Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Sir. I think you showed heroism that is beyond extraordinary. You are remembered and prayed for.

Kimberly Towey
Surviving daughter
March 19, 2012

Your Heroism is honored today, RIP Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
March 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Corrections Officer Parker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 14, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

I left a reflection today for another officer who was murdered in the same incident that you recieived your dibilitating wound. I wanted to leave you a reflection even though it is not your exact eow date. Your valor after being shot and continuing to lead a roductive life after such a life-altering event when you wee only nineteen is amazing. I am also glad that you lived and were able to see justice carried out by viewing the execution .

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 10, 2012

My dearest Mark ~
Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you and remember the depth of our friendship. You taught me so much about life after you were shot. I miss you my dear friend. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Until we meet again.
With love & friendship ~ Laura

Captain Laura Kenyon
Fairfax City Police Department
March 26, 2011

Mark, I will never forget you saying to me on the day of the shooting, you wanted to put your head in my lap, I could not because I knew you had been shot in the back of the neck. It broke my heart when I heard you could not walk again, you had your life ahead of you and some idiot robbed you of it..I will alwaYS love and miss you. You are my hero......Please watch over me like you did when you were here...Always in my heart. Judy

Retired Deputy Judy Bourgeois Orange Co.
Fellow worker, and friend
March 19, 2011

Time does not heal the pain the in the hearts of those left behind, but may you remember always we will never forget the heroes who gave their all.... God bless.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous
March 19, 2011

To Officer Mark Parker, his family and his fellow officers with the Orange County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Parker’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Parker and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Memebrs and Staff
March 19, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this 1st anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 19, 2010

My friend,

The Remembrance Ceremony yesterday was the first since your passing. They honored Arnie and Harry and had a moment of silence just for you.

It was a beautiful morning, the first nice one we’ve had in weeks. There was a very nice turn out and included some of the people you loved and who loved you the most. The words spoken were brief yet meaningful. It was mentioned that this year’s wreath was the nicest ever.

The bagpipes gave me chills and the effect of the sound in the breezeways was spectacular. They came from behind us, softly at first, passed by very closely, loud and clear, then in front of us and faded away again.
The words of your favorite hymn, Amazing Grace “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see” reminded me that for a while you were crippled, and now you are no longer.
“Taps” was played perfectly, and as always, it was tough. The flags in front of the courthouse were flown at half mast all day. I know you’d find it funny that most people who had business there yesterday wouldn’t have any idea as to why.
The small gathering afterward, the greetings and condolences, the hugs and handshakes, the laughter and the tears were what meant the most.
I was so proud, and I know you are too. If you planned it yourself, you wouldn’t have done anything differently.

The office of a new friend I visited looked like you decorated it yourself. I can’t get away from that stuff, and again, I know you’d find that funny. Both nerds, you two would have gotten along great.

I cried tears of happiness and was overwhelmed yesterday afternoon when I learned that over fifty people came to Animal Services and adopted pets as a direct result of the news story about your cats.
Since you couldn’t be an organ donor because of your illness I realized yesterday that this is the next best thing you could have done for your fellow man. The difference in the lives these pet adoptions make will be remembered forever.
I had no intention of ever going there, but when I did yesterday, I actually met the family who has Connie and Sally. As I walked into the hallway the odds of us passing by each other at that very moment had to be one in a million. 1 second sooner or later, and I wouldn’t have met them. They are a very nice family, animal lovers just like we are. They took the girls, and are keeping them together out of respect and to honor you after they heard the story of your sacrifice.
Know now that all your beloved pets will be well cared for and live the rest of their days in loving homes.
Since I ended up there, I was really only going to thank a few of the wonderful staff. It occurred to me though that while there, I could take care of another matter I believe you would want me to.
Then, I decided to walk through the public area of the kennels in hope of finding some comfort there. With the exception of one, I was able to pet every single dog there, even the ones labeled “aggressive”.
I ended up being there several hours. I met a girl who was “just looking”. We talked at length, and she went from just looking to filling out adoption paperwork. She will have her new dog by Monday. She loved the name I suggested. I never told her where I got it from, but there’s a very good chance her new dog will share the name of your very first.

I just read:” WHILE WE ARE MOURNING THE LOSS OF OUR FRIEND, OTHERS ARE REJOICING TO MEET HIM”. Knowing that you’re with your family and friends that have gone on before us, and that your earthly body has been traded in for a heavenly one has been a great comfort to me.
I feel your presence every day since you’ve been gone, but never more than yesterday. I will continue to do the things I feel you want me to in your memory and to honor you. I love you, I miss you and I’m thankful.

Carl Head
Orlando, FL
January 16, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Corrections Officer Mark Parker,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Corrections Officer Mark Parker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Corrections Officer Mark Parker is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
April 9, 2009

Man, I am so sorry that had to happen to you. May you rest in Peace. You will be missed, Brother.

F. Officer Winslow
Federal Police
April 8, 2009

Officer Parker,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Orange County. And to your family, loved ones, and fellow Officers, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
April 2, 2009

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER
PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PORVINCIAL POLICE

PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
March 29, 2009

God bless you, your family and the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's department. Rest in peace brother..

Officer E. Borghesani
San Francisco Police Dept, CA
March 28, 2009

My families deepest sympathies go to Officer Parkers family, friends and fellow officers. God speed.

Rich Knudsen
Brother of Sgt. Mary Huggins OCSO, FL
March 28, 2009

GOD bless you and your family my brother. May peace heal the pain with time, you are all in our hearts and prayers.

Trooper A. Forsyth
Louisiana State Police
March 27, 2009

Officer Parker, your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department
March 27, 2009

Officer Parker,
I guess you were so tired here that the Lord decided to take you home to finally rest. You are a hero...putting yourself in harm's way to protect others that awful day. I know your family realizes that you are no longer in pain/discomfort and are whole again but that doesn't ease their pain any! I pray the Lord will wrap his loving arms around them and carry them through the days ahead. I'm glad they had so much time with you. I'm also glad you were able to witness the end of the thug who murdered you! God Bless You Officer Parker!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor
March 26, 2009

my sincere condolences to the family of officer mark parker. his selfless actions to protect others is something not everyone can or will do. i'm sorry his courage caused such a serious injury. may you find continued strength in the days to come.
sincerely,
susan crites

susan crites - civilian
March 26, 2009

Mark is now an Angel looking down upon you!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Anonymous
March 26, 2009

Mark is now an Angel looking down upon you!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Anonymous
March 26, 2009

Rest in peace brother.

P/O Steve Cabral
Baltimore City Police Dept
March 26, 2009

May God Bless you and your family and may he help them in their time of grief! Thank you for your service!

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY
March 26, 2009

The battle is over brother rest in peace

Sgt Greg Meagher
RCSO, Georgia
March 25, 2009