Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Mark A. Beck

Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch Monday, February 25, 2008

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Mark A. Beck

Mark, We talk often about how much we miss you. You were a true gentleman, a true friend and a true professional. We all miss you so very much. You are on our minds daily. Watch over us until we meet again.

BRPD officers
Baton Rouge PD fellow officers

October 7, 2008

Hey Mark,
I was just riding today and started thinking of you. I wanted you to know that even though you are not written to every day, you are and never will be forgotten. I still don't know why or how this could happen to you but I know that GOD has a master plan for us all and that we should never question it or HIM about it. I guess until that final day comes for me I will just have to continue to miss MY FRIEND!

CAPTAIN GLEN BACOT
LIVINGSTON PARISH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 5

September 25, 2008

My love,
How truly blessed you are to have so many people who love and miss you. I know there are a lot of people hurting for you and they just don't know how to handle it. It's not just me, although I do hurt and sometimes can't quite handle it myself. I miss you. I know how much you loved me...I am reminded all the time. There is no doubt you knew how much I loved (and still love) you. I'm glad I had you. I miss all the wonderful times we had with our families. We really did all we could to have time with them. I am so glad we did. There were so many wonderful memories created during our 3 1/2 years together.

Daddy talks about the BBQ's and cooking jambalaya. He really misses you. He'll be out at LSU for the kick-off game with our crew. Ben, Deonna, Brady, Tricia and the rest of the gang miss you and talk about you all the time, too. They did something special for you for tailgating. I know you'll be there with us in spirit.

I think about how much you hated watching "Big Brother", but you always went to your Mom and Elridge's with me anyway so I could watch it with your mom. Of course, I don't think you and Elridge watched it as much as y'all made fun of it. Thanks for being so patient...lol.

You know, Aunt Barbara left cologne for you in your casket. She always loved to hug you so she could get a good whiff of whatever you were wearing. I know she and Susan have got to be missing you terribly.

Angela left me a message about the camp Austin and Bronson went to this past weekend. It was for kids who have lost a parent. They got to each tell stories and memories about you. They had the pictures that Angela and I got together for them and they got to show them off to the other kids. She said they had a pretty good weekend. I know it must have been hard for them. I have no doubts that they are going to be okay. They are tough boys and Angela will always make sure they are okay. I know it took you some time to realize that, but we both knew it.

I'm giving the fountain back to Mary Lou. I know she wanted us to enjoy it like she and your Dad did, and Lord knows we enjoyed it. She should have it, though. Lots of memories there for her. She misses you so much. I hear it in her voice everytime I talk to her. Look after her, Mark.

It's so funny because I can still hear you hollering, "Marcia Leigh," when she would tease at you and you would get all embarassed. I know you know what I'm talking about. She always thought that was so funny. I just see her scrunching her nose, laughing as you tell her, "You're not funny, Marcia Leigh." What good times, huh?

I know Jill already told you it's a boy, but isn't that cool? I can't wait till he gets here. She's letting me be there in the room when he's born. Jill and Brian are really awesome for that. They know how much we were looking forward to having our own. Poor Jill...she is gonna have to fight me for her little man. She's already agreed to let me take him fishin'.

There are so many other people who miss you...I could go on writing for days. You are such an angel for all of us. We will all remember and take comfort in your smile and laughter. We will all get through another day and soon enough we will all be okay. God will see to it. Thank you again and I love you.

Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Zachary PD / Mark's Wife

August 26, 2008

Mark-
Brian and I talk about you all the time, maybe too much. Last night I was watching "The Higgies" wedding video, we couldn't stop laughing because you and Michelle took more pictures than the photographers! It took me a long time to stop asking God why he took you so soon, but I now know it wasn't a question he needed to answer. Many people die alone and unhappy, but your situation was quite the opposite. Please continue to look after all your friends and family. My hope is that this page will go back to being a place to leave messages of love for you- not a place to vent frustrations. It's unfair that you can't even rest in peace. Clearly, grief causes not only blindness, but selfishness too. Keep smiling on us MB- we need the sunshine! With Love- Higgy and Jill
P.S. It's A Boy!

