Officer Down Memorial Page

Marc,

On the day of Arizona's Peace Officer's Memorial Ceremony, you and Wayne are in my thoughts. But, especially you. I remember your sense of humor and your smile. You are a role model for me, and have been since I was an Explorer out of Maryvale. I am with a different agency now, but you are in my thoughts often.

#7356
AZDPS Capitol Police District
May 7, 2012

I still haven't forgotten you brother. I know God blesses you and may he watch over your family, friends and brethren officers always.

Sergeant
Glendale Police Department
March 26, 2012

The Broken Badge

He put on the blue
Late one cold winter night,
His badge upon his chest
Polished so bright,
Though his badge was old
It shined like new,
For it was much loved
By this man in blue.
His badge was his promise
To all who came his way,
“I’m here to serve you,”
It seemed to say,
A silver star
With edges straight and true,
Just like the heart
Of this man in blue.
He didn’t see the gun
That took his life,
He slipped away
Crying out for his wife,
His broken badge
Clung bravely to his chest,
A shattered witness
To his last breath.
His badge
Once shiny, bright, and new,
Now lies broken,
Bent, and blue,
A silver star,
Now broken in two,
Just like the hearts,
Of his brothers in blue.

God Bless you Mark

R.V.
Family Friend
December 26, 2011

Thinking about Marc, his sacrifice to the people of Phoenix. I was amazed by the men and women he served with in that city. If I was a police officer I would want to serve in Phoenix. Thanks for honoring and remembering him.

Karl Christen
friend
December 9, 2011

marc,
Ive never forgot the day you sacrificed it all. was less then 3blocks away. couldnt get there fast enough. finding out it was you well enough said. the world is a lesser place with out you. even heaven has improved with your presence.

former reserve deputy/ military police
MCSO- friend
November 30, 2011

Marc-

Several of your fellow Officers gathered at the site where you made the Ultimate Sacrifice last night...we haven't forgotten

Brother in Blue
Phoenix Police
March 27, 2011

Marc, today you would have been 40. It seems like yesterday that I last saw you. May you find peace and know that you have touched so many people in your life that ended too soon. My heart will always hold a special spot for you and your family.

Shelby
Friend
August 16, 2010

Officer Atkinson, I am sure your child is growing into a wonderful person with you watching from above. God Bless your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE
July 2, 2010

Last night our squad stood silently at 30th Av & Catalina and honored your memory. It has been eleven years to the day that you answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. While none of us had the privilege to know you, we will never forget and you will live on in our hearts.

- 71J Squad

Anonymous
March 27, 2010

Today it's been eleven years my friend. We all love and miss you. Be at peace my brother.

Shawn Smith
Friend
March 26, 2010

Just the other day, I was going through some of my old patrol stuff. I found an HGN card Marc did for me on 032599. Miss you, brother.

Anonymous
February 26, 2010

You have not and never will be forgotten. Rest easy.

Anonymous
April 2, 2009

To Officer Marc Atkinson and his loved ones:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Marc, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Marc. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Marc gave to his community and the citizens of Arizona, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 26, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 26, 2009

On this day, 10 years ago, we lost an amazing soul. One of those souls who graces us only but for a moment, to inspire us to be better people.

We lost you, Marc, but we didn't lose your memory. And we are all better people for the journey.

I miss you.

Connie Anast
friend
March 26, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005
March 26, 2009

While I wasnt hired till a year after your murder, I use your tragic fate as a training tool to all of the officers I train. I make all of them research your life and your death. While very sad, you are making your brothers safer. My heart goes out to your family as your anniversary approaches brother. Rest easy.

PHXPD Officer
PHX
March 23, 2009

Coming up on the tenth anniversary of your move to Gods police Department which was a tremendous loss for Phoenix but a great gain for heaven. God truly received an intelligent, honorable, trustworthy and a man of personal integrity to work along side all our brothers and sisters in the badge in His kingdom. You are still missed and you will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters here. We know you will be along side your family next week when we dedicate a sign in your memory near your departure location. Give jesus a hug for all your family and all your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. In Christ.

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD, AZ State Cahp. FOP
March 20, 2009

I find myself frequently thinking of you lately. I miss you so much. The day you died was one of the worst days of my life. The day of your funeral it rained and felt as if it was tears from heaven (we agreed you were making it rain on us because we were standing at attention :-). I feel honored to have called you my friend. Especially as I read the kind words left here in your honor. You were truly one of the greatest men I've known. You were one of my best friends and I'll never forget what a wonderful man you were. Please keep watch over your brothers in blue. You are greatly missed.

Officer
Squad Mate
March 12, 2009

I think about you everytime I see the plaque on your locker at 8. Hope you're enjoying your beat in Heaven.

Police Officer
Phoenix PD
February 4, 2009

The day I will not forget. I had just joined the Marine Corps and was getting ready to head to boot camp. When I heard about this. My dad, Sgt Mike Torres, then of the PPD. I asked my recruiter if I could stay a couple more days to pay my respect to Marc Atkinson. I know these officers put their lives on the line to keep our cities safe. I have served my country and am doing it again to keep this country safe. May God bless you and everyone. May He protect our officers out there on the streets as well as for those who have a bigger challenge in the Iraq war.

Spc. Torres
AZANG
October 17, 2008

I find myself thinking of you a lot lately. I miss you so much. The day you died was the worst day of my life. The day of your funeral rained and felt as if it was tears from heaven. I am uplifted to read the kind words left here in your honor. You were truly one of the greatest men I've known and I hope to be worthy of being called your friend. You were my best friend and I'll never forget what a wonderful man you were. Please keep watch over your brothers in blue, we don't want to lose any more of them.

SRS
Friend
October 7, 2008

I remember that day, I was in shock. It took place down the street from my house. I did not know this man, but I couldn't believe it when I heard. He was doing his job, trying to keep my neighborhood and children safe. I want to Thank him and his family for all he stood for. Thank You and God Bless you now and always. Our prayers are always lifted up to the most high, for protection of our City, County and Highway patrol. Thank you for the job you do. Sincerly The Hrabb family

Denise
Grateful Citizen
October 7, 2008

I just got an e-mail about the upcoming 20 year high school reunion Marc would have attended with those of us who went to school together. Marc was a great friend growing up. After high school we went our separate ways and didn't keep in touch. I wish I had. I just found out today and I'm still a little stunned.

I remember listening to Van Halen and the impromptu musical jam sessions at Marc's house.

Marc, buddy, you are missed and my prayers are with your wife and son.

Greg
April 24, 2008

~Never forgotten~
God Bless your family, friends and co-workers.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
March 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 26, 2008