Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I didn't know Ofc Cross personally, but I did dispatch for him from time to time. From what I can recall you were always nice over the radio and cordial. Thanks for your service you will be missed. To Ofc Cross family be steadfast and unmoveable the battle is not yours its the lord.

Former APD DIspatcher
Florida Highway Patrol (Dispatcher)

May 23, 2005

Rest in peace and may God bless your family.

PO Edwards
Coop City Dept of Public Safety

May 20, 2005

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too,
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always though I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had,
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you,
Today for life on Earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same day, there’s no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you take my hand and share my life with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

David M. Romano

Special Agent
FBI, Atlanta

May 18, 2005

Although some will lose sight of what was lost, others will always remember the sacrafice that was given by this Officer. Mark, I didn't know you, but I would like to have. Rest in peace, brother.

Senior Parole Officer Glenn Brown
Georgia State Parole Board

May 18, 2005

u were an officer with a truly good heart..we miss u.

apd

May 16, 2005

just as we take the oath and have earned the badge..we are also and very often unfairly judged by it. we remain stedfast and fearless, despite the fact that this is a very dangerous and thankless profession with little or no reward....on earth. just as doctors heal the very ill, and preachers preach to sinners, we have an obligation to stand against crime, for only but a few that are not "blue" will. Officer Cross, there won't be a Z-3 in heaven but i'm sure your still on patrol. we will never forget you and keep you in our prayers. God bless you and your family.

Ofc. D. Perry
APD Z-3

May 15, 2005

I was deeply saddened when I heard the report of Officer Cross. I visited the funeral home to pay my respects and was overcome with emotion to see the photographs of his family - especially the kids. As the song played, it reminded me that it is the "Ordinary People" that make the extraordinary difference, and the ultimate sacrifice.

As an educator, I strive daily to impact the lives of children, many with one or more absent parents - absent for one reason or another. When I saw Mark, his wife and the obvious love they have for the kids, it was apparent that he has left a legacy of love and planted a firm foundation for the kids. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his family and loved ones forever.

You are all in my constant prayers, and Mark is now in a much better place.

A. Britt
Resident of Atlanta

May 14, 2005

On April 23, 2005 I lost one of my best friends, Ofc. Larry Lasater. At approximately 1745 hrs on April 23, 2005 Ofc. Lasater met his fate, which was exactly the same time OFc. Cross contacted the suspicious vehicle (given the 3 hrs time difference). When I read what time OFc. Cross's incident occurred I found some comfort that my brother's in blue, over 2000 miles away were engaged in the same type of fight that I was. A fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves. A fight so that our country and communities can be a safer place for our children. Ofc. Cross another hereo taken, Another HERO to honor. "The only thing neccessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

Ofc. P Galer
Pittsburg PD, Pittsburg, Ca

May 12, 2005

I have know you since the beginning of your career and it has been a pleasure. You will always be remembered. Radio show Ofc. Cross code 8 for the remainder. Code 9 to APD. Will miss you.

Detective D.W. Coleman
Atlanta Police

May 10, 2005

Rest in peace my brother for you have fought the fight and won the battle. May God keep you and be with your family.

Det. R.L. Williams, Jr.
Rocky Mount, NC

May 9, 2005

Atlanta has seen a rash of violence recently including the courthouse shooting. APD and FCSO are true heros in this city. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Tim Gravitt
Atlanta Citizen

May 9, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON YOURE JOURNEY

GOD BLESS

Andrew Caruana
Raleigh Police Department (N.C)

May 7, 2005

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY REGREATS. I HOPE THAT HIS FAMILY IS DOING OKAY.I THINK THE MEMORIAL PAGE IS A GOOD THING.
IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO HEAR OF AN OFFICERS
DEATH. BECAUSE IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANYTIME.MY GOD KEEP YOUR PERSONAL SAFE.

CPL. TOMMY E. JOWERS
VALLEY PD VALLEY,AL 36854

May 7, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

May 6, 2005

My prayers go out to Officer Cross, his family and the Atlanta Police Department family. I truly understand your pain as my agency lost an officer, Tommy Scott, on April 29, 2005. Officer Cross made the ultimate sacrifice and I appreciate his service to the community. May God bless his spirit and comfort all of those left behind.

