Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

After 6 months the pain has eased some. Those who have shared your passion for "the job" are either still working to finish the job or they have been blessed to retire and enjoy their lives away from "the job". Those who still serve keep close watch on the boys and me, however none look after us as you did. The government has finally place too small a price on your life and expects me to be satisfied with what I have received... WRONG... they don't know me like you do!! There is NO monetary price to replace what I have lost in not having my most trusted confidant, friend, lover, husband, father to our sons, brother to your brothers and sister, son to your father and mother, friend to sooooooo many. Auguast 20th they had a memorial race in your honor at the Wake County Speedway!!!(Can you believe that?) The 50/50 raffle from June to August 20th brought in $1850 for the Wake County FOP to use toward that building fund, for the lodge building you had so hoped to see to fruition. GOD is good even through rednecks and those who enjoy really short track racing. Know that you are always in my thoughts and my heart. God chose you to be my other half and now I only feel half alive without you. ILU, IMU, I will one day be with you, I only hope you will still know who I am!!!!! I am soooooo GLAD He spared you the pain that I now feel without you. Keep the PEACE in Heaven until I arrive.

Patricia Tucker, your loving wife

August 26, 2004

To the Family, I feel your sorrow. I have 3 brothers who are in law enforcement and I am also scared of them. have had a brother lost in 2001, Don Miller, My SORROW TO YOU AN YOUR FAMILY!!!!!

unknown
none

August 2, 2004

Yet another death of a true freedom fighter. I have never visited North Carolina but in my eyes Mark Tucker gave his life for the safety and freedom of the United States. Thank you Mr. Tucker for your commitment and courage.

Brent
civilian - Josephine County, Oregon

June 20, 2004

Mark,

Your death still causes me great pain, but that pain is releived some by the memories that I have of the good times we shared together. I remember the phone calls when you became the U.S. Marshal and how proud you were. I remember how eager you were to learn all you could about the service. I remember your smile and laughter. I can't help but remember the senselesness of your death. We all lost a good friend that day, I know I did.
Your family, your colleagues and the citizens of Wake county can all be proud of the life you lived and gave.
God bless you my brother.

David H.Griffith,
Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal, Retired
Chief Deputy Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

David H. Griffith, Chief Deputy
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

June 9, 2004

How do I love you? How many ways? 2 very handsome sons who now wish to follow your footsteps into law endorcement! 1 annoying dog!(Now I understand why you disliked him so). 1 house which is no longer a HOME without you being there in body as well as in soul. 1 yard way too big to have to mow in one day, but I'm doing that just to keep up with the inside of the house as well as the out. 1 wife who goes to bed lonely every night and would like to wish you were here, but knows you are in a better place and wouldn't want to leave! 26 years of having you home each night for dinner and most of those the happiest I've ever known in my life. 26 years of your smiles and chuckle to keep me amused and grounded in our relationship. 26 years of the most gorgous blue eyes God ever gave anyone and they were always trained on ME! 26 years of never regreting we married and loved for so much for so long. 26 years of knowing we were made for each other and being satisfied with what we had in each other. 26 years of being loved like I will never be loved again. Nearly 4 months of the most anguish I have ever felt in my life, and the lonliest I hav ever been. I know God has another purpos for my life. It is to see the 25 year retirement bill passed in NC for LEO's and then I'm going to work on getting reduced to military time of 20yrs with full benefits, sinc LEO's are our first line defense against terrorism in our streets and neighborhoods. I will always love you with the same passion I did when we married. ILU

Patricia Tucker your loving wife

June 8, 2004

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." ~Indian Proverb.

Uncle Mark, you did all of that and more. You had such a profound impact on the lives of your family, friends, community and fellow officers. This makes your death somewhat easier to deal with (although it's been incredibly difficult), knowing that you did not pass on in vain, and that your life had such immeasurable meaning.

I want to thank you, Uncle Mark, for bestowing to me some of life's most important lessons:
-Never give up
-If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail.
-Achieving your dreams requires hard work and dedication, all of which make the ends justify the means
-Do what you love and love what you do
-Be kind, gentle and good-hearted
-Care for others

You made us all proud, Uncle Mark - our very own Tommy Lee Tucker. You are such an inspiration for all of us to strive to make a difference in this world. THANK YOU for being you during your time here on earth, for teaching wonderful lessons and leaving behind wonderful memories of you, that sheepish grin and that unforgettable chuckle. It is comforting to know that we all have such a big protector looking down on us from Heaven, and I look forward to walking through those pearly gates one day and being greeted by your open arms...

