Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Senior Trooper Charles Mark Cosslett

Virginia State Police, Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 23, 2002

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Senior Trooper Charles Mark Cosslett

Bro,

The past year was busy, crazy, and just plain great! I'm looking forward to what the New Year brings but no matter how busy and crazy it is, you will not be forgotten, but thought of often......

"A Brother"
WWMD

January 2, 2010

I thought of you tonight, as the announcement came that the DC Sniper, John Allen Muhammad had taken his last breath in the execution chamber. I remembered your name, and the fact that you are not listed among the 13 victims, because he and his accomplice did not shoot you, but they killed you nonetheless. I doubt there is any closure or anyone feels any better about missing you - but justice has been served. You were brave and true to the end. I hope your family continues to be comforted by your whisper on the wind, and their law enforcement family. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Kelly Gulich
RDS, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

November 10, 2009

Cosmo, I never knew this happened to you. I am sorry that I did not know until today. It is kinda of ironic that you died on the day the Beruit Embassy was blown up. I will never forget the good times we had in the Corps together and that green car you had. Every time I listen to the Clash, it will have new meaning. Rest in peace.

Lt Glen F. Harding
Ret Grand Traverse County

November 7, 2009

Bro,

It was a great day today, the weather held out and the company was exceptional. It was a memorable run.

After the drama of the week, this was a great end all. As always YOU were the main topic, and were missed by all.

I can't express in words what I'm feeling right now, other than to say there's a peace that I haven't felt for a long time, and I wish the same for ALL those who still respect your memory, WHOMEVER they may be.

Thanks for the earlier moment today, it brings back so many good memories. Miss you Brother.....

"A Brother"
WWMD

October 25, 2009

Bro,

It was a great ride today, the rain held out till I was almost home after stopping by Q. It was really quiet and peaceful there today.

I had some time to reflect on all the DRAMA and reflect on all the disapointments this week.

I've come to the conclusion and I've heard it before that you were the glue that kept many things together. Now that your gone it's starting to come apart.

I miss you Bro, I just hope and pray, I can one day let some of this burden go.

I can't believe it's been 7 years, it still seems like yesterday.

God bless and keep you Bro..............

"A Brother"
WWMD

October 23, 2009

Thanks for your service. May God continue to bless your family and friends.

Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept, VA.

October 23, 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 to your community and to your country as a Marine. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also your brother in green as well. Semper Fi.

Rest In Peace.

To your family: I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and know that the hurt of losing a beloved never goes away...the pain and pride are forever. I pray for your solace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 23, 2009

Bro,

You would get a kick out of all the drama going on right now. Some fine citizen has complained again about your memorial site. Who knows, maybe it's someone you gave a "wood shampoo" to, back in the day!

At any rate, it's taken care of for now. I'm going to have a big smile on my face when they finally do the dedication, thinking about that same citizen will now have a bigger reminder when he gets to drive on "YOUR" part of the Parkway!

As always, miss you Brother.......

"A BROTHER"
WWMD

October 2, 2009

Bro,

I wish you were here to laugh at this......... it all comes back!

"A Brother"
WWMD

August 29, 2009

Mark, I still can't believe you are gone. Today, I was sharing stories with a friend about you. You were always a clown as much as time would let you. You had an awesome spirit, great sense of humor and an even greater sense of responsibility. Today, I reflected upon how beautiful your service was and how honored I was to have been there. I know that you were there with us, so I don't need to share the details. RIP my friend. You were one of a kind.

Ed V.
Friend

July 15, 2009

Thinking of you and your family. God Bless.

Dispatcher
Virginia State Police

July 9, 2009

Bro,

Went down to see you, it was a cold but enjoyable ride. V came along with me, I usually like coming alone but it was nice he was there. We shared a couple Mark stories about your previous B-days and rode out.

I want to bring M&S down when it gets warmer, I think it would be good for all of us. We miss you..........

"A Brother"
WWMD

February 24, 2009

Bro,

My little bundle is here, and I couldn't be happier! It's funny how the arrival was the same day of the month as your birthday, another happy, yet sad moment. I didn't even have a chance to get cigars it was so quick! I'll be down soon to bring one, miss you Bro..........

"A Brother"
WWMD

November 30, 2008

Bro,

It's hard to believe it's been six years today. It was a great riding day, and I blasted down 95 for a little reflection time. It won't be too much longer till the new edition to the family is here. I wish you were here to welcome her in with me. I'll bring a cigar to you when the day arrives. Miss you Bro.........

"A Brother"
WWMD

October 23, 2008

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

October 23, 2008

Bro,

It's the 4th of July, and I received great news yesterday. I wish you were here to share it with, and rib the heck out of me! I'm excited and can't wait, when things are right, they have a way of falling into place.

I saw your parents recently for the memorial, it was really great to see them. Your Dad and I shared some "Mark" stories, and had a really great visit.

