose. Although the Line is less , the remaining Threads are forever stronger. Although gone this Thread will be remembered for the contribution made and the Honor Served. Duty called and he Gave , Gave His All. This Thin Blue Line will always remain, remain for the Appointed Time When yet another Thread must be given in Honor. Given in Honor to a Most Sacred and Noble Service.
Your Shift Is Over…
Your Call Sign is now 10-7 Rest Easy Our Brother
Signal 13! Signal 13!