Angela Tucker
Neice of Deputy Mark Tucker

May 28, 2004

THANK YOU UNCLE MARK FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME IN MY LIFE. I AM GLAD WE SPENT LOTS OF TIME TOGETHER.
I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY I WAS PLAYING IN THE STREET AND MY TOY CAR ENDED UP IN THE STORM DRAIN AND YOU WERE DRIVING BY AND STOPPED AND GOT IT OUT FOR ME. I ALSO REMEMBER DOVE HUNTING WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS FROM WORK. THOSE TIMES AND OTHERS WILL BE WITH ME FOREVER.
THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME IN MY LIFE, IT HAS MADE ME A BETTER PERSON. MAYBE ONE DAY I WILL BE AS GOOD AS YOU.
WAKE COUNTY LOST A DEPUTY ON FEB.12,2004 WHO WAS "ABOVE THE BEST"
UNCLE MARK BELIEVED "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION" AND HE DID NOT FAIL. HE HAS CLEANED UP THE STREETS ONE LAST TIME BY REMOVING HIS KILLER FROM SOCIETY AND POSSIBLY HURTING SOMEONE ELSE OR THEIR FAMILY. MAY ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS STRIVE TO BE AS GOOD AT THEIR JOB AS UNCLE MARK WAS AT HIS.

CHRIS TUCKER
MARKS NEPHEW

May 20, 2004

I am truely sadden by the loss of such a GREAT MAN. You would have only had to meet Mark one time to love him. Those of us who knew him I'm sure would agree. Mark was my brother in blue and my brother in Christ. I hope that all the Law Enforcement Officers who read this do so with the comfort of knowing that they have another Angel watching over them named Mark Tucker!!!! Mark You were a great man and are truely, truely missed!!!!!!!

Patrolman Robert Carey
Oakland University Police (MI) and former Cary Police Officer (NC)

May 15, 2004

My deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of our fallen hero: Investigator Mark Tucker

I had just finshed taking my board panel exam for First Class Deputy.
As I came out excited but still nervous I was approached by another officer who was very upset stating one of our officers had just been shot.
I was in disbelief and numb.
I started praying for the officer and his family right away. I was saddened by this loss and wondered what was next to happen. We have had three fallen officers in such a short period and there was nothing we could do about any of them. I just ask that each and everyone of us make sure when our time comes we are ready for that next assignment the Lord has planned.
We are here today but so easily gone tomorrow.
Rest my hero and we'll take it from here.
Again my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Investigator: Mark Tucker

First Class Deputy D.L Smith
WCSO

May 1, 2004

To the Tucker family, friends, and the Wake County Sheriff's Office. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Investigator Tucker for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

I am saddened to the deaths of more law enforcement officers. I hate that we are living in such a cruel world. My hear goes out to the family and friends of Investigator Tucker.

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

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

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

April 4, 2004

Deputy Mark Tucker, I am very saddened to hear of your death. When ever we spoke you were always friendly and encouraging. I know you lived an honorable life of service to your family, community and your country, and for this I am very grateful. I pray that your family will find comfort in the coming time ahead. I hope that I too will be able to lead a fruitful life of service as you did. God bless you and your family.

Sincerely M. McCollum

2NDLT
USMC

March 30, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Investigator Tucker for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

March 20, 2004

My family wishes to send our condolences to everyone who knew Investigator Mark reid Tucker. We know the loss is great as we lost our niece P.O. Jennifer Fettig last month. May God watch over everyone in law enforcement & keep them safe.

Gail M Pabst

March 19, 2004

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to the Tucker family for sacrificing one of their own to make Wake County a safer place for it's Citizens. Words will never be enough to express the thankfulness for such a sacrifice. God will take care of Mark for his unselfishness and his commitment to his Community.

Mark it was an honor and a privilege to have known you, and work with you and I will surely miss the fun we shared over the years at work and with the F.O.P. "God Speed"

Investigator
Wake County Sheriff's Office

March 17, 2004

Although we never had a chance to meet, we shared a common goal.
To make the world a better place, but now it's taken a toll.
Now I say to you in words of a prayer, I will remember what you've done.
Your death was the ultimate in sacrifice, how tragic that you're gone.
One day we'll meet and talk about our common goal and then,
The heartache that I 'm feeling now, will no longer have to mend.