Also, it happened again. Not like at the engraving, a little different but the same shocked feeling. I wonder if you had anything to do with it?

I still have the original pic from that 4th that seems so long ago, I've reprinted it a few times. I used to love doing that assignment with you, it's just not the same anymore. I took off this time, to be with my family. I guess it's time to start new traditions, but I'll never forget the old ones......miss you Bro.

A "BROTHER"
WWMD

July 4, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

Hey Big Mark,
Just wanted to share a few funny thoughts with you. Remember the time you and I climbed the hill on 66 and you were bumping me in the rear and I stopped on the crest and you rolled all the way to the bottom, Remember the time you dissappeared into the big dig out in the express lanes in 95 after yelling sweeeet, all I saw was a cloud of dust when I looked over into the whole and you were laying there saying 290 is gonna kill me. And the time we took your springer into the classroom that was under the Training Capt's Office. Man those were the days. Brother I do think about you everyday. I reflect on all the good times and the times that you have missed. I am no longer a trooper but our times together for 10 years as riding partners and just friends will never be forgotten. I just visited your grave filming my new televsion show so you know homer.... it will be something to see.

Former 1685-Homer vspmotor
VSP-Friend/collegue

April 7, 2008

Bro,

I had something really special happen today, and imediately thought of you. It's times like these that are so hard. I was so happy till I reached for the phone to call you, and like so many times before, when something good, bad, funny, or just something I did that was plain stupid and knew you were going to rib me about, but didn't care because I knew you'd enjoy it, as much as I did telling on myself, happened. Ihen when I realized I couldn't, the usual saddness and anger set in. People say it gets better but I wonder sometimes, miss you Bro..........

A "BROTHER"
WWMD

March 19, 2008

Hey Bro,

I wish you were here to rib you about getting older,knowing how you loved your B-days so much! But I remember, you did love going to the Palm with your Father-n-Law! I had an escort to Q a little while back in a full white out, I thought of you when we had gotten caught out in snow storms before, going down the road throwing snow balls at each other. I was so cold, and I had just bought a heated liner that I hadn't gotten dialed in yet. It was so cold with the wind blowing it wouldn't have mattered anyway. When I finished I went by your grave and watched the snow fall, it was beautiful. There were periods of being able to see the snow fall down on the sea of stones, to not being able to see past yours. I had a moment, and then jumped on my scoot to head home and grab a cruiser. I had been on the road for about fifteen minutes and decided to grab some breakfast and take a break from trying to stay between the ditches, I wasn't cold as my jacket liner was working very well to the point where it warmed my whole body up, and even with the slick pavement it was a pleasurable ride to one of our haunts on Rt.1. I pulled in and started to disconnect the cord for the heated liner and I couldn't find it. I finally found it balled up in the bottom of my jacket. It wasn't even plugged in! I had a nice breakfast, smiling to myself the whole time. I wish I was as warm the rest of the ride home but even with everything plugged in this time, it was still cold! Thanks for that, I miss you Bro.

A "Brother"

February 24, 2008

I remember this day like it was yesterday. My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Senior Trooper Cosslett on the anniversary of his passing. Another Hero taken too soon. God Bless you all.

911 Dispatacher
Virginia

October 23, 2007

Five years have passed since your EOW and you have not been forgotten because heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and to your Country. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten.

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

October 23, 2007

Five years gone today... It's so hard to believe that it's been that long. It's still seems like yesterday to me, and it probably always will. I know we have to plow ahead and live our live's, but it's just not the same without you Bro. Your memory is always going to be etched in my brain, and my future children will know you as I hope your's will too. God bless you Mark, and all those you have touched, that carry on your memory..........."Umm, that was an "EXTRA" wire, I just threw some tape around it...what do you mean my lights don't work now?!", Peace Bro.......

A "Brother" VSP
WWMD

October 23, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

Sunday's ride was beautiful, I was thinking about some things you said to me that week and a breeze came through about that time, the only one I noticed so I took it as a sign, not that I believe in them, but I think God has His way of letting us know things. It's hard to let things go Bro, I'm just not ready, I know we are suppose to forgive, but how do you forget? Some memories fade away, but I think true friendship is a thing to be cherished and held close. Once you have experienced it and it's gone, it's not something that can ever be forgotten, nor do I think you should. I still thank God for knowing your friendship. I don't know if I was your "Best" friend and it doesn't matter. It's enough that I was "A" friend. You were and still are my "Best" friend, and I miss you Bro. It's lonley here without you, on one hand with part of my life I'm the happiest I've ever been, because I finally took the advice you gave me a long time ago. On the other hand, I lost a true Brother that my loyalty to has put a wall around me. Sure, I could ignore things like everyone else, stick my head in the sand and make nice......but then I wouldn't be keeping the faith anymore. I guess that's the thing about taking a stand for something you feel strongly about, something nobody else want's to acknowledge. Sometime's it's a lonley stand......

One of many friends........
WWMD

October 17, 2007

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