Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Donald Joseph Marquez

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, March 19, 2002

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Donald Joseph Marquez

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this 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, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventh anniversary 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 19, 2009

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 6, 2008

Thinking of you today, May 15th, National Police Memorial Day. My wife attended the Memorial Ceremony at the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Florida today and she placed a blue rose along with your picture below the panel where your name appears. This tribute will remain there below your name for as long as there is room below your marble panel. Now vistors can put a face to a name. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2008

Donny-
You were my friend and I miss you every day. You brought so much joy into everyone's life.

Mark Mahoney

May 4, 2008

Officer Marquez and family,
I have just discovered this site and I am one of the teachers at the Daley College Child Development Lab School who served your children in their very early years. I remember how loving and nurturing each family member was with one another. I am sure that each of your children is a positive reflection of you and that through them you will live on. I also just learned about the Marquez charter school named in your honor. What a significant legacy you will continue to have on the citizens of this city through this school. Thank you for your heroic service to the people of Chicago. Rest in peace.

Maria Blank

Maria Blank, Teacher
Daley College Child Development Lab School

April 18, 2008

Once again that horrible day has arrived to remind those that love you dearly of the events that occured on this day 6 years ago. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 18, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 14, 2008

HEY BRO, TODAY IS CHRISTMAS AND DEANO AND HIS FAMILY WERE OVER TODAY VISITING US OUT HERE IN CALIFORNIA FOR THE DAY ALONG WITH COOKIE, DAVID, JONO AND LINDSEY. IT"S HARD BRO DURING THE HOLIDAYS LET ALONE THE DAILY LIFE WE LIVE HERE BELOW, AT LEAST FOR ME BRO. FOR OTHERS IT MAY BE DIFFERENT AND AS WE HAVE GROWN TO KNOW NOT EVERY ONE GRIEVES IN THE SAME MANNNER.BEEN TO THE DONALD J. MARQUEZ CHARTER SCHOOL SEVERAL TIMES IN PAST 6 MONTHS AND WHAT A HUGE HONOR IT IS FOR ME BRO TO KNOW THAT YOUR JOB HERE ON EARTH IS STILL UNDONE. IT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY NOT ONLY YOUR CHILDREN AND OTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS BUT BY EVERY SINGLE YOUNG BOY AND GIRL THAT GRADUATES FROM THIS INSTITUTION.IT IS AN HONOR TO BE YOUR BROTHER AND TO KNOW THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU MADE WAS AND NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. BEHIND YOUR NAME BRO ARE THE NAMES OF 419 OTHER CHICAGO'S FINEST WHO ALSO MADE THE SACRIFICE. SINCE THAT FATEFULL NITE OUR LIVES HAVE NOT BEEN THE SAME NOR WILL THEY EVER BE. READING THE DISPACHERS LETER TO YOU FROM THIS SITE CAN ONLY TELL US THAT EVEN THAT PERSON DID THEIR BEST THAT NITE.JUST GOT BACK FROM FIRESTATION 32 WHERE YOUR NEPHEW DAVID IS AN ENGINEER AND WHILE THERE HE AND HIS CREW WERE CALLED OUT ON A STRUCTURE FIRE AND AS ALL OF US WATCHED HIM GEAR UP AND JUMP IN THE DRIVERS SEAT OF THIS ENGINE I CAN ONLY REMEMBER THAT NIGHT WHEN THEY HAD TO BRING IN A THE LADDER TRUCK TO PROVIDE COVER FOR THOSE COURAGEOUS BROTHEES WHOSE LIVES WERE PUT IN HARMS WAY GETTING YOU OFF THAT PORCH AND THEN WATCHING THE PARAMEDICS PERFORM THEIR BEST IN PROVIDING THE MEDICAL ATENTION ON YOU AS THE PARAMEDIC VEHICLE TOOK YOU AWAY. THE DEPARTMENT GAVE US BRO THE ACTUAL FOOTAGE OF WHAT WENT DOWN THAT HORRIBLE NIGHT AND TONITE WAS ANOTHER REMINDER OF THE DANGER YOU GUYS IN BLUE AND RED PUT YOURSELVES IN.YOU KNOW BRO 6 MONTHS AFTER THE DEPARTMENT RETIRED YOUR BADGE MY SON ASKED ME TO PIN HIS FIREFIGHTER BADGE IN THIS BIG CEREMONY THEY HAD IN THE CITY OF PASEDENA. AND TONITE WHEN THE LADDER TRUCK AND AMBULANCE WERE ABOUT TO TAKE OFF IT WAS THEN THAT I REALIZED THAT YOU GUYS DON'T DO THIS FOR THE MONEY BUT BECAUSE OF THE BIG HEART TAHT WE AS CIVILIANS NEVER SEE. I WILL CLOSE WITH THIS BRO "MERRY CHRISTMAS" AND I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU. YOUR BROTHER DAVE

