Officer Down Memorial Page

Marc,

I stood at your grave yesterday as we laid a wreath on it and thought about you. I looked at Lila, Marc Jr, and Lauren and thought of what you sacrificed for us all. It has been ten years since I left you a message here and I hope some glimmer of you has lived on in me during this time. Thanks again for encouraging me to take this job. Rest easy and keep watching over us all. Until we meet again, friend.

Lieutenant John Harless
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
May 23, 2011

You are still missed by all that knew you and those of us who never got the honor.

Agent
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
May 31, 2010

Daddy, me and mom miss u very much, i know i only knew u for a year but i feel i knew u forever! i miss u and i wish u were still here i love u very much!!!


Love,
Lauren, lil' Marc, and Mom

Lauren
daughter
January 30, 2010

Daddy, i know i only knew u for a year but i feel i knew u forever! i miss u and i wish u were still here i love u very much!!!

Lauren
daughter
January 30, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eleventh anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

To Lila, Lauren and his other loved ones: I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which I believe is life's greatest sorrow. Time never diminishes love. You are in my heart's embrace today. May God grant you solace.

Rest In Peace, Marc.

Anonymous
August 20, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
October 25, 2008

Lauren and I miss you very much! Today you would have turned 39. I try not to cry so I just hug Lauren and we tell each other "Happy Birthday Daddy, We love you very much"! I tell Lauren stories of us and of you all the time. She has your eyes and I see that sparkle in her eyes that I used to see in yours. Lauren and I love you and miss you dearly!

Love,
Lila & Lauren

Lila Whaltey
wife
December 9, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 3, 2007

Agent Whatley,
Today is the ninth anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for having the extraordinary courage to choose a career that is demanding, often thankless and constantly precarious. You DID make a difference.

Pennsylvania citizen
August 20, 2007

Uncle Marc, may you rest in peace. Oh, and my dad still has your bass guitar. It's safe. But it will always be yours. I love you, and miss you dearly.

Jamie Whatley.
My Uncle.
June 12, 2007

To my dearest uncle Marc, may you rest in peace. I know your in Heaven looking down on us and keeping our family safe. I would like to thank you for always being there for us. You were such a wonderful person of what i can remember, but i remember you. Oh, and your bass guitar is safe. My dad still has it put up. But it will always be yours.

Jamie Whatley.
My Uncle.
June 12, 2007

I see your picture in the Meridian office and at Headquarters often. I often wonder what I could have learned from you. I have had the honor to meet your family and have heard stories told of you by them. I have also heard stories from other agents about your character and work ethic - your dedication and commitment to our calling. Thank you for your service to our state.

Agent Will Peterson
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
October 11, 2006

Brother, your service is greatly appreciated. I had the opportunity to meet your wife and children at memorial services throughout the years. Your children touched my heart when I saw them at the memorial services. They are very proud of you, and so am I. You have left a very respectful legacy for them to be proud of as they grow up. I personally know how important that will be to them, as I lost my father in the line of duty. God bless You Brother. I will pray for your family.

Agent Brandon Ladner
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
August 9, 2006

Thank you for your dedication to your family and commitment to your job. You always were and continue to be an inspiration to all who knew you. I am humbled and honored to visit you every year at the Memorial service in Laurel and as I touch your name on the wall in DC. I used to see your picture everyday at the Meridian office and now I see it everyday at Headquarters. I stare at it and think of things I could've told you my brother.
Your son and daughter are growing up fast and they both look just like you. Your son is so proud of his father and he has inherited your courage.

REST EASY SNIPER!

Captain Allen J. Ward
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
March 3, 2006

Your death, even after two years, when I joined the agency was still very fresh. We were taught in Agents academy how quickly one could lose their life, as happened to you. I know that you are missed, by the extreme sadness expressed on the anniversary of your death. I wish I'd had the chance to work with you, from what I hear you were always the life of the party. Watch over those of us fighting the good fight.
God Bless You Marc!

Agent Brad Fowler
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
January 18, 2005

Marc was my brother-in-law yet he was more like my father. I will always remeber him for pushing me to my full potential. He will always have a special place in my heart. I love you and always will

December 28, 2004

I do not know if we are related but I felt that I should say thank you for your service.
May your memory live on in the lives of your family today.

Deputy Christopher Whatley
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office

Rest in peace blue angel

Mark was dedicated to his family and his job, and was a good friend to all he worked with. He will never be forgotten.

SPECIAL AGENT DREW SHELDRICK
ATF

Marc brought me my application to work with MBN while we were in college. After three years with MBN, I just wanted to thank Marc again for encouraging me to apply and tell him that he' s still remembered.

Agent John Harless
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics