Police Officer Mark S. Decker, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

Police Officer Mark S. Decker

United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, January 31, 1986

Mark S. Decker

Police Officer Mark Decker and Police Officer Leonard Wilcox were shot and killed while attempting to question a suspicious man at the Brecksville VA Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Both officers were armed only with mace due to administrative guidelines.

While the officers were talking with the man he pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer Decker, killing him instantly. Officer Wilcox attempted to run for cover, but the suspect chased him before shooting him as well.

Officer Decker was single and had served in law enforcement for 11 years.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Ohio
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Sentenced to two life terms

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

I concur with others - bureacracy should have been listed as cause of death. Too many politicians are worried about their careers instead of public safety so they tie the hands of the men and women who are there to protect us. EVERY police officer should have the right to carry on and off duty, after all you are a cop 24/7, thank you and everyone else whose job it is to keep us safe.

Police Officer
Veteran of the United States Military

May 9, 2012