Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I along with my Sergeant were responsible for delivering the unfortunate news to Trooper Mark Phebus' parents. I just became a Trooper myself in 1988 and I was also 23 years. That day has stayed with me ever since. I'll will never forget it. I didn't know Trooper Phebus personally but I know enough from the facts of that event he was true Texas State Trooper. I was also there the day we found the suspect who cowardly killed himself next to nearby train tracks. The sub-human broke his leg after what we believed was an attempt to jump on a moving train to escape.

Ruben Espinoza - Retired Special Age
Texas Department of Public Safety

January 11, 2024

I knew Trooper Mark Jeffery Phebus; he was that kind of a person that once met him; he was already a friend of yours. That particular day he stopped at the Tomball Police Department to show off his brand new sports car he had purchased to showoff to officers there. He was taking his girlfriend to Sam State University in Huntsville, Texas. On his way back home, he witnesses to appeared a vehicle crash. He stopped to render help without knowing it was a boyfriend and girlfriend disturbance. He identified himself and asked the female to find a phone to call 911. The male subject shot Trooper Phebus on the head and fell to the ground without life. I heard the bad news when I reported to my shift that day. I couldn't believe what had happened because he just had stopped earlier that day at the station with his new car. I knew Mark; it was difficult to accept the bad news. During my tour of duty, all I had in my mind was Trooper Phebus; he always had a smile on his face. by some of the officers, Mark earned the nickname " Smiling Trooper Mark." To this day, you have not been forgotten by many in Tomball, Texas. RIP Mark Jeffery Phebus. You were a friend then and a friend now. Gilberto Reyna.

Retired Officer
Blue Brother

April 1, 2021

It is hard to believe that it has been 30 years since we lost Mark. He was sweet, kind and funny and taken from us much too soon. My brother who was good friends with him in college, speaks fondly of Mark even now, all these years later. He was that kind of guy, the one everybody loved. We miss him and remember the wonderful life he lived and how he did what was right up until the very end.

Cheryl Delany
College Friend

September 17, 2020

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 17, 2020

I too had the privilege of serving with Mark. I was the training officer of the 95th Division Leadership Academy, our drill sergeant school. I remember him as sort of a conundrum. He was a big, goofy, lovable niave kid. Yet he was going places. A young hard stripe corporal, no easy feat by itself, he was someone who had a clear vision and the path he would follow. It didn't take long to figure out that under the façade of a lovable goofball was a sharp, motivated individual with serious skills and a game plan for life.

I first heard of his loss from former Leadership Academy members. I was struck with a profound sadness that someone who had so much to offer and such a willingness to share it was taken from us at such a young age. All these years later I can still see that silly grin and remember the good natured teasing we gave him. We'll always miss you kid.

MAJ (R) Carl O. Owen, III
EN Sec, HQ, 95th Division

September 22, 2019

Mark,
We were roommates in college. I have still never met anyone with a heart as big as yours. You were dedicated to helping others your entire life. I can't count the number of times you pulled me up when I was going through a rough period. We served together in the 95th Division in the Army Reserve, you always seemed to outpace me somehow and got your drill sergeant qualification finished so early. I have always, and continue, to call you my best friend. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

LTC(R) Cliff Johnston
Southern Nazarene University, US Army 95th Division

June 26, 2019

Mark,
I did not have the privilege of knowing you. Our paths crossed on that fateful night since I was one of the responding paramedics who had the responsibility to try and save your life. Unfortunately, we couldn't. We were almost the same age and I had been at my job for less than a year, too. All these years later, I still think of you and the sacrifice you made that night. You meant so much to so many people and made such an impact during your short life.
Rest in peace, my friend.

Paramedic
EMS

April 15, 2019

I often think of you Mark. I remember the first day we met at the Houston Regional Office to take our Physical Agility Test. We both passed and started our careers together in Austin back in September of 1989 (Class A-89). You were a great role model with a gentle heart. I will always be honored to have stood beside you and I will never forget you, my friend.

Corporal IV Oscar Cruz
Texas Department of Public Safety - Retired

April 9, 2019

Mark , hearing of another Trooper getting shot brought me back to that day when you were taken away from us !! I was a Sgt. then and you had just been in my office two days earlier at Cypresswood showing me a new pistol you bought !! Your attitude and personality just brightened up a room, such a fine young man that we all just loved having around !!
I can tell you in all these years I never forgot you or your infectious smile !
RIP little Brother, we will see you again some day !

Capt. Ron Benson (Retired)
H.C.C.O. Pct. 4.

