Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is your obit from the Seattle Times. You were an
exceptional human being and it is sad I can only sing your
praises in death. We mourn such a great loss to your family, your wife and children, to your police dept., to
your military friends and to your country. Thank you for
your amazing service to others and your ultimate sacrifice.

Sgt. Mark RENNINGER Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39, a devoted husband and father and distinguished police officer, was taken from this earth far too early on Nov. 29, 2009. He leaves behind his wife, Kim, daughters Letra and Allison, and son Nicholas. Born Aug. 13, 1970 in Bethlehem, Pa., Mark was the second of five siblings. He was an active member of the Bethlehem Boys Club as a youth and participated in football and baseball. At Liberty High School, Mark was a star athlete, a standout for the Hurricanes football team as a strong safety, helping lead them to two conference titles. But he was equally dedicated to his school work, even going beyond the basic requirements to help others. While taking a sociology class in high school, Mark led classmates into a project producing a documentary to help young people better understand what it's like to be elderly. With his classmates, Mark visited senior citizens living in Bethlehem several times a month. "A lot of kids are cocky to older people," Mark was quoted telling The Morning Call of Allentown in 1989. "After sitting and talking to them, you change your way of thinking. Even if this changes three peoples' minds, it's worth it. I spent more time on this than anything. All my study halls are dedicated to this class." Despite having the opportunity of playing football in college, Mark bypassed his love of the gridiron to begin serving others in 1989. Mark enlisted in the U.S. Army and did his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. Shortly after, he went to airborne training at Fort Benning, Ga., and was accepted to the prestigious Army Rangers program and was part of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning. At Fort Benning he was honored as Soldier of the Quarter and a jump master. Four years later he arrived in Washington State when he was transferred to Fort Lewis and was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Mark was honorably discharged from the Army in 1996 and would later jokingly tell his family that all the camping he did as a Ranger gave him no interest in ever going camping again. It seemed only natural that Mark would go from serving the country in the military to serving the public. He joined the Tukwila Police Department in 1996 and quickly became a leader in the patrol unit. While in Tukwila, Mark was active with the Community Oriented Policing Unit and the Pro-Act Team, and was president of the Tukwila Police Guild. In 2004, Mark moved on to the Lakewood Police Department. Mark worked as a patrol officer and later served in the Neighborhood Patrol Officer Unit before being promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2008. He was on the path toward becoming a lieutenant with Lakewood PD. Mark's true calling in law enforcement was when he received an assignment as a SWAT officer in 2001. His experience and expertise as a SWAT officer later led to Mark becoming a well-respected SWAT instructor both locally serving on the executive board of the Washington State Training Officers Association, and nationally with the National Training Officers Association. He brought those talents as a SWAT officer to Pierce County after he joined Lakewood Police and became a Team Leader with the multi-jurisdictional Metro SWAT Team in April 2005. As an officer, Mark was awarded the Medal of Merit, The Core Values Award, Distinguished Service Award and the Chief's Commendation. He received the Lifesaving Award with Lakewood PD after stopping while on his way home following a shift, and ran through leaking gas to help pull a driver from a burning vehicle. In 1999 he went to Stockholm, Sweden and participated in the Police and Fire Olympics. But all of his talents for police work were secondary to his home life. He made a point to leave police work at the office and focus on his family when at home - three children and his wife. He married his wife Kim in 2003, not surprisingly while on a trip to a NASCAR race, and three years later welcomed their son Nicholas to the world. Whether it was making a point to be the softball games of his oldest daughter Letra, the school activities of Alli, teaching young Nicholas during his first few years, or simply spending quiet time with his wife, these were Mark's favorite moments. While not coming close to matching the love for his family, Mark's love of football - specifically Penn State and the Philadelphia Eagles - was a runner-up. He followed Big 10 football religiously and always was willing to argue about how the Big 10 was superior to the Pac-10. He was also like every other Philadelphia fan, always willing to write off the Eagles at the slightest step backward but remaining a devoted fan. He also made a point to see as many NASCAR races as he could. It didn't matter if it was the Truck Series, Nationwide Series or the Sprint Cup cars, Mark would watch them make left-turns incessantly. He even dragged his wife along to see a couple of races live. The decorations on the walls of his home office are one of three things: pictures of SWAT officers, or Penn State or NASCAR memorabilia. Along with his wife and three children, Mark is survived by his four brothers, Matthew, Marty, Michael and John; a sister, Melissa; his mother, Nancy; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 27, 2009

It’s been three weeks since you were taken from us and I still can’t believe that this really happened. I think about you every day. I think about our last conversation, on my way home that morning, and I wish I could have been there with you. I miss you brother.

J.S. K-9 30
Lakewood PD

December 20, 2009

Sgt. Renninger,

Although I personally did not know you, I have met you in passing when I working for a city in Pierce County. I want to pass along my condolences to your family and co-workers whom you have touched. May god bless you and rest in peace!

Sgt. Brandon Needham #710
Walla Walla Veterans Affairs Police

December 20, 2009

REST IN PEACE, MAY GOD FIND PEACE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, KEEP AN EYE ON THE REST OF US DOWN HERE, WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE

DEPUTY
JACKSON CO SO OHIO

December 20, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Renninger 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.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Renninger, 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 Sergeant Renninger 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.