Lieutenant Carolyn Smith
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 6, 2005

I attended the funeral services of Officer Mark Cross and like all funerals, especially the men and women of blue, I could not hold back the tears. To see those pictures of him and his family around the church made me think about this profession. To see Chief Pennington pin that badge on his son as he walked off the stage was a great feeling of how appreciated Mark was to the Atlanta Police Department. To see his son stand beside his Daddy's casket, wearing his red dog uniform while saluting, not knowing what was really happening made me break down. I didn't know Mark, like many other police funerals I attend, I attend to say Thank You to the slain officer. Being an officer for many years myself, I feel it's with great dignity that we pay respect to slain officers for their sacrifice to the community. Rest in peace Officer Cross, you did well during your 6 year tenure with the Atlanta Police Department.

Chief Damon Pierce

May 5, 2005

As I debated whether to send a reflection, I begin to look at my high school pictures and came across Mark's. Same smile. Nothing changed, (except the bald head). It dawned on me that Mark and I were no different. Married, with two children. Both have jobs that can be demanding and time consuming (his a little more dangerous)! But where is it that we differ? He moved to Atlanta and I stayed in Chicago? No. Mark and I differ because he died for what he believed in. The ultimate sacrifice!! Regardless of what his surroundings may have said or the danger he knew that he would encounter, Mark died for his belief, to serve and protect his community which leads me to this conclusion. What am I willing to die for? I am willing to die for the gospel of Jesus Christ in which His ultimate sacrifice at the cross saved me. If you are not 100% sure that you are going to make it to the Kingdom of Heaven, ask Christ into your life. His death was and is the Ultimate Sacrifice.
P.S. Mark, I now know my purpose in life. Thank you and I love you.

Dante' H. Burress

May 4, 2005

Mark,
I only met you one time while I was a recruit in zone3. I remembered you as a fine man who talked to as a friend even though I was new to the department at the time. You walked into the precinct wearing the classic RED DOG uniform and admired you more that any police chief in the country. Mark, I know that you are looking down at your brothers right now, you are sure that we will look after "Gem" and your children as if they were are own, because since you were part of my family in the APD, they will always be. God speed Mark A. Cross. Go patrole the streets of heaven, you have served your time in hell

Police Officer
Atlanta Police Department Z-5

May 4, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER, EVEN THOSE OF US WHO DIDN'T KNOW YOU LOVE Y0U AND YOUR FAMILY. I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS KNOW WHAT YOU STOOD FOR.

HOO-YA!!!!!!!!!!

Officer Zane Beard
Scottsboro Police Department

May 4, 2005

Officer Cross, Rest in peace, thanks for your service and your sacrafice. You will always be remembered and loved by all those who have worn blue!!

Police Officer
Littleton PD

May 4, 2005

Mark, I know your looking upon us right now. As your class coordinator, I remember your smile, your bravery, your humbleness and most of all, your honor. I was honored to coach you as well as be coached by you. You and your family are in my prayers. God speed my brother.

Investigator M. K. Clayton
Atlanta Police Department

May 3, 2005

Rest in peace brave warrior....you're sacrafice will not be forgotten.

PSO GREG MAGNAN
KALAMAZOO DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

May 3, 2005

AS DISPATCHERS, WE COME TO KNOW THE OFFICERS AS IF WE ARE WORKING IN THE FILED WITH YOU. WE ALL WORK IN A OCCUPATION THAT IS SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED. CROSS, THANKS FOR YOUR KINDNESS OVER THE RADIO AND DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THIS EARTH, FOR GOD HAS BETTER THINGS FOR YOU NOW. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS... ATLANTA PD DISPATCHERS

APD 911 COMMUNICATIONS
ATLANTA PD

May 3, 2005

I will never forget the pain we felt on that day we had to say goodbye to you, a fellow officer and one of our brothers in blue. You are a hero. You are not gone from Atlanta Police, for you will be in all of our hearts, everyday, on every call we answer. My heart goes out to your family, your partners ,Griffin and Sperl, and the whole reddog unit. Rest in peace, my friend. With all my heart, (your nickname for me) "oops"

Officer / Zone 1
Atlanta Police Department

May 3, 2005

Rest in peace brother in blue 10-7

Watch Commander/A.Dumas
Bishop State College Police Dept. Mobile,AL.

May 2, 2005