Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family feels your pain and your loss. Officer Cross is a hero. You are all in my prayers. I am so sad everytime we lose another family member in law enforcement. I am thankful for the job that these men and women do everyday, I just wish that there were not so many tragedies. Too bad the good guys are the ones paying with their lives. Unfortunately, these are the times in which we live. Thank God that there are those still willing to go out everyday, and enforce the law and keep some sort of order in a disorderly society. Thank you Officer Cross for your service and your sacrifice. Blessed are the peacemakers, for their's is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rest in a much deserved peace.

Brandy Mapp
Cousin of fallen Officer C. Haist 2/16/05

May 2, 2005

I had the greatest opportunity to work with the most funniest brother i know- Mr. Mark Cross. I knew him as a father first and then a husband. Mark loved and talked about his wife "Gem" so much that i didn't think he had anything to else to talk about. God gave me the greatest opportunity to know Mark and i will forever cherish that . My heart is very heavy for the loss of Mark but rest in peace my friend. I love ya

Gaston

Police Officer Tommie E. Gaston
Atlanta Police Department

May 2, 2005

RIP BROTHER, YOU HAVE EARNED WINGS. WE TAKE THIS JOB TO PROTECT AND SERVE AND PUT OURSELVES IN HARMS WAY WITHOUT THINKING TWICE. IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT A MAN IS NOT A HERO FOR HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED IS WHAT MAKES HIM A HERO.

DETECTIVE GARY MYRICK
SUFFOLK POLICE DEPT, VA

May 1, 2005

I first heard about Mark while he and my fiance (Officer Jay Rollins) were in the police academy together. It was soon apparent that he and Jay were going to be great friend 's from that point on. I soon met Mark and his wife Gem (who was pregnant with Thai at the time)...and began to spend time with them at various sporting events including our season falcon seats together. One of the greatest memories of Mark that I have was his great love for his son Thai...who often came to the falcon games with us...(Thai also kept me company, as I was not the huge sport fan that Jay and Mark were). Mark was a fun dad...always patient, and very attentive. Another great memory of Mark was that he was a great friend to Jay. Mark's friendship was and is a great gift that Jay and I will treasure forever.

You will be greatly missed.

Jabari Hill

May 1, 2005

My heart goes out to Officer Mark Cross' family and co-workers. I look st this page everyday and I hurt every time I see an officer die in the line of duty. It is hard to believe that we live i such a society where a bad guy will just shoot an officer for no reason. God bless Officer Cross and his family.

SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Military Police Ret.

May 1, 2005

MARK WAS A TRUE WARRIOR AND GOOD FRIEND. IN ALMOST TWO YEARS WITH MARK IN RED DOG, I CAN HONESTLY SAY I NEVER SAW HIM HIM HESITATE AND NEVER SAW HIM FLINCH IN THE FACE OF DANGER. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

J.S. GUNTER
ATLANTA POLICE (RED DOG UNIT)

April 30, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER
CROSS, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

April 30, 2005

Upon the markers of their graves
Our heroes etched in names we save
For all the life they gave with pride
To keep the peace within life's stride

To honor serve and do their best
To keep us safe through any quest
They gave up what was theirs to share
Their spirits shall be always near

No fear within the hearts and minds
To keep us safe within our times
The glory that is ours to see
Those special hearts of bravery

They have walked where no man dare
Their lives in danger with no care
For they have given all they could
For their courage we have stood

In awe of every one who gave
His life for others who they saved
So we will know their contribution
Their firm resolve and resolution

For those they left with hearts so broken
In every whispered word that's spoken
We bow our heads in confirmation
In every word life's revelation

Those who stand within their shoes
Will follow courage as they choose
And give to all the best they had
They carry on with spirits glad

We will know that they walked through
With colors bright and hearts so true
No Island stands alone they say
For heroes they are born this way

Protecting those with loyalty
A glimpse of so much royalty
Within the years of courage bound
These officers have earned their crown

Upon the earth we shall remember
The special goals and all their thunder
That proves a hero came our way
Who left their hearts on earth to stay.

~ Francine Pucillo ~
(c)Copyright November 16, 2004
In Memory of all those lost in the line
of fire with courage, strength and love.

ASST.CHIEF BILL (PUTT)LINDER
E.O.W. 10/10/04

CHIEF BILLY CUREINGTON
WISNER POLICE DEPT. WISNER,LOUISIANA

April 29, 2005

Rest in peace brother! Kudos to the 3rd officer!

Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol

April 29, 2005

I am long time friend of Mark, I met Mark at Western Illinois where we were roommates for a year. I can honestly say without a doubt, he is one of the best human beings I've ever met in my lifetime. He was full of integrity and pride. He was honest and humble at his best. He was like a gentle giant. This is a great loss for the Cross family and anyone who has been blessed with knowing Mark. This is your boy Chaka from the "D". You will always be remembered and loved

Chaka Hytower

April 29, 2005

I have had the pleasure of knowing the Cross family for 15 years. We lost touch for several years and became reaquainted within the last year.

