Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I wish to acknowledge the distinquished service Deputy Sheriff Stephenson gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 12, 1999. Deputy Sheriff Stephenson, you are a true hero as are the other two officers killed with you.

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

October 13, 2005

My name is Tina and I am one Mark's niece's. I can not express how much he is missed every day. We are only a couple of years apart in age and grew up together. Everyday things happen that remind me of him in some way. That makes me smile! Now my husband and I are about to have our first child. I know that Mark will smile upon her and be her personal Angel in life. For that I thank God!
I love you and miss you every day!!
Love,
Tina

September 27, 2005

This is just a little note. I am Mark Stephenson neice and it has almost been six years and I just can't stop thinking of my hero and wish ever minute that he was still alive and with us. I know he would be proud of my husband and I and would of love to meet our little half-pint. We loved him so much and just can't stop think of him.
Mark was a wonderful guy and I enjoyed the time we kinda of grow up together. My family thank everyone for all the love support.
Love,
Jennifer Bailey

Jennifer Bailey

August 16, 2005

The night I heard it go down, I was too far help. Unable to respond.


I later met your sister Debbie at Wilford Hall. We cried when we talked about it. She is a class act just like you were I am sure. I wish we could of met. Rest in peace. You have more than earned your rest. God bless everyone in your family.

Patrolman Mark Salazar
San Antonio PD

March 8, 2005

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us." - Jean Paul Richter

Mark,
It's five years today. You're not forgotten and never will be.

October 12, 2004

October 12, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 29, 2004

May god bless you and your family. Although I did not have the privilege to have known you, I am sure you earned your seat in heaven.

Rest in peace, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

September 29, 2003

GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, ONE WHO WOULD LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIEND

- As Mark did

Mark had a special way of holding places in people's hearts. God bless Rachel and the kids, who he held so dear in his heart.

Sheiladawn Kral
Pearsall, Texas Christian Womens Club

The loss of my husband is a great one and recovery will be long and hard for myself and our children. I do know that he died doing what he enjoyed doing helping others. Now he is with the Lord God in heaven watching over all of his brothers in Law Enforcement where he surely can make a difference and I do believe he is our Guardian Angel watching over us every minute of every day. May you rest in peace my darling in the Lords loving arms.

Rachel Stephenson/Wife

All of us in law enforcement are deeply saddened by the loss of these three brave brothers, Deputy Stephenson, Deputy Monse and Trooper Miller. Each death in the law enforcement community reopens old wounds that never manage to heal completely.

To their families and fellow workers, my deepest sympathy goes out to you. Yet find comfort in knowing that these brave men died just as they lived, as true heroes. They will never be forgotten.

I know that all three are now in heaven with our Heavenly Father. Just as surely, I know that the coward who committed this unforgiveable act will spend all eternity in the flames of hell paying for his sins.

I know that as these brave brothers entered in the gates of heaven that they heard the Heavenly Father speak these words, "Welcome home My good and faithful servants. You have done your duty well. It is time to rest now in My loving arms."

Special Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration

Your loss is felt all the way up in Canada. The brotherhood is no weaker across international bounderies.

Police Officer
Toronto Police Service

The senseless deaths of Deputy Monse, Deputy Stephenson and Trooper Miller have literally "hit home" with their fellow South Texas lawmen. No words can express the loss that we all feel, even if we had never met these fine gentlemen. Law Enforcement is a brotherhood that transcends jurisdictional boundaries.

Our prayers go out to their families and extended families at the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department and the Troopers of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol who have all lost brothers.

Sgt. Howard L. Hawbaker
Hidalgo Co. TX S.O.

Mark,
It has almost been 4 years since that sorry coward took you from us, and it only seems like yesterday. Not a day goes by that i dont think about you and how much fun we used to have. God I miss those days. Until we meet again brother.

anonymous

Anonymous

I went to Kadena High School (on Okinawa, Japan) with Mark. We lovingly called him "Biggins".

I am saddened to learn about Mark's death. He was a warm, caring, funny, friendly & happy person....such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Lori Neve (Burchart)
Kadena High School
Class of '87

Lori Neve (Burchart)

Deputy Stephenson, your watch is over and our department salutes you and your tour. May you watch over the gates of heaven, as you watched over the citizens of Atascosa County, Texas.

Deputy J. Allen
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas