Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was reading the ODMP tonight and it brought back memories of our phone conversations when you were in the Texas DPS academy and how excited you were to find out that you were going to the highway patrol. You were a good person with strong family values and christian faith. Everyone knew you were living your dream , and you did it well.

I retired in February after 22 years of service. The day before I retired I attended the funeral for brother officer Det John Falcone CPPD who also was killed during a domestic dispute. It brought back strong memories of September 17, 1990.

You will NEVER be forgotten, GOD BLESS

Detective Bruce Griffing
T/O Poughkeepsie PD , NY

May 13, 2011

Still missing you, Buddy. Can't believe it's been so long ago that we lost you. Coming up it will be the 20th anniversary of your death. You've not been, nor ever will be forgotten. Love ya, Buddy. RIP

Tina Anderson
Tomball Police (Former Patrol Officer)

September 12, 2010

Mark, Today I am having my retirement ceremony after 22 years of commissioned service in the US Army. You encouraged me to stay in the military and I have always tried to live up to your example. I dedicate today's events to you and your sacrifice while protecting the residents of the Great State of Texas.

LTC Cliff Johnston
US Army/College Roommate

June 16, 2010

It's been 19 years Mark, you will not be forgotten. You and your family will always be in our prayers.

Deputy J.Wright
Collin County, Tx. S.O.

September 21, 2009

To the family and friends of Trooper Mark Jeffrey Phebus and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Mark's memory on the nineteenth anniversary of the day Mark so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Trooper Mark Phebus gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1990.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

It has been 18 years but your memory lives on. Rest in peace and thank you for your service to the State of Texas

Trooper II
Texas Highway Patrol

September 17, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

I knew Mark personally. He was so funny and so much fun to work with, but he turned his back on someone he shouldn't have, not realizing of course that he'd walked right into hornet's nest.

I remember telling him