Mark was a friend, a confidant, and an overall remarkable individual. I will miss Mark's constant words of encouragement and his abundance of positive energy.

My deepest condolences to the Cross family, during this tragical moment.

Fond memories of Mark will exist in the hearts of many.

Rosalyn E. Lewis

Rosalyn E. Lewis

April 29, 2005

Officer Cross you gave the ultimate sacrifice and are a true hero...May god be with your family,friends and brothers of the APD
Rest in peace sir

Paramedic
Louisville Metro EMS

April 29, 2005

God bless you for your gallant service to your community. God speed, my brother.

Ofc. Billy Renfro
Bremerton PD

April 29, 2005

You did your job, you will be missed. I have seen my fellow officers in the same circumstances as this and know the pain all too well. My heart goes to all my fellow officers from Atlanta.

P/O Juan Carlos Navarro
New Orleans Police Dept

April 29, 2005

RIP hero may you and all of the rest of the fallen heros keep us on earth safe from harm.

Reserve Deputy/D.O Doug Crisp
Lyon County sheriff dept kansas

April 29, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Mark Cross and the Atlanta Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Mark... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky - Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

April 28, 2005

Thank you for your service. You will be greatly missed by all those who served with you.

Reserve Officer
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

April 28, 2005

My prayers are with the family and I hope for peace of mind to understand the why's of this city we work in. God Bless.

Inv. David V. Hickey
Georgia State University Police

April 28, 2005

It is obvious from reading the reflections of your co-workers that you were a "cops cop." Squared away, always working hard, mentoring younger officers. You have honored yourself, your family and your profession not just in your death but more importantly in your life. You set an example for us all. May God provide the needed comfrot for your family and your co-workers in the days ahead. I teach recruits patrol techniques and I will use your story to honor your sacrifice.

Sergeant in NC

April 28, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother in Blue
"blessed are the peace makers"
matthew 5:9

Patrolman Ivan Davis
Ashburn Police Department (Georgia)

April 28, 2005

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends and to the Atlanta Police Department. You are missed by many who knew you and those of us who didn't have the opportunity to meet you. God Bless

Officer Kim Budreau
Medford Police Dept. Oregon

April 28, 2005

Although i did not know you personally, i saw you almost on a daily basis. You are and always will be one of my brothers and you will forever be missed. God bless you and your family and thank you for the sacrifices you have made.

Officer Muir
Atlanta Police Dept.

April 28, 2005

Please allow me to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, ellow officers, and friends of Mark Cross. I helped bury a very close friend on my wife's department for New Years, and my own department just lost another good man on the 16th of this month. Both were gunned down by murderoous cowards. There is an epidemic going on in this country that most people are blissfully unaware of. I am with the silent minority who understand your pain, and I grieve with you for your loss.

Ptlm. Douglas Allin
Providence, RI Police Dept.

April 28, 2005

A uniform, a gun, a badge upon your chest.
These things make not super beings ...
just men and women, human like the rest.
Though sometimes taken for granted,
or even viewed with scorn or spite ...
Some eyes see you for what you truly are ...
A shield against the night.

At times your job is thankless.
Another shift has gone by,
and not a kind word is spoken,
not a single word at all.
Those endless hours spent filling out
reports bring nothing but boredom.
A headache rages in your skull.

You may ask yourself if it is really worth it?
There are many risks, no progress in sight.
The answer is a simple yes my friend,
for you are a cop, an officer ...
A shield against the night.

An car overturned, a robbery, a chase,
consoling a victim, whispering all will be well.
A frightened child's hand is held,
he is lost and out of place.
The call of duty is answered
no hesitation, no question.
A champion to those who can not fight.
You stand alone sometimes,
the only thing between the darkness
and the light.

A hero every minute, no matter how mundane the day.
Take pride in what you do.
Although very human,
You my friend....are
A shield against the night.

I used to live 30 mintues outside of Atlanta and had visited Atlanta many times and I can honestly say that the officers of Atlanta had a dangerous job because Atlanta could be a rough place, but they did they did with pride and honor just as Officer M. Cross did. Ofc. Cross know that you will never be forgotten and you will be dearly missed. You served and protected and served the citzens of Atlanta and did a great job doing it. Another brave brother in blue has crossed the thin blue line, my deepest sypahties go out to Ofc. Cross's family, friends, and fellow co-workers, as you have taken you final 10-42, Rest in Peace and God Bless

Anonymous

April 28, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Cross.

While no one who wears a badge wants to be put into such a situation, he put himself into the line of fire to protect those whom he might not have even known despite the danger. While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven.

Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

April 28, 2005