Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I miss you so. I LOVE YOU
Aunt Bev

Beverly McKinney
Aunt

March 2, 2008

Mark,
Your mom and dad joined our church soon after you were promoted to the Church Triumphant. They are so loved and we are blessed they are members. In my 18 years as a member, I have never seen our church wrap our arms around a family as we have the Cross's. I know you are so proud of them, as they are so proud of you. We love them so much. By the way your dad was elected Clerk of Session too.

I look forward to meeting you one day.

Isaiah 43:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;



To God be the Glory.

Mark Dodson

Mark Dodson

February 29, 2008

Mark,

We love and miss you. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. Our lives have been changed forever. We will honor your memory in a way that will make you proud. I look forward to the day when we can be together again.

Love,

Dad

James W. Cross Jr.
Father

February 7, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

October 8, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cross and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Cross has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Cross, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cross is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.

TPD/Special Agent
FBI New York City

October 7, 2007

To the Family of Officer Cross
Words cannot express the appreciation felt for the service that your loved one rendered to the City of Atlanta. Eventhough, he is gone, his work and dedication will never be forgotten by those of us who care. Thank you for lending us your husband, father, and friend. Officer Cross will not be forgotten. I salute him and all of the fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Peace be with you.

Deirdre Orange
Fulton County Marshal's Dept.

September 26, 2007

I still think about you all the time. We miss you and I will definitely see you one day again. RIP brother.

Detective Jorge Covas
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

August 13, 2007

Mark
I LOVE YOU and miss you everyday.
Aunt Bev

Beverly McKinney
Aunt

July 31, 2007

MARK AND I ATTENDED SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY, HE WAS ALWAYS SWEET AND RESPECTFUL. WHEN I HEARD OF HIS DEATH IT SADDEN ME THAT A GOOD BROTHER WAS GONE. EVERYONE WHO KNEW MARK IS BLESS TO KNOW SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. GOD BLESS YOUS WIFE SON AND DAUGHTER.

DOLORRES MORRISON

former fulton county PD
FRIEND/SAVANNAH STATE

July 8, 2007

To the family of PO Cross. My condolences are sent to you. May God Bless you. RIP brother

POLICE OFFICER JOE TERRASI
NYPD

May 27, 2007

I miss you dearly. Yet somehow I know you are watching over me. It's hard to believe that it's been 2yrs since your passing, I think of you often and tears start to fall but I know you would tell me not to cry and to remain strong because one day we will meet again. I remember the many summers we spent at grandma Austin's house and how you would laugh when grandma would chastise us. I have so many childhood memories of you and EJ and those memories will last me for the rest of my life.I miss how we would email each other and discuss the facts of life.You emailed me that morning, just to check and see how I was doin, and I wished I could have gotten the email to tell you I love you. I couldn't have a better Guardian Angel watching over me. You are my role model and I love you very much and I look forward to that day that we embrace and laugh in each others arms again! Love always, Sherita M. Austin

Sherita Austin
Cousin

May 16, 2007

Two years to this day the city of Atlanta lost one its finest officers. Mark every time I see a red dog car I think of you.The bravery that you displyed with the red dog unit is never forgotten.In a few years I hope to be selected on the unit and I hope you watch my back.Today, I went by the red dog unit twice putting roses under the huge picture of you. It's hard to hard to continue to write all this down constantly thinking of you brother.I miss you and i will see you again. May you spread your wings to watch over the rookies.

David Griffin

April 23, 2007

Officer Cross thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and to the entire country. You, sir, will never be forgotten.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

April 23, 2007

2 YEARS TODAY OFFICER. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

OFFICER CROSS, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

April 23, 2007

G-d Bless

April 23, 2007

Officer M. Cross was my classmate. Excellent Officer, father, husband and partner. He will be missed.

Officer J. Zambrano
Atlanta Police Department

March 22, 2007

Dearest loved ones of Officcer Cross:
my thoughts and prayers are with you. my heart breaks for your immeasurable loss. I know that your beloved Mark is in a BETTER place. I hope that he and my brother are friends now and that they continue to watch over us until the day we are reunited with them. Officer Cross will never be forgotten.
With love, honor, and respect.
Sister of fallen officer

December 23, 2006

To officer cross family I am keeping all of you in my prayers, I canno't imagine what you all must be going through but always keep God first and he is watching over all of you.

Nicholas Wince
Citizen

September 25, 2006

Keeping you and your family in prayer.

Officer Meshia Thomass
UT Police Department

August 16, 2006

Mark,
Gem and the kids have moved to our state, and we've welcomed them into our WaStateCOPS family. We are truly sorry that the price of their membership was your line-of-duty death, but know that we understand what they are going through, and will keep them close to us. Rest in peace, sir.

members of WaStateCOPS

August 1, 2006

Everyday I go into work, and look around and see constant reminders of you bro.I dont think that will ever change. Your falcons stickers still on your locker and your pictures all around. We go to roll call and your name is not called and yet i know that you are there in all of our hearts. I miss you. I always go that extra step and say respect everyone because you never know when you could lose them.thank you for watching over us.

APD REDDOG

July 15, 2006

My husband too is a law enforcement officer and my heart goes out to the Cross family. Thank you for supporting Mark in his calling to protect the citizens of Atlanta!!

Citizen of Atlanta

June 30, 2006

TO THE ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A WHOLE. MY DEEPIEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR DEPARTMENT. AS A 18 YEARS VETERAN OFFICER IT'S NEVER EASY WHEN ANY AGENCY ENCOUNTERS A LOST OF AN OFFICER. "TO GOD BE THE GLORY". I TAKES ON AN EVEN MORE PERSONAL EFFECT. BECAUSE I AM SO CONNECTED WITH SO MANY OF MY FELLOW OFFICERS THAT MAKES UP YOUR DEPARTMENT. TO CHIEF PENDLETON BEING NEW TO THE CITY, BUT NOT NOT NEW TO THE LINE. I WISH YOU GOD SPEED. AND TO ALL OF MY POLICEMEN AND POLICEWOMEN,OF THE ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT. WE MUST STAY IN CONTINUED "PRAYER" FOR EACHOTHER. AND REMEMBER AS WE WEAR THAT "SHIELD" TO PROTECT AND SERVE. WE HAVE A SHIELD THAT "PROTECTS AND SERVES AND EVEN RESERVES" AND NO MATTER WHAT WE ENCOUNTER WE WILL NEVER GO DOWN. LOVE

DEPUTY II VIVIAN DIXON-BRADFORD
FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.

June 30, 2006

It was truly a pleasure to meet the Cross family in Washington DC this week. We often sat next to each other lost in our own memories. I will always remember Mark's mother coming up to me as we prepared to leave for the Memorial service. She hugged me and we shared our grief as only mothers can know. May God continue to bless your sweet family and know that your son will not be forgotten.

Tina Drummond
mother of Tara Drummond EOW9/13/05

May 17, 2006

Mark,

I am beginning a 250 mile bike ride this week with 400 other riders (Police Unity Tour) honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. It is with both honor and sadness that I will be wearing a braclet with your name during the ride. We are riding from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Washington, D.C. where we will participate in the ceremony on Saturday to honor you and all the others. Hopefully, I can locate one of your family members there honoring you as well as I'd like to pass the bracelet on to them in your honor.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of both memory and sorrow. God Bless and God Speed in your journey.

Cpl. Darrin Berberat
Temple Terrace Police

Cpl. Darrin Berberat
Temple Terrace Police

May 7, 2006