Former Denver Police officer-turned-advocate for disability rights dies

DENVER — A former Denver Police officer known for becoming a trailblazing disability rights advocate has passed away at the age of 67.

Dale Coski passed away in September, according to friends and family. She was honored at a funeral service Saturday, with much of the discussion focusing around her impact on the community.

Much of Coski’s work stemmed from a 1983 accident that happened while she was helping a stranded motorist near the old Stapleton Airport. Coski was hit from behind by a driver, causing her to lose her left leg and the use of most of her body below the neck.

She went on to develop the city’s disability parking application process, which required placards to park in accessible spaces. She also helped change state law to allow service animals inside buildings, and is credited with having the first service dog in Colorado.

“It was amazing how much she touched people,” said her friend, Nana Will. “The world was a better place with her in it, and she made it a better place.”

Will says Coski had an incredible sense of humor and was well known for ramming her wheelchair into doors that weren’t properly equipped with accessible entrances.

“There was no way for her to get in, and she would literally ram her chair until somebody heard her, and they’d come open up and she goes, ‘Thanks for answering the door,’” Will said. “She was a hoot to be around.”

Coski also helped Denver launch a volunteer accessible parking enforcement program, aimed at stopping people without disabilities from parking in accessible spaces.

“She was a force to be reckoned with,” Will said. “Her death is a great loss to humanity.”