"Miss.Jill" & "Detective Higgy"
BRPD

August 25, 2008

Hi,
So, here it is six months later. My world is still mostly upside down and I am fighting daily to keep a cool head and a warm heart. You taught me so much about people in our wonderful 3 1/2 years together. I won't forget a word of it. Believe me, you have shown me the truth. I hate that you can't be here. What a crazy world, though. Again, I'll say you are the lucky one in all this. My sweet love, you are in paradise and you don't have to deal with any of it. I have faith in what God has planned.

I have a surprise for you. You will be so proud. I just can't wait. I know what you'll be thinking, but that's okay...you deserve it and more.

So, I'm taking Danae on a cruise for her 18th bday. She's really excited. Wasn't that fun last summer. Austin and Bronson just cracked me up, especially Bronson with the dolphins. Danae will have a good time. I'm thrilled to be able to take her. She says, "hi."

Well, take care of me and keep looking after us. We'll be seeing you on the flip side...
I love you and miss you,
Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Zachary PD / WIFE

August 25, 2008

Hi,
Just wanted to tell you that things are fine. I pray a lot and I know that God is getting me through. I gave Angela a bunch of pictures for Austin and Bronson. They have a camp this weekend and they needed pictures of them with you. I think the boys will be thrilled to have them. It's so funny how much Bronson looks more like you everytime I see him. He's getting so tall and him and Austin both are just growing like weeds. Austin likes middle school. He's so cool. I am very proud of the boys and hold them very close in my prayers. I know they miss you and I can't imagine being so young and losing such a great dad. It's hard enough for me having lost you. We all have our wonderful memories and they will see us through. Take care of us and keep those wings wrapped tightly. I love you and miss you.
Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck/Officer/Wife
Zachary PD/Wife

August 21, 2008

SON,
I KNOW YOU WERE LOOKING DOWN ON AUSTIN,BRONSON,MARCIA AND I WHEN WE WENT TO YOUR GRAVE TO PUT FLOWERS THERE FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU WERE SMILING DOWN ON US. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE BORN AND WHEN YOU LEFT THIS WORLD.
YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY US.
A FRIEND OF OURS WHO WORKS FOR LSU IS GETTING AUSTIN AND BRONSON TICKETS FOR THE LSU FOOTBALL GAMES SO THEY CAN KEEP THE SPIRIT OF LSU GOING FOR YOU.
MARK ,WE PROMISE TO KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS AND TO PRAY FOR EVERYONE WHO WAS TOUCH BY YOU THROUGH YOUR LIFE ON THIS EARTH.
WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH SON AND WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,PLUS WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE GOOD THINGS YOU DID
WHILE YOU WERE HERE.
UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS,
( YOUR MOTHER & DAD )
MARY HIDALGO & ELRIDGE HIDALGO

Anonymous

August 20, 2008

Hi,
I was just sitting here thinking that 5 months and 3 weeks ago, I was at EKL trying to figure out what was next. I was standing next to you trying to figure out why you weren't breathing when you looked so perfect. I remember asking over and over again, "How will I do this without Mark?" Once the doctors came in to see me, someone told me after I hit the floor crying, "Hey, pull it from the boot strings. You can do this. You have to do this. WE are all going to get through this." Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times it seems like worlds ago. I still don't know why it had to be you that night, but God knows. That's all that matters. He has a plan for each of us and I believe that when He took you home, it was because you were the best. God is getting ready for something and I know you must be in his army of angels, guarding His throne. I'll bet you stand at attention proudly and I bet your uniform has never looked better. I hope you know how proud I am of you. I don't think it was any secret. You worked so hard for what you wanted in life and that makes me proud. You took such good care of me, Austin, Bronson and Danae.

Danae misses you. She talks about you all the time. We were laughing the other day about when she and I walked in the bedroom and you were laying on the bed. You were loving on Ella Shu, even though you always acted like you didn't like her. When we walked in, you hurried up and shoved her off the bed. Danae and I were cracking up and you had this look on your face like, "What? I wasn't loving on that dog." That look on your face was sooo funny. You really made us laugh.