The Men and Women of the Green Bay Polic
Green Bay P.D. Green Bay WI

March 12, 2004

You and your department are in my prayers.

Officer S.L. Coffman
California Highway Patrol

March 2, 2004

For Pat, Chad, and Matthew:

"I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Thank you Mark.

Deputy Joel B. Goodwin A-1 625
Wake County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2004

Mark,
I didn't really get to know you very well, but every time that I saw you in the office I knew that I would be greated by that big smile and a handshake. Every time, without fail, you would go out of your way to say hi and see how things were going with that big old smile on your face. You really made the job more enjoyable by just being around.
The thing that I admired about you was that you were never better than any other brother in law enforcement. The first time we met you were a Marshal and I was working as a bailiff. You came in and started joking around like you worked with us everyday, one of the crowd. I'll truly miss you and that big smile, and the fact that I always knew that there would be a laugh everytime that we met.
I know that you are looking out for us, and will always be there. I know that everytime that a joke is cracked or things just go crazy that you will be looking down laughing with us. Until we meet again.....

Ex Wake County Deputy

Deputy Scott Hodges
Sampson County Sheriff's Office

February 29, 2004

Mark, Your passing has hit Dan and I hard. You were a true friend. There never was a time, when our schedules and geographic locations alowed, that we didn't get together at least for a cup of coffee. And of course, you were always just a phone call away. Dan holds dear the memories of just sitting around chattin' about everything from the F O P to our boys. The big grin you had on your face when you'd say "come mere, let me show you somethin'", you just had to show off your bike or the 'vet, or what ever your latest "toy" was. You were so proud of your family, and your job. Little did you realize we were just as proud of you. Pat, may God give you and your family strength and peace. Rest in peace dear brother,keep an eye on all of us that wear a badge. May we always remember the

"Thin Blue Line"

we miss you and you will never be forgotten.

Mari Clark/e911 operator
Craven Co Sheriff Office New Bern NC

February 27, 2004

Mark,

You make us all proud to wear grey and black at the Wake County Sheriffs Office. I hope that I can begin to pick up where you left off. Your legacy will always guide me to a higher standard. I keep remembering a couple months ago when i handcuffed you in a training in-service class and you turned back and said "pretty good"
I think you were worried i was going give your wrists hell. You held a higher standard for 28 years of service. And Pat, I want you to know you are one of the most unselfish women i have ever met. We all miss him.

"Freedom is not Free"

Mark,

Keep an eye on me and my fellow brothers

Deputy DP Wanson
Wake County Sheriffs Office

February 27, 2004

I knew Mark since I started with Sheriff's Office in 1980. We both worked Patrol for many years. When I got transferred to Courthouse he became U.S. Marshall and provided me with info I needed to make the Courthouse a safer place. I will remember Mark for the way he talked in a low deep voice, I called him "mumbles". Mark's smile and Laugh that made his whole body shake, will always stay as a memory. Thanks Mark, you will not be forgotten.

Lt. Walter Martin
Wake Co. Sheriff's Office

February 26, 2004

Mark,
As we talked at code 6 on Tuesday, about motorcycles and making 30 years... I will always be touched by your parting words to me..."be safe"..

Thank you for your outstanding service to the office of Sheriff and to all of us...

God be with you and your family.

Lt. R. E.
Wake County Sheriff's Office

February 24, 2004

Mark, I first met you while you were with the Marshall's Service. We were called to check in with your unit at the old motel at S. Wilmington St. at Rush Street. I remember being impressed that you were the "Boss," and were one of the first ones through the door. We also checked in with you on a fugitive on S. State Street in which there was an apprehension. You wrote a letter of appreciation to all the Officers that checked in that day, which was especially nice. When you came back to the S.O., I again got a call to check in with you. It was in the middle of the night, and you were trying to serve a warrant over in Kentwood. The girl wasn't there, but we had a goodtime catching up on old times. Although I only spoke with you 3 or 4 times in my career, I always noticed how happy and polite you were and how you never let your high positions keep you from hitting the streets with us Line Officers. May you Rest in Peace, and your family take comfort in knowing the type of man you were.

Cpl. W.S. Rolfe
Raleigh Police

February 24, 2004

Investigator Mark Tucker,
God Bless and you and your family. You will never be forgotten. God Speed.

PO Adam Borkowski
Detroit Police Department

February 22, 2004