Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Monday, December 6, 1982
Add to My HeroesMark Layne Dabling
Patrolman Mark Dabling was shot and killed while making a traffic stop.
Unbeknownst to him, the violator was an escaped prisoner from Florida. The man exited the vehicle through the passenger side door and opened fire on Patrolman Dabling with a .44 caliber sawed-off rifle.
The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested on I-25 south of the city. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2044. However, he was convicted of murder and first-degree robbery in Kentucky and will also have to serve that sentence.
Patrolman Dabling had served with the Colorado Springs Police Department for 5 1/2 years. He was survived by his mother, father, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 5 years, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .44 caliber
- Offender Life sentence
Most Recent Reflection
View all 99 ReflectionsMark was a personal friend. Met him in UCCS classes at Ft. Carson, and became I stant friends. My wife and our two kiss loved him. He'd be on patrol.and stop in for coffee and a brownie. Fixed him up on a couple of dates with wife's single friends. He sounded siren (very briefly) and he kids howled!! Almost 40 years, still think of you often.
Bob Lyle, LTC. USA retired
June 23, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Lieutenant Mark Meadows
Irondale Police Department, AL
EOW: January 6, 2025
Senior Investigator John L. Carey
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2024
Correction Officer Andrew Lansing
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, OH
EOW: December 25, 2024
Trooper Clay M. Carns
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: December 23, 2024
Police Officer Michael Horan
Greensboro Police Department, NC
EOW: December 23, 2024
Air Interdiction Agent Jeffrey Kanas
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations, US
EOW: December 16, 2024
Detention Officer Isaiah Bias
Ellis County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: December 16, 2024
Sergeant Elio Diaz
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 15, 2024
Sergeant Rick Finley
McNairy County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: December 14, 2024