DAVE MARQUEZ
BROTHER

December 26, 2007

just remebering you how and why your not here no longer. it started 82 year old woman . the story about being taser. i was upset because young and old folks you cant trust anymore in our world.mary mitchell made it sound the old poor woman was taser. yet an old man ended your life .so do the police guess their jobs. when confroning old or young.police have families to to go home to. god bless don may the angels be with you and you angel of smile . a mother of three officers

freind maria granado
friend

November 7, 2007

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

October 17, 2007

Hi, Officer Marquez :) My name is Lili Montes de Oca we never met but through a very tragic event I got to meet your family. They are all an amazing bunch and I'm so glad to have met them. Your sister Donna has been a great help to me and Eric's mother and many others going through similar crisis and your kids inspire me to go forth and be strong (which is soo hard for me still :( as they are doing so well advancing in their education and spreading words of inspiration to those who need it. recently UNO opened a charter school in your name and I was very happy to see that it would be named after you although I have never met you I have met your family and heard such great things that I feel that I know you!!! Well, in a way I did as I dated a very similar character for a long time that in many ways was just like you (many,many ways!!!). I am very happy that the school was dedicated in your honor as it SHOULD be and am so glad that it was by UNO (I worked with them for a couple months...great organization). Many kids will now get to further their education in your name and emulate the person you once were and still are in spirit. I just wanted to say Thank you to you and your family and that I am very happy about the new Oficer Donald Marquez school :) R.I.P and say hello to my Eric for me tell him I love you and a big thank you to you both que descansen en paz

Lili
goldstar

September 4, 2007

Today is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day. On this day I salute you for your bravery and dedication to law enforcement. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2007

To Donnie, Donna and other family and friends:

A week ago was the second anniversary of Donnie's tragic death and the day all your lives changed forever. As I read the loving reflections left by those who called Donnie beloved, I am mindful of the journey we all struggle with as we try to make a life for ourselves...we know that is what our beloved would want us to do, but the heart always aches for the one who can only be with us in spirit for now.

I hope that you all find some peace in your heart tomorrow as you hold your memories like the rare and beautiful pearls they are.

May Donnie's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire.

Rest in Peace, Donnie. Your valor and dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

March 23, 2007

Officer Marquez, Thank you for your service and dedication. You sir, are a true HERO. Keep watch over us. Rest easy brother. To the family of this Hero take comfort in knowing our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. God Bless.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

March 19, 2007

Remembering you on your 5th anniversary. God Bless you and your family.


friend

March 19, 2007

Rest easy, Donnie. Thinking of you on your EOW. Never forgotten.

John E. Gordon

March 19, 2007

Rest safe with Our Lord.

