Officer Down Memorial Page

MARK ELLIS
I remember when we were in the NYPD Police Academy together assigned to field training in the 110th precinct in May of 1998. We were both the same age, and were both filled with the ambition that rookies often have. Our shields were shiny and our gun belts brand new. We compared equipment and complained about how hard it was to pay for a hundred dollar flashlight on a rookie's salary. You and I where assigned to a foot post on Roosevelt Av and as the 7 train roared over us, we spoke about how we couldn't wait to graduate the academy and start our careers at our permanent commands. We also talked about our ambitions and expectations in law enforcement. We exchanged phone numbers; spoke a couple of times after graduation but since we where assigned to different commands in different boroughs, we eventually lost touch. I came across your number in the summer of 2001 and was going to call you to say hello, but life as a NYC Police Officer often leaves us with little time for catching up.

I also remember the sinking feeling I felt when I looked across the East River and saw the first tower collapse on September 11th, 2001. All I could think about was how many brother Officers and Firefighters I just witnessed lose their lives in a matter of a moment. I was overwhelmed with the intense feeling that you get when a fellow Officer is calling a 10-13 (Officer needs HELP forthwith!) over the air.

We all felt heartbroken when it was ascertained that we where missing 23 NYPD Officers, along with many Port Authority Officers and FDNY firefighters. My jaw dropped when I heard you where one of the missing. It really hit home when an Officer falls that is the same age as me and graduated in the same academy class. It then occurred to me how easily it could have been me.

The subsequent report of how you and your partner took over a NYC cab (an accomplishment within itself) and rushed to the WTC to save lives makes all of us proud. Your sacrifice makes me realize the importance of our work and how precious life is.

Our lives and careers started around the same time, but yours ended way to early. As I continue my life and career in law enforcement (I’m now a cop in a Westchester County suburb a few minutes north of NYC) I carry the lessons learned from my reflections and along with our brother Officers nationwide, greatly appreciate the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice you made. Rest in peace brother!

Detective Joseph A. Donza
Village/Town of Mount Kisco NY Police Department
February 14, 2012

I joined this dept. Because of men and women like you. God bless you.

PO
NYPD
October 1, 2011

Just watched CSI:New York. At the end of the show Gary Sinese's tribute to those fallen on 9/11/01 made me remember that I have a bracelet with the name of a Missing in Action NYPD Officer. That name is Mark Willis. I Googled his name to find that Officer Mark Willis died on that tragic day.

Mark, I want to thank you for your sacrifice and dedication. May God Bless You and Your Family. And God Bless America.

Susan Stapleton
Camden, Ohio

September 24, 2011

Susan Stapleton
September 24, 2011

Thank you for your service and making the ultimate sacrifice. may god bless you and all your loved ones.

Beth Eichinger
Carpentersville Police
September 13, 2011

Mark

10 years has gone by and it feels as if was just yesterday. You did what others wouldnt do and thousands of lives were saved that day. You are not forgotten

Detective Patrick Donohue
NYPD
September 11, 2011

Mark-
I remember you from junior high and high school like it was yesterday, always so kind and considerate. As soon as I heard the news after 9-11 that you had been amongst the heroes taken that day my heart ached. When I visited the Fallen Officers Memorial in DC a few years ago I stopped and said a prayer by your name. Thank you for your bravery.

God Bless

Nicole
LVMPD
September 1, 2011

every time I see your face I heart still melts...time goes on but the pain still remains. I will never forget the love we shared for six years and how it ended so tragically. You will always be a part of me. I will always love you and never forget your sacrifice!

stephanie
my love
February 4, 2011

Mark, throughout the acadamy it was obvious you were a leader. Men of your caliber are few and far between and what you did comes as no shock to me. I wish you got to live your life. God bless you and God bless your family.

PO Joseph V
NYPD co. 97-51
September 11, 2010

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you and God bless America.

Miranda
September 11, 2009

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida
September 11, 2009

Mark

It has been eight years since you made the ultimate sacrifice along with Ray Suarez. I still can't fathom that you and everyone else that died that day is gone. You are not forgotten and never will be.

DETECTIVE PATRICK J. DONOHUE
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous
September 11, 2009

Officer Ellis,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEO's who died on that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
September 11, 2009

The anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in a few days as you well know. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
September 8, 2009

Mark and I graduated the same high school class, and also had the privlige of working with him on the streets of NY, him as transit and I EMS, you are not forgotten brother.

Wayne S. Gotlieb
NYC Paramedic
August 3, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.
March 6, 2009

OUR AGENCY JUST LOST ONE OUR FINEST OFFICERS TO A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW OFFICER ELLIS I HAVE WORN A BRACELET WITH HIS NAME ON IT FOR 8 PLUS YEARS NOW. THIS SAD TIME HAS BROUGHT BACK THE MEMORY OF THE TRAGIC LOSS OF OFFICER ELLIS AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHERS THAT HORRIBLE DAY IN 2001.I JUST WANTED THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO VISIT THIS MEMORIAL TO KNOW THAT I WILL "NEVER FORGET". GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE.

DISPATCHER
BUCKS CO PENNSYLVANIA 9-1-1
February 15, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Ellis and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes
January 12, 2009

R.I.P. Brother, we still remember and appreciate your sacrifice. God be with your family.

Officer Wil
Modesto CA PD
September 11, 2008

Mark, I can't believe it has been 7 years since 9/11/01. I remember one of our last conversations the Thursday before when you found out that the TD-4 Department Recognition Committee approved your submissions. You were estatic. Little did I know that in less than a week, you would perform one of the most heroic acts ever by a member of the NYPD. Not a day goes by that I do not think you and Ray. Until we meet again.

Patrick Donohue
Detective NYPD
September 11, 2008

Almost 7 years have gone by Mark since 9/11. I feel like it was yesterday that we sat in the 110 Pct. locker room during FTO while in the academy back in 1997/98, talking about getting things done. Walking to foot posts on Roosevelt Avenue in our grey training uniforms. Riding the #7 train back and forth. Standing there at night feeling so vulnerable, but so bold at the same time. A sense of pride, at that time, that nobody could have ever taken away from us. 10 years have gone by pal. A lot has happened. The reality of the job and the outcomes were humbling to say the least. I dont know why it took me 7 years to leave this. But R.I.P. Brother.

Police Officer Eric Eisenhardt
NYPD/PAPD now Clearwater PD Florida
July 13, 2008

"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
January 3, 2008

Thank you, Ofc. Mark Ellis, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Ofc. Ellis.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter
September 30, 2007

I purchase a silver band in 2002. I asked for my donation to be in the name of an police officer. I received Mark Ellis NYPD. I have always wondered who he was and was he married? any kids? Today I decided to google his name.

I have wear this bracelet every year from August to the end of October and then off and on for the past 5 years. I pray for him and the family he has left behind pretty much everyday. I don't him but my family and I are very proud of him.
My husband is also an officer here in California. And I know he would have done the same thing. Thank you to him his family NYPD for doing what you do best.

Kym Davis California

someone who think about him everyday
September 13, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.
September 11, 2007