It was their duty to serve; it is ours to remember.

Special Agent
FBI New York

December 20, 2009

Sergeant Mark Renninger God bless you and may the angels carry you home on their wings..God bless your family and friends.

Terri
Fairfax County Police Va. Ret

December 16, 2009

Thank you Sergeant Mark Renninger, for your service. Thank you to your brothers and sister in blue, who served along side of you. I wish you could have seen the show of support and respect for you, I was only able to see pictures and it was completely amazing. Thank you to Canada for your show of support and respect.

Deputy, Michael Dishno
Wisconsin

December 14, 2009

Sgt. Renninger, Your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

December 14, 2009

Rest in Peace Brother

Police Officer
Chicago P.D.

December 14, 2009

My heart goes out to all family members of Sgt. Mark Renninger and to the Lakewood Police Department. This is certainly a great loss to endure.

Rose Ferguson
Glynn County Sheriff's Office, Brunswick, GA

December 14, 2009

Sgt Renninger, I may not know you or your family, but I can tell you that this has touched my heart. Not being a police officer but a member of a volunteer fire dept.I know what a brotherhood is. We are there for our brothers and sisters in their time of need. I watched your procession while I was at work and took a moment of silence for you and your family. Tears were welling up in my eyes as I watched the horse drawn carriage make it's way up Linden St.to the cemetary from our alma mater. RIP Sgt Mark Renninger! Rest easy knowing that your brothers and sisters will watch out for your family and community.

Tiffany McCartney
Bethlehem, PA

December 13, 2009

Rest in peace Sergeant Renninger, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you very much for your service!

Shelly
Citizen

December 13, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you for your service to your community.

Wife of a Florida Deputy Sheriff

December 13, 2009

May God be with you and your family, Thank you for your faithfull service to your comunity and OUR County. You have given the absolute most someone can give in the persuit of justice and freedom. Rest In Peace knowing that your brothers and sisters in blue will continue your work....

Deputy Jaired Freeman
Josephine County Sheriffs Office, OR

December 13, 2009

I just got the news from one of our old Ranger Buddies that you had fallen in this cowardly attack. I have no words to describe the sorrow that has filled my heart upon hearing this. You were a mentor and role model to me at the Ranger Regiment as I know you were for all of the officers in your department.
My heart and prayers go out to your wife and children. Thank you Mark for your service to your Nation and your State. Your memory will forever remain in my heart.

Rangers Lead the Way.

RGR Greg Brown

Trooper Greg Brown
TN Hwy Patrol

December 12, 2009

Mark I have never met you, however I live and have worked in the area of your hometown and also worked nearby in WA State. After hearing about this aweful loss I have learned what a great person and police officer you were. I watched your services with tears in my eyes back in PA where you are now at rest. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Until we finally meet, your brothers and sisters will watch over your family. We love you brother

Ptlm Jason Bell
Milford Borough PD Pennsylvania

December 12, 2009

Upon hearing the speakers at your Memorial - and watching them both have to stop to take a moment - it is clear to me that you are a real life action hero. You have saved an uncountable number of lives. You have been unparalleled in civilian service. You have been just as dedicated at home as you have been at "business" and I have no doubt that you have given your children all they need to survive. You are an irreplacable member of our community. Thanks just doesn't seem to be enough, so I will spend my life trying to be half the man you have been.

Deputy Hannahan
Skagit County Sheriff - Corrections

December 12, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

December 11, 2009

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." You are a SHEEP DOG and you and wont be forgotten.

K92
Martinez PD

December 11, 2009

Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney
Virginia

December 11, 2009

Sgt. Renninger,

Words cannot express the pain and sorrow felt because of our community's loss. Thank you so much for your unselfish service to all of us! Your family, friends and fellow officers do not grieve alone! There are many, many people crying with them.

May God's love comfort all that were close to you now and always, and may you rest in peace.

Gone but NEVER forgotten!

Bernadette

December 11, 2009

My prayers go out to you and your family. Your standards of being a ranger helped shape me into who I am today. The world has lost a great soldier and a great man. Your absense will be greatly missed! RLTW

RGR Hardick, James
Served with you at 75th Ranger HHC

December 10, 2009

God Bless You Sgt. Renninger and the entire Lakewood Police Department. It was just a short 3 years ago when we lost one of our officers and we share your pain. Our Officer David Petzold is standing at the gates of heaven waiting to welcome you, may you both rest in peace for all eternity and watch over your family and friends. Thank you for your service. May God keep your family protected.

Barbara Karabin, Police Clerk
Upper Saucon Twp. P.D. Center Vly.PA

December 10, 2009

May prayers go out to all of you that loved Sergeant Renninger and his fallen colleagues. May you feel the healing Presence of our Almighty Father at this time.

Wife of a Pennsylvania State Police Troo

December 10, 2009

You made the ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and co-workers. You will not be forgoten. Rest in peace now, Una Stamus.

Deputy Kyle A Burton
Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office-MN

December 10, 2009