Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will always remember our childhood memories growing up. I will miss hearing your voice on the phone. I will keep my prayers with your family.

Love,
Your cousin Misty A. Leonard

Cousin Misty

May 4, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

Mark
I was there when you were born I will never forget that day . You are truly in my heart always, i remember how you are the apple of your Mother eye(Mary Etta).I remember the summers you spent at my home as a child gone but never forgotten. Aunt Racine E. Davis

Aunt Racine E.Davis
Aunt

May 3, 2006

My husband is a police officer so this really hits home with me. I appreciate the fact that he was trying to help make ATL a better place. I'm truly sorry for his family, you are in my thoughts and prayers

Wendy
GBI

May 1, 2006

To Officer Mark Cross, his loved ones and his fellow officers in the Atlanta Police Dept.:

On this the first anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family and I look forward to meeting them in D.C.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Mark, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Cross. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Cross gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 23, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 25, 2006

Mark, It is hard to belive one year has passed since you went home. I remember talking to you at the gas pumps shortly before I left APD. Had I known it would have been my last conversation with you I would have said something worth remembering. You are deeply missed. Porter and I talk about you often. God has a Good,Good Angel in you Brother. Rest Peacefully..

Inspector William Terrell
U.S. Postal Inspection Service

April 25, 2006

Mark,

Where do I start dear friend? I sincerely apologized that it has taken me this long to leave my reflection. However, It seems just like yesterday that we were chasing PERPS together, cracking jokes on one another, and asking radio to start a 4 or 82 to our location. Since our first day on Red Dog together, we’ve had each other’s back. You were like a little brother to me, and accepting your untimely departure is something that I have yet to come to terms with. There are very few days that the thought of our friendship doesn’t cross my mind. Man “I miss YOU!” Remember how I cracked on you when you told me that you like that girly song by David Legend. Now it’s my favorite! Who would ever believe it? By the way, your Falcons did beat my Saints in that Monday night game we were was supposed to attend. Yes, I’m keeping my promise to you, I keep in touch with Gem and the kids, they miss you dearly and they are doing fine.


To The Cross Family, your son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend; the Mark that we all loved and cherished will forever be missed, but never FORGOTTEN. May God continue to guide and bless your family; and watch over Mark’s wife and two beautiful children. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Special Agent Terrance Q. Porter
DEA Miami

April 23, 2006

Andy is like my son. Our family is very close which in turn made Mark and Kanthnaree a part of my family as well. When I got the call the night of the tragedy it was the worst night of my life. I had no idea the state of either Mark, or his partners but when I arrived at Grady it was obvious what was happening. I cried all the way to Grady and was in shock most of the drive. After walking into the emergency room I knew it was bad.I saw my nephew crying and that is the first time I had ever seen him cry. I knew his tears were not because of the huge scare on his face from his own wound. I grew to love Mark through Andy and Gina even though I had only met him once briefly. He was an honor to the people of Atlanta and will be sorely missed. May God's blessings be with Mark's family for eternity. God Bless you Mark.

David Steerman
Uncle of Mark's partner Officer Andrew Griffin

April 23, 2006

At the beginning of every shift, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, April 23, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Mark Anthony Cross who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Cross' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

April 23, 2006

Officer Mark Cross, May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap His arms especially tightly around your family, friends and fellow officers today so that thet may feel His comfort today and in the future.

April 23, 2006

It will be one year that your tour of duty ended and I know it was a long and rough road for those that love you. Keep watch over them, wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm and make your presense known in their hearts. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

April 15, 2006

Mark,
I cannot express in words how much you mean to my family. Every moment of every day is spent thinking of you. You have had such an impact on our lives. We are looking after Gem and the kids the best we can and offering our support. You will be a part of our lives every day. You know Andy misses you so much.
With love always!

G. Griffin (wife of officer A.Griffin)

January 26, 2006

My condolences to the family and friends of this officer. I am quite sure he is with the Lord at this time.

Officer David P.Wakeley
Phoenixville Borough Police Dept.

December 8, 2005

To Brother Cross' family and his brothers and sisters in Blue...
I did the same job in Philadelphia before leaving for the State. We lost a young officer, Al Palmer, in a similar situation. As I read your refelctions, I was overwhelmed by that same familiar pain.It laid so deep in my heart and brought back all those friends whose loss I experienced up close and personal. I pray for God's strength and mercy for you as you continue doing a dangerous job that no one else wants to do. It is easy to think that the job is thankless because thank you is often not said... but don't allow yourself the thought! Know that somewhere...everywhere someone says a prayer and whispers "thank you". They may be reading a story about how you died protecting them or maybe even a witness to your heroism. It may be a brother officer who is glad for your membership so they don't have to go it alone, The good who struggle everyday to survive in the most evil of the neigborhoods we patrol. They may not say it out loud but they feel it deep in their hearts, like the pain we feel when we lose a "Blue".
To your beautiful wife and child left to go on with out their loving husband and father, Remember, God's love surrounds you and will keep you safe. He will listen to your cries and bring you back to smiles.
Much Love, Much Joy and above all...Peace
Rybs

Rick Booker, Agent(Retired)
State Parole

November 25, 2005

Brother,
I was shot three times and criticaly wounded in the line of duty on April 23, 2005. Everyday I ask God why I wasn't the one he choose to serve Him in Heaven. It's really hard to know that someone else made the ultimate sacrafice on the same day and at about the same time that I was shot, but this I promise to You...Upon my return to work I will uphold all that is sacred to ALL the Brothers and Sisters on the job and I will never let anyone forget that YOU made the ultimate sacrifce for all of us. Please look down upon us and aide St. Michael in keeping us safe. May God Bless your Family and Friends and may You rest in peace Brother!!!

-May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

RIP Officer Mark Cross....I will NEVER forget the scarifice You made!