Tailgating and LSU starts in two weeks. Me, Deonna, Ben and the rest of the gang are preparing. This season is dedicated to you. You are going to be missed out there. Everyone keeps asking what we are going to do about the "Beck's Chili"...lol. What they don't know is that I know the secret. I'll never tell and I'm sure mine won't be as good as yours, but I'll try.

Anyway, I've rambled enough I suppose. I know I talk your ears of everytime I go to the cemetery. I'll cut you a break...ha. Keep taking care of us and we will all see you soon.

I love you,
Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck/ Officer and Wife
Zachary PD / Wife

August 19, 2008

I am so sorry. How precious you truly are. You were so protective and now I see why. I love you and no one will take that away from me.
I love you and miss you.
The one YOU chose,
Michelle Beck

Michelle Beck
WIFE!!!!

August 18, 2008

Hey there,
How petty, huh? I know. I try really hard and I am so thankful that I have your voice telling me, "Leave it." Those two words have come to mean so much more than a command for Xander...lol. I realize with each and every day what you meant by the things you said. I know you understand what I'm talking about. I'm sorry I didn't see them more clearly until you were gone. Of course, they didn't show themselves so clearly until you left. I'm glad you were the man you were. God truly picked you. I am a blessed woman to have had my time with you. Thank you. I will be okay and you know it. I love you and I miss you. Take care of us and keep us safe.
Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Wife

August 15, 2008

Hey Sweetie,

Just a line to say hey and to let you know that I am thinking about you, as I pretty much do everyday. I missed your Birthday, so Happy Belated Birthday. Let Pat know that I am thinking about him as well. I miss you all so much. I keep thinking of the good times in the academy that we had. I looked up to all of you as my BIG brothers. I know you are watching over us now in Heaven, keep your wings around us and keep us safe.

Love always,

Ofc. Joanne L. Fullwood
Baton Rouge City Police

August 10, 2008

Hello Dear Twin,

I brought my nephews--your boys--out to your grave site yesterday and mom met us out there to visit with you for your birthday and they did great and we talked about you and plenty of memories. Mom went out to the crash scene and put a wreath out for you saying "Happy Birthday Son"--I'm sorry Mark but to this day I stil cannot go to the crash scene and it hurts to to much just to even think about going out there. Austin, Bronson, Angela, etc.... brought me out to eat last night to celebrate OUR BIRTHDAY but to me it was just another day because you were not here with me to celebrate and therefore OUR BIRTHDAY just felt incomplete and from here on out it always will. They bought me a cake and remember how we were called "M&M", short for Mark & Marcia, well they added M&M's to the birthday cake just for us. I know you were there with us to celebrate OUR BIRTHDAY I just sure wish I could see you.

Continue your watch over us while I continue helping down here. We ALL miss you and love you!!!! Until we meet again dear twin you will forever be missed!!!!

Love you dearly
Your TWIN
Marcia Leigh

Marcia Beck Duhon
Twin Sister

August 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Mark!
Thought about you today and wanted to tell you best wishes.
Happy birthday to your sister as well. Xander is being well taken care of and Ken is coming along. He does not know the diamond of a dog he has yet but one day he will.
You did well in picking him.
Tell all of BRPD up there hello and hope you enjoyed your day.
Bill

Bill Clarida
Friend and Co-worker

August 7, 2008

Hey sweetheart,
Happy Birthday. I know you, Terry and Chris must be smoking some great cigars up there. I miss you so much. You wouldn't believe (or maybe you would) all the stuff going on around here. I wish you were here. Things would be so different. I love you. Today I left you an amazing vine cross with flowers and balloons for your birthday. I'm sure you would have rathered something for your boat, but I hope the flowers will do. I want you to know that I am jealous of you. This is such an evil world with so many evil people in it and you are in paradise. How wonderful that must be. I think of you and talk about you everyday. People are always reminded of how wonderful you are. I always remind them that you are right where God wants you and that we'll all be together again. I believe that with all my heart and soul. Keep your watch over us. I love you and Happy Birthday.
Chelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Wife

August 7, 2008

Dear Michelle,
I have been thinking and praying for you alot lately. I know how difficult just getting through each day and night is without your best friend. Just please know you are not alone. Mark is by your side every step of the way. May God bless and comfort you in these difficult times. I am here for you anytime. Lisa Metternich

