08/29/2026
Chief Steve Coker will forever be our Angel In The Outfield!!
🪽⚾ ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD — CHIEF STEVE COKER #300 🚒❤️
Some people serve a department. Others leave a legacy that becomes part of its foundation forever.
For anyone who knew Chief Steve Coker, you knew how deeply he loved the fire service. It wasn’t simply what he did—it was part of who he was. Steve dedicated his life to serving others, developing firefighters, strengthening departments, and helping move the fire service forward for the generations who would follow him.
Steve was a founding member of the East Union Fire Department, served as Union County Fire Coordinator, and served as Northeast District Vice President of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association. He later served the New Albany Fire Department, retiring as City Fire Chief on February 28, 2020, after nine years of service. Even while facing his battle with cancer, the impact he made never faded.
On February 27, 2025, Steve passed away—but the foundation he helped build, the firefighters he influenced, and the lives he touched remain.
At the 3rd Annual Chief Anthony Anderson Memorial Softball Game, we are honored to recognize Chief Coker as one of our Angels in the Outfield. 🪽
His Smoke Eaters jersey #300 will be worn by Deputy Chief Mark Sides of the New Albany Fire Department, who will serve as a Smoke Eaters coach. When #300 takes the field, it will represent far more than a number.
It will represent service. Leadership. Courage. Brotherhood. Legacy.
Chief Coker may no longer stand beside his brothers and sisters at the firehouse, but the fingerprints of his service are still there. Every time the next generation answers the call, they continue building upon the foundation men like Steve worked so hard to leave behind.
🚒 CHIEF STEVE COKER — #300
❤️ New Albany Fire Department
🪽 Forever one of our Angels in the Outfield
A hero on Earth. An angel in Heaven.
We honor you. We remember you. We thank you, Chief. ❤️🖤