April 8, 2019

Mark, I remember like it was last week seeing you hang around the Cypresswood Substation. Those of us on nights who knew you were so impressed by you. You were the most respectful and eager young Trooper that most of us had ever met. Your joy in the job and your good humor were contagious. I could not help but smile when you were around. I remember thinking that I hoped that my son would grow up to be like you. When Dispatch advised us that you had been murdered, they did so by broadcasting the BOLO for your killer and it was a gut punch like I had never experienced before. The shocking grief of that moment has subsided, but the rage has not. I still rage because a young man was taken away who was destined to be among the best of us. Your friends at the HCSO will not forget you.

Deputy J.B. Ellis (retired)
Harris County Sheriff's Office

December 18, 2018

Mark was a friend and fellow Trooper Trainee (May 89). One morning, during PT, I collapsed on the track. I had no idea I had fluid in one of my lungs. Mark was a little behind me. He came up and lifted me saying, "don't give up!" His altruistic nature is what kept me going a week more until I had to be hospitalized. Unfortunately I was too sick to continue in the Academy. It is still my belief that there is a special and unique place in Heaven that God has him and all fallen law enforcement officials. I also believe that Heaven has endless Ninja Turtles playing just for Mark.

Paige Russell - Fellow Trooper Trainee
Friend

September 5, 2018

RIP Trooper. May God watch over your family

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

April 12, 2018

God keep you in His Glory Forever. I never met Mark but knew his brother. He spoke always so lovingly of his kid brother who " loves his job and wants to catch all the bad guys." I still remember telling his brother on the phone how wonderful he is but to be cautious and careful because we never know who we come across. Mark did his duty still even off the job and saved lives. God Bless him and his family.

Maria Cynthia Martinez
Brothers friend

May 16, 2016

Twenty-five years ago today...and still only this morning. I'll never, ever forget watching you drive away (in your dream car you just bought!) and then getting a phone call just hours later. You are still so loved and missed, my friend.

Kim
Close friend

September 17, 2015

Mark was so excited about service. I was his resident advisor in the dorm when he was in college. I remember him coming back from summer training in the Army just beaming about what he was doing. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile. I saw him shortly before he was killed. I believe he may have been killed on his way home from that last trip to Bethany, but I'm not really sure. I do remember him thrilled to be a State Trooper. He was born for that role.

I think about you often and can't believe it has been almost 25 years. You are not forgotten Mark!

David Nelson
College friend

September 1, 2015

Even though it has been over 20, I still miss him and remember him often. I keep his family and all his fellow officers in my prayers

Jodi Roberts/Cornelius
friend

May 23, 2015

I got to thinking about all the law enforcement people I knew. I am concerned for our law enforcement after all the news coverage of police "killing" criminals. If the criminals had obeyed the officers they would still be alive.
Anyway, Mark came to mind. I worked with him at STPEGS. What a wonderful young man he was!! He was so well mannered and respectful that he really impressed me. I remember how honored he felt about being hired by TXDPS. Then, I remember that sad day. What a needless loss of one wonderful, caring person. He was such a fine young man that I have remembered his name after all these years. I take comfort in knowing Mark is very much alive with our Father!

I hope to see you again, my young friend.

Tommie Ford
Co-worker at STPEGS

December 4, 2014

Still missing you my dear friend. :'(

Officer
Tomball Police (retired)

November 22, 2013

Heroes live forever, Trooper Phebus, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

September 17, 2013

It has been 23 years, and I can still hear the phone ring. I can still hear the anguish. I can still feel the pain. I still miss my most amazing friend.

Kim
Close Friend

September 17, 2013

Mark-you are missed by all-It seems just like yesterday that we are all at Lake Somerville. You touched so many in the short time here on earth and I know we will have chance to laugh together again. I pray for the comfort of your family.

Jim McWilliams
one of many friends

November 27, 2012

Rest in peace my old friend. We had good times in NY. It was my honor to know you. Thanks for your sacrifice.

Dan Farrell PSO
C.C.S.O.

November 10, 2012

Rest in peace, Trooper Phebus. Your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

September 17, 2012

I was a grade school friend of Mark's when he lived in NY. I went looking for him online and am heartbroken to learn of his passing. I have a get-well note he gave me when we were in 5th grade. We'd had a secret crush on one another... I can still picture him in his Pittsburgh Steelers leather jacket...
He was a gentle soul then and from the beautiful tributes written here, I see he lived his whole life with kindness and compassion for others.
I'm grateful for having known you Mark.

Sue Close
Elementary school friend

July 1, 2012

Rest in peace, Trooper Phebus. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

September 17, 2011