Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have sat here reading all the words that everyone has said about Trooper Cosslett. I did not know him and I think that is a loss for me. He is a hero and will always be remembered. He touched many lives during his time here on earth and now he has touched mine from heaven. Semper Fi, my brother.

Sgt. A. Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

January 28, 2005

Mark, Mark, Mark. My dearest best friend in the whole world. A true brother in every since of the word. Why God chose you for a higher calling when he did is anyone's guess but I reckon he's got his reasons.

Funny how we met through police work but our friendship wasn't bonded by it; rather, by the crazy stuff we did together both on the job and off but mostly off when on our personal Harleys. Hehehe.. boy those were great times, heh? We had no secrets between us yet we have some that we knew we'd take with us when it was our time. Lousy that we can't laugh about them together any longer.

And thanks for letting me know that there is something after we leave here. I'll never forget that evening after visiting you at Quantico.

Anyway, you and I still chat daily. You're in my thoughts with every taste of Beam and a cigar that I light up. I know we'll hook up together when it's my time and that's comforting. In the meantime, your memory will always be alive and respected by me and those who loved you as a brother. There are none better than you. Take care of Evo for us.

MPO Don Ingerski - Retired
Fairfax County (VA) Police

April 28, 2004

You were a wonderful friend and are missed so much.
Not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind. I carry your photo with me and often smile when I look at it and remember some of the crazy times out with you. Sometimes that photo brings tears when I realize you really won't be showing up for "rides" and other "events". Rest in peace Mark
p.s. did evo catch up with you yet? hug to both of you! xoxo TI

April 22, 2004

I often visit this website after the death of two dear friends from the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Trooper Cosslett. I am deeply saddened to see the death of another Trooper. From the reflections written about Trooper Cosslett, it is obvious that he was a wonderful man and trooper.

I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that there are many prayers that are going out for your family.

Thank you so much to the men and women who continue to serve their communities and this great Nation. God Bless You.

...Gone, but never Forgotten...

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

There are not many days that go by without a thought of Mark passing through my memories. He was a new, but wonderful friend to me indeed!

Yesterday evening, one year since we lost Mark, was special to me because I was able to speak with two more of Mark's friends...two of my friends that I am thankful to have.

Life is so very short sometimes, cherish your friends! I pray that all of Mark's family is doing well.

We miss you Mark!

Jeffery Payne

October 24, 2003

Rest in peace my friend, your tour is complete. Watch over us as we continue on.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 23, 2003

Mark,

Tomorrow marks one year. When Patrick reminded us all of your sacrifice today at the area meeting i could feel the dread i felt a year ago come back. The expression on FD's face was obviously changed. We are all still affected by you.

God Bless, Semper Fi, You Da Man Bro.

Trooper
Va State Police

October 22, 2003

Mark, I've all ready left a reflection for you but as I keep thinking of you i felt like i had to speak again. After I went to a friends house and saw the "Trooper" magazine with your picture on the cover in a frame it brought back all kind of emotions.

F.D. was and is still beside himself. We all are whether or not we want to admit it. You were the type of guy who livened up the office when you stepped in. The type of common sense - no nonsense trooper that this department so sadly needs. Mark, your tragedy hit home. It is because of you that I now say a prayer before each shift. God Bless You Mark. God Bless the VSP and all who carry on in your memory. God Bless all police who do so much for so many for so little.

You are my hero. You are Da Man!

Trooper
Va State Police

September 2, 2003

Mark,
I think about you everyday and i don't know how to reflect my feelings but here it goes. I remeber the first time i meet you, i walked into the area office and you were counting a large amount of money on the desk. You were under cover at the time and you looked so bad i was caught a little off guard at first then you told me the story about how you came out of you house at a very early hour to help another trooper. She had recovered a large amount of money and you did not hesitate when she called you at home to come help her with the situation. Thats what i remember about you most you always had good advise and you seemed like you knew everything.
I will always remember the last time i saw you alive. It was the morning of the 23 at about 0615 i walked into the office and you were sitting there doing paper work. We said hello and joked around for a while and then i left to go on a call. That would be the last time i would see you alive but in my mind you will always be alive out on the road on your Harley.
May you always keep the roads of heaven safe.
From one jarhead to another Siemper Fi

Anonymous

August 27, 2003

A co-worker and I came by the scene of this tragedy less than 15 seconds after it happened. The dust was still in the air and many had already stopped to offer assistance. I knew as we continued down the road and saw many other officers racing towards the scene that it had to be an officer involved incident. I prayed for it to be minor, not wanting to think of the possible severity all those responding officers might indicate. I was so saddened to hear that he passed away. Having grown up around state and local police all my life, they hold a dear place in my heart. I was and am so proud of the officers that take this job on as their lifes work. They are a remarkable group and deserve the support of the community. Thank you so much for all you do.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all law enforcement and their families, friends and loved ones.

Shan

August 22, 2003

Semper Fi! Marines and Police Officers are part of a Brotherhood that others will never know!

Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department

It has been seven months now since we learned of Mark's death, and we still miss him. We (a small, but enthusiastic group of public service professionals, who in addition are all NASCAR freaks) met Mark two years ago at the fall Bristol race. He was still undercover and definitely was someone, who at first glance, you would have his hands on your fender while you checked him for wants and warrants. But appearances were definitely deceiving. We came to find out in short order that in addition to being a great guy, he fit into our group as if we had all served with him for the past 15 years or so. We have read all of the tributes prior to this one and thank all who contributed. All we can add is the knowledge that you are all right on about the man and all we will forever be thankful for the opportunities we had in 2001 and 2002 to share those moments when he let his hair down and shared some of the best comaraderie you could have with his friends.

As a footnote, at this year's Bristol spring race, just prior to the race, Mark's beautiful wife, Leslie, called John and Sean and told them "to have a good time, remember Mark, and have a couple of beers for him", which we did. What a gal!!

BBC 2003
In Honor of Charles Mark Cosslett

Dane, Jeff, John, Keith, and Sean
Bristol Boys Club (BBC)

I remember that quiet saturday morning when you called for another unit to back you up on 495 @ Van Dorn St. You seized a small amount of dope and several thousand dollars in cash. Although all the work was yours, you made sure that I also got a letter of commendation from Col. Huggins.

This was my first real work experience with you Mark. I never forgot that and I still have that letter. Just a small example of the tremendous character we all knew as "Cooter". Mark, we all miss you and Division 7 will never be the same..........remember Mark, "You Da Man"

Anonymous

I shall never forget you Mark, I will always be there for your family as I was for you.

Retired Sgt. Grayson Ward
Virginia State Police

semper fi rest in peace trooper

Anonymous

When I first met you I said to myself I want to be that guys friend. After spending time with you I felt lucky to call you a freind. You used to say a thousand points of light and they all point to you. Well my brother a thousand points of light and they all point to you now. semper fi my freind.

Anonymous

Hey DevilDog my partner got alot of dope Sat night I thought of you and wished you was hear As I called Wyth to ask them to bolo the other vehicle I knew If you was hear It would be found as it passed through your area I don't why things happen the way they do sometimes the way it turns out is just about unbearable. I am so sorry for your wife and loved ones, wish I could bring you back but I know you are where no one can hurt you. I am very sorry and sad to hear about your passing. Semper Fi Marine/Trooper you have earned your rest for you have done your time in Hell. God speed and SEMPER FIDELIS

State Trooper k-9
Tennessee Highway Patrol

I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has written, called and visited during this difficult time for our family. I am so proud to have been Mark's wife and almost as proud to have found such a huge family in the law enforcement community.

My children and I are eternally grateful.

Leslie Cosslett

Someone said it best when they said you died doing what you love. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in their time of need. I know you smile down upon us all with angel wings. God Bless you for all you did for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the many people's lives you have touched.


A.M.B.
From Richmond, Va.

Mark, I knew you from the DEA Task Force and around the metro area. You even stopped me once for HOV but when you saw my shield you did the right thing. Because you were a real cop and there are plenty of real bad guys out there. I know Donny and all the others will miss you terribly. I'm so sorry that you are gone. God bless you and your family. I know that you are with Him now along with all those who have given the last full devotion to duty.

Anonymous

To the family, my heart breaks for you. Noone truly knows the despair, emptiness, grief and even anger you feel now. Just know that he is greatly respected for his service with the Marines, for his dedication as a trooper and for putting his life on the line to protect those in fear of the sniper's. I can't say it gets better with time because I'm not sure it does but you do learn to understand how respected and loved he is now and forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you as a fellow survivor from Virginia State Police.

Romaine Cheney - Surviving Sibling
VA State Trooper Jessica J. Cheney EOW 1/17/98

Romaine Cheney - Surviving Sibling

I shall always have fond memories of you. Working with you was always good police work. I am sure that you would chew me out for leaving the Department again, but you would also understand why. In our nine years of employment you taught me a thing or two and for that I will always be grateful. Your send off was outstanding, and well deserved. I shall do what I can to watch out for your family.

Officer R. M. Thomas Jr.
US Park Police

My thoughts and prayers are with Senior Trooper Mark Cosslett's wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. You are not alone in your pain and grief. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Mark's family and friends. God has a special place for those who pay the ultimate price.

Trooper
Oklahoma Highway Patrol (Motor unit)

I only worked with Trooper Mark Cosslett for a short time, but enjoyed chatting with him every time he came by the Virginia State Police Association office. As the 7th Division representative, Mark took on a tremendous amount of responsibility -- as a volunteer! He was involved in so many charities and was always willing to help out in any way he could. He was always polite, funny and listened to any complaints or concerns you had. I admire his wife for her bravery at his funeral. Going down Interstate 95 as we headed to Quantico, it was so touching to seeing all the blue lights lined up for miles in the procession and seeing area police officers and firemen lined up on the overpasses to salute their fallen comrade. There were even people stuck in the lines of traffic beside the procession who got out of their vehicles and put their hands over their hearts in respect for Mark. Though law enforcement officers do not always receive much respect when they're alive, it is comforting to know that so many people do care -- afterall. God bless you, Mark. Thank you for making Virginia and your country a safer place to live and work.

Tammy, VSPA editor
Virginia State Police Association