Ptlm Matthew Livingstone
Forest Hills P.D.(PA)

November 23, 2005

Mark, I met you in passing and I could tell that you were a good hearted person as well as a dedicated police officer. You loved your job and you gave the ultimate sacrifice for what you loved. You are greatly missed and will continue to be missed by all law enforcement nationwide. We love you and also send love and prayers to your family.

P/O K. Williams
Atlanta Police Department

November 4, 2005

I haven't spoken to anyone in the family in years, but I I know they are all good hearted and caring....When I heard the news I was devastated due to the fact Mark was such a caring and givng man....This is a loss for the entire world, he had so much more to give...My heart is with the Cross family, I am truly heartbroken...May GOD bless your entire family...

Tony Anderson


Tony Anderson

Tony Anderson

October 31, 2005

Mark,

You have done your tour of duty. There is not a single tear that can wipe away the hurt we all feel here in Atlanta. I happen to know a few of the Red Dog officers and they all miss you dearly. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and you will never be forgotten. I will see you in heaven brother.

Atlanta Resident

October 25, 2005

A true hero indeed, you will be missed by most, but forgotten by none. Your service was complete and true.

Mervin L Raggs III Ex-Law Enforcement
Lake Wales P.D., Lake Wales, FL

October 13, 2005

Officer Cross, everyday I remember the song played at your funeral, your beautiful children, the look on the Chiefs face as he pinned your badge on your son's chest. It truly saddens me knowing that such a tragedy could happen to such a wonderful man, an officer of the law, a person risking his life every day and losing his life solely for the purpose of helping others. I know how hard you fought to even have the privilege to become an officer in a department that is the caliber of APD and I know you loved your work. Brother you will always be in my mind and in my heart. Everyday when I pin my badge on my chest I think of you and pray for every officer especially officers in Atlanta. May you rest in peace. My prayers for your family.

Officer M.Peralta
Jonesboro Police Department

September 5, 2005

You are a true Hero and your loss will never be forgotten. Rest easy now, your father, friends, and FBI family are still on watch.

Mrs. Cross and family: May God bless you and comfort you and your children. Please know that you are, and always will be, part of the FBI family.

Michael Harris, Special Agent
FBI, San Francisco

August 1, 2005

AS I SIT HERE AND READ 11 PAGES OF REFLECTIONS AT 2-30 AM. PLS KNOW THAT TEARS OF SORROW HAVE COME ACCROSS THIS KEYBOARD MANY TIMES TONIGHT. AND TO HAVE TO RELIVE THE THOUGHTS OVER AGAIN AND THE PAIN OF HAVING TO LOOK AT MY 5 YR OLD ANGEL TO TELL HER THAT HER FATHER IS NO LONGER HERE..WHAT A TRAGEDY.
HOW SORRY I AM TO KNOW SOMEONE HAS THE SAME PAIN TO DEAL WITH. TO YOU AND YR FAMILY - IM SO SORRY. WE ALL HAVE BROTHERS OF BLUE THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

RIP- MARK CROSS
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US DOWN HERE.
GO AND BE WITH ALL OF OUR OTHER FALLEN
OFFICERS AND CONTINUE AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN

SURVIVING SPOUCE AND CHILD

July 27, 2005

I wanted to extend my sympathy to the family, friends, and members of the Atlanta Police Department for the greivous loss you suffered when Officer Cross was brutally murdered. From his picture, I can tell he was a person of light and honor. I hope that the other officer who was also shot has recovered, although I am sure the memory of that horrible night will stay with the two friends of Officer Cross that were with him when he was shot. There is such agony for fellow officers in these situations where a death has occurred in the line of duty because often it is the fallen officer's best friends who are with him/her or who respond immediately to his/her aid. That was the circumstances of my son's murder ...my son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. was shot twice at approximately the same time as his brother-in-blue Mark Cross met his own fate three thousand miles away. I am forever grateful that when I lost my son he was with his friends...he was never alone from the time he went down and that is such a comfort. There is no distance the heart cannot bridge and my heart goes out to all of you. I am sure all of Mark's family has been embraced by the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement...there is nothing more supportive than these brave souls when one of their own falls. I pray that everyone who pins on that badge at the beginning of their day has a safe shift. We honor all of you. God bless Mark Cross who gave all, and give comfort to his family and friends as they try to bear the unbearable. Pray for us all.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Dept.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

June 28, 2005

I NEVER MET MARK BEFORE, BUT AT THE TIME OFF HIS DEATH MY CLASS WAS GOING THROUGH S.W.A.T. WEEK. AND YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE REALITY OF THE JOB WOULD SET IN AND MAKE A PERSON TO QUIT. BECAUSE YOU MAY START TO THINK THAT ALL THE PAIN AND STRESS OF S.W.A.T. WEEK ISNT WORTH IT. BUT AFTER WHAT HAPPEN IT MADE ME MORE DETERMINED. MY PRAYS GOES OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND THE REST OF HIS THE ATLANT POLICE DEPARTMENT.

OFFICER
ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 26, 2005

I take this time to send a reflection to the career of Off.Cross. I had met him early in his career as a beat officer. He was extremely energetic and always had a smile and a positive attitude. At the time I was in Red Dog as an officer on Team 5. Everytime I would see Off.Cross the first things out of his mouth is what's are the questions they are going to ask me in the interview. My response was always a smile and state just be yourself, I have no question that you will do fine. As you can see in his picture that smile rarely was ever off his face. I would like to send my condolences to the family of Off.Cross. The RedDog Unit family is small and very close. Off.Cross gave his life for what he believed in and that is to make the world a safer place to live in. He gave the "Ultimate Sacrifice".

Det. J.R.Bilak (Fugitive)
Atlanta Police Dept.

May 28, 2005