Police Officer Marc Todd Atkinson Phoenix Police Department Arizona Friday, March 26, 1999  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 42 of 43 of 44 of 4

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

Anonymous

2009-04-02

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
2009-03-26

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
2009-03-26

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
2009-03-26

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
2009-03-23

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
2009-03-20

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
2009-03-12

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
2009-02-04

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
2008-10-17

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
2008-10-07

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
2008-10-07

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

2008-04-24

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

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
2008-03-26

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-26

Miss you pal.

5817

2008-01-07

Marc T.Atkinson died when I was very young but as I grew older I learned of the great things that officer atkinson has done I 'am now a proud "Blue Knight" and I'am an 8th grade student proudly representing Marc T.Atkinson M.S.
every school wrestling match I go to I fight for officer atkinson I'am going to attend a.s.u. for law and justice and will eventually become an officer . To the family of officer atkinson I'am proudly representing your son,father uncle,godfather and everything else this great man was and still is . I'am truely sorry for your loss.

Nicholas Reynoso
I attend his school
2007-11-21

My dear friend, Another officer was killed this week. It brings back such painful memories. Know that your friends think of you often and continue to pray for you and the family you were forced to leave behind. I promise to try and help those left behind and also protect others from killers like yours.

Shawn
Lifelong Friend
2007-09-22

watch over us brother

Police Officer
Phoenix PD
2007-09-13

Marc,

Both my husband and I think about you often. That day was a tragic day for all of Phoenix. My husband worked with Rory, and because of their shared connection with you, they became great friends. I remember how you would walk into the precinct before briefing and give me a hard time, while I was working the desk as an Explorer. I remember riding with your squad and Trish, the Saturday before your untimely departure. My dad is up there too. Keep and eye out for us down here. Our thoughts are with you and your family, always.

Stephanie McMullen (Formerly Mattingly)
Friend and State Capitol Police Assistant
2007-09-10

"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
2007-07-26

Thinking of you today. Hoping your family is well, and I am missing you. I wonder how much your son has grown and if he looks like his Dad. I am sure he does.

Just another day, thinking of you.

Godspeed, 5930.

Connie Anast
friend
2007-07-25

I read about Marc's Death. It is deeply sad that a fellow officer had passed on. Thank goodness justice has prevailed. We must stop illegal immigration.

chris
Police officer from different state
2007-03-28

It has been 8yrs since you left for Heaven. It is good to know there are people out there that are willing to risk their lives to help another in need. Rest easy.

2007-03-26

May you rest safe with Our Lord and may your loved ones be blessed by Him.

2007-03-26

Rest in Peace, Officer Atkinson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-15