March 19, 2007

Five years have passed since you were called away and the silent tears still fall from the broken hearts left behind. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 18, 2007

Dear Donnie,
Boy I can't believe how time has passed. It has been almost 5 years when you were taken from everyone. It is a date I will never forget because I was your dispatcher that night. I was the girl behind the mic who had the unfortunate experiece and the responsiblity to "control" the air and make sure you got some help.
I remember like it was yesterday how my partner and I tried and tried to get you help. All of your brothers in blue were trying and fighting for you. But the hard part about being a dispatcher is just listening to what is going on and now being able to help in more ways than we would like to.
I remember saying to myself, "I have to stay focused." And my partner and I did, we held it together as best as we could. But somehow that wasn't good enough.
Donnie, on the 5 year anniversary of your passing I just want to tell you how very sorry I am that you were taken from us. I pray for you and your family and for myself. That was a tough situation to listen to on the other end and I hope that I never have to hear that again. But I am proud of who you were and just by reading everything I read on you, I see you were an awesome man. God BLess Donald Marquez, RIP

Police Dispatcher
OEMC

March 15, 2007

Hi,
Just wanted to leave this reflection for all of the Marquez family. I know that time heals all. With the anniversary of Donald's death coming soon, it is hard to forget how tragically he left this world. I too have lost two brothers--one that was murdered when he was 17 yrs old and the other was a CPD, ERIC SOLORIO #13609 EOW 2/12/06. My sister Renee died suddenly on March 19, 1999. The SOLORIO FAMILY has a connection to your family. With that being said. I try to remember the good times. I don't focus too much on how they died.... I pray to God everyday to give me strength when I feel I want to give up. When I am full of rage, I ask God to help me find peace in my heart. I am grateful for having the rest of my family here. Sometimes I don't understand why we have had to go through soo much pain and hurt. But as the saying goes, "that which doesn't kill us will only make us a stronger". That is so true!!! God puts people in our life for "a reason, a season, or a lifetime". I believe that. I don't think our loved ones would want us crying forever for them. I know they would want us to live life to the fullest and be happy. May you all find peace, love and forgiveness today and always. Peace out!!! Much love to all of you.

RICHELLE L. SOLORIO
Friend forever

March 12, 2007

Officer Marquez,

It has been almost five years since I stood there in front of the church in the cold weather. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I stood there in my Police Explorer's uniform with all of your brothers, and I realized the brotherhood that all law enforcement officers have. Almost three years to the date, now as a P.O., I attended one of my fellow officers funerals. Officer Marquez, you are not forgotten.

Police Officer Alex Foster #35
Panama City Beach Police Department, Florida

February 20, 2007

Merry Christmas Don. We LOVE you. Never forgotten

Brothers in blue

December 25, 2006

Dear Donna and Marquez family, Sorry I haven't made it to Donald's site before now. Donna I have heard so many wonderful things about you form the Gordon family. Thank you for keeping your Brothers memory alive, as the rest of your "blue line family" will join you in doing so. Know that I have thought of you so many times. To many Hero's in Heaven today, aren't there. The hurt or pain never goes away does it? I still have trouble beleiving my son-in-law is gone. I salute you Officer Marquez, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made. Heaven is full of Hero's today. I know you,Mike and Jeff are enjoying talking to our Lord, as you get ready to celebrate His birthday. Heaven is brighter with all the Fallen Hero's there. And God Himself wiped your tears away. Rest in His loving arms and continue to keep watch over the rest of us. Donald, we will keep your memory alive forever. Hero's never die. Donna I promise to keep in touch with you. Please tell My precious. God sent friends, Bob and Carol Gordon I send my love. So unreal how our lives crossed. I know Mike and Jeff had a big hand in it. Donna keep doing the great work you are doing. You are in my prayers, and keep doing the work God has called you to do. Hope to meet you someday, until then, know that Donald is watching over you and your family. We will keep his memory alive in our hearts. Love and Prayers,and may God continue to hold you in the palm of His almighty hand and give you the peace that paseth all understanding. Carol and Bobs friend, Carolyn Moore Mother-in-law of Sgt. Jeffrey T.Hewitt EOW 04-04-04 Asheville, N.C.

Carolyn Moore

December 12, 2006

When something I see or hear makes me think of your passing, I always stop and say a prayer. The Lord gives me wonderful memories. When I think of you, I don't think of the handsome man you grew to be, or the tragic way your life ended. In my mind and heart He lets me see you as a laughing funny face chubby little boy, free from pain, hurt, and sorrow..... just enjoying life, and now enjoying your Eternal Life. God is so good!!

Pat Keating Daly

November 12, 2006

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