Lisa Metternich
widow of Cpl. Chris Metternich EOW 8-14-06

August 7, 2008

Well dear Twin Brother -- HAPPY 34TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
It's very hard for me to write to you without crying and knowing that I will be celebrating "OUR BIRTHDAY" from here on out by myself and not having you here with me to share it. No more of hearing you say "Hurry up Marcia Leigh so I can open mine" or "Come on Marcia Leigh let's open them together". I know you will be up there celebrating it with Dad but it just will not be the SAME anymore especially after celebrating every Birthday together for 33yrs!!!!!!! I'm not sure how I'll handle our Birthday without you but I know you will be right there on my shoulder as you always are, have been, and always will be my Guardian Angel.

I miss you and love you so so much!!!!!!! Until we meet on the other side please continue to take care of us.

LOVE YOU DEARLY,
Marcia Leigh

Marcia Beck Duhon
Twin Sister

August 6, 2008

To those who loved Officer Beck, my heart goes to you all. Know that you're not alone in this journey you walk. I lost my fiance in the line of duty January 2003 and my world was forever changed. It's been a long hard road, and even as time as gone forward, and I've found many reasons and ways to smile, I still have not forgotten the man that he was. Dennis was a beautiful person and he forever has a part of my heart, just as I'm sure Mark will always be a part of yours.

It takes a special person to put their lives on the line everyday to make this world a little safer for us all. I know many of these men never would've thought of themselves as "heroes" but they were in so many ways. It's sad that it they had to lose their lives for some of us to see that. Having said that, thank you Officer Beck for helping to make this world a better place. You will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg. I know this isn't a very manly thing to do, but if you happen to run into Dennis up there, please give him a big hug for the kids and I. Dennis was a good man and we miss him more than words can say.

Wishing those who loved you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee to the late Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 3, 2008

Hey you,
Well, it's funny how time seems to pass. I put new flowers out for you late Monday night and it's hard to believe it's been five months that you've been gone. So much has happened and I often want to call you to tell you things that are going on. It's what I was so used to doing. I miss the friendship I had in you. "We" talk about you all the time and miss you very much. I haven't stopped loving you. When things are happening from day to day I always think about what you would say or how you would handle it and what you would tell me to do about something that was bothering me. Thank you. Thank you for being all that you were for me. I can't say it enough. All I know is that I'll never let people forget who you were. I think it would be hard for anyone to forget anyway, but I'll make sure of it!! I love you and miss you. Keep your wings around us and protect us...I know you will.
Michelle

Michelle Beck
wife

July 23, 2008

Dear Friend and Brother

I know I haven't written in a while, but I want you to know that there isn't a day that goes by that you don't go through my mind. Well I finally made it to BRPD and I love it. I would have given anything for you to have been at the graduation it was one of the proudest moments of my life to dedicate it to you, and all of the guys feel the same way. They all thought it was perfect when I brought up the idea. I sometimes get picked on about my brass being so shinny and all I can think is how proud you would be to see how squared away I try to be. Each night before I get dressed I ask myself would Mark put this uniform on, or do I need to polish a little harder (LOL). Times are rough right now but it was the best move for me. I just wish you were here to ride with me and mentor me. I know that I am never alone when I get out on a call, and that you are always watching over me and for that I am grateful. I know that you are watching over many people, but I feel you are truly my guardian angel. I also need you to do me another thing, watch over Dad and calm his nerves and bring him peace. He is going through a lot right now and I know he wishes you were here to confide in. He misses you a lot. I have talked to Michelle several times, she is definitely an angel put on this earth. In so many ways she is alot like you. Every person that meets her holds a very special place in their hearts for her, just like you. She has been very strong, but I know deep inside she hurts, and all I can do is promise you that I will always be there for her when she needs a friend and someone to lean on. We needed you the other day when she couldn't find the battery charger(LOL) let us know where it is please (LOL). Well I guess I better get to polishing, I have to be at work in a little while.

I miss you and love you very much.

PS: I am so proud to wear a memory of you and I look at it all the time and think of you. It means the world to me.

Officer Ryan Distefano
Baton Rouge Police Dept.

July 21, 2008

Hey there again,
Just wanted to let you know that I love you and miss you. I go to your grave EVERYDAY and I can't believe that the grass is already starting to grow above you. Doesn't seem right. I guess it just goes to show that everything doesn't stop because MY world got turned upside down. Nothing is the same and I guess it never will be. You have NOT been forgotten and I have not stopped loving you. That is not possible. I look over at you a hundred times a day when I pass and I can't help but wonder again, why did this happen to us. I know that our God has a plan and I know He must have needed you more than me. I keep my faith strong regardless of all the negative thrown at me. I promise you I won't let them break me. You and God keep me strong. Love forever,
Michelle
Oh, and thank you for keeping your hands on Brandon, Myron and George last night. I love you.

Michelle Beck
Wife

June 21, 2008

Mark,

I am not even sure where to begin or what I want to say. I was there with you the night of your wreck. I helped to take care of you, along with your fellow Police Officers, Fire Fighters and two other Paramedics. This had to be the hardest night of my career, you see I am married to a Policeman as well. Seeing Michelle was the next hardest thing I had to do that night; You see I have known her for over 15 years and I knew Michelle was going to ask questions that I did not want to answer. Mark, she has been so strong despite the many different obstacles she has encountered and had to deal with since you have been gone. Tonight was hard for her, one of your fellow Baton Rouge Police Officers was shot, I think she relived her nightmare all over again. Mark, we are taking care of her the best we can. She is so strong and has keeps you so close to her heart. I know that you are proud of her! Keep giving her that nudge that keeps her going. Thank you for all you gave to protect us all.

Paramedic
East Baton Rouge Parish EMS

Paramedic
Friend

June 21, 2008

Hello Dear Brother,

Well I know it's a little late but I wanted to wish you and Dad a "Happy Father's Day" so be sure to pass the word along to Dad also. Austin and Bronson both went out to your grave for the first time since you were buried and it was emotional but they did it and I can't even begin to tell you how much they miss their DAD. I know you two are listening to me when I'm talking to you and waving back when we wave.

Again "Happy Father's Day" to both of you and keep protecting/watching over us and being Austin, Bronson, and my Guardian Angel.

Love you dearly dear brother and until we meet again on the other side.

Marcia Leigh

Marcia Beck Duhon
Twin Sister

June 18, 2008

Hi,
I was just thinking that I wish you were here to see how much people truly loved and admired you. I read things about you that come from so many different places and I am always wondering if you realized how remarkable you were. I am so proud of the man you were...for me, the boys, our family, our friends and our fellow officers. It may not have been perfect, but it was ours and it was the best times I can remember. Thank you. You taught me how to love, completely and unconditionally. You taught me how to be loved that way. I am forever in your debt for the person I've become. I pray for you often and I know that God is taking care of you, just as he will me. I love you and I miss you. Soon....
Michelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Wife

June 12, 2008

"POLICEMAN'S HEAVEN" The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?" The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my work was rough. Sometimes I have been violent, because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep. I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't I'll understand." There was a silence all around the throne Where the Saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, policeman, You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets You've done your time

Mark,
When I read this you are the first person that came to mind. I never really knew how much one person could impact so many people's lives like you have. You, Michelle, and all of your family will always be in my prayer's. Oh and thank's to Michelle for the lights every night I work I make it a point to pass by just to check on them for you. I know you if one of the was out you would have a fit, always perfect. That was you.(and you were) We all miss you and please keep watch over us.

Ofc. Darren Sibley
Zachary Police Department

June 7, 2008

Hi Baby,
Ryan graduated from the academy yesterday. He gave quite the speech from what I hear. He ended it with, "I want to be like Mark Beck." He really looks up to you. I fully expect to see him with a K9 patch one day.

We all miss you so much, Mark. It's hard to believe that you aren't here sometimes. Seems like you'll be walking through the door any minute. Sometimes I hear your voice so clearly in my mind that I look around to see if you are here. I keep the things you said and did and things you taught me very close and dear. You truly saved me and I am so grateful to have had the love you gave me. It will carry me a lifetime. I know that I will see you again and I know you'll be waiting. I love you and miss you. Keep taking care of me...I still need you.

Forever,
Michelle
"Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
Wife

June 4, 2008

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