First Sergeant Gary Coffie

BREMEN — Indiana State Police First Sergeant Gary Coffie recently received his 35 year longevity pin at a ceremony in Indianapolis. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter presented the pin.

Coffie graduated from the state police academy in July, 1980. His career began with an assignment to the Ligonier Post and patrol duties in Noble County before he was transferred to the Bremen Post and Elkhart County in September, 1981.

Early in his career Coffie was assigned temporary duty to the state police Drug Enforcement Section. Here, he worked undercover for more than a year before being promoted to the rank of corporal in 1985. This promotion to district duty officer at the Bremen Post prepared him for his next promotion.

In August, 1989, Coffie obtained the rank of sergeant and was one of four sergeants at the Bremen Post assigned supervisory duties. Coffie remained at this position for 22 years. He spent 17 years supervising troopers in Elkhart County and five years in St. Joseph County.

Most recently, Coffie achieved a promotion to assistant district commander and the rank of first sergeant in August, 2011. In this position, he is responsible for the daily operation of the Bremen Post.

Coffie took on additional duties during his career to include the position of field training officer coordinator for the district. He was also a member of the Hostage Crisis Negotiation team from 1989 through 2000 and the HCN team leader from 2000 through 2010.

Coffie’s career has brought him much enjoyment and excitement.

“Looking back, you take for granted so many things that are just part of your job,” he said.  “Over the years, I’ve assisted with federal investigations, Presidential and dignitary visits, the races in Indy and was working backstage at the Indiana State Fair when the stage collapsed in 2011.”

Coffie continues to reside in Elkhart County, as he has for the past 34 years, with his wife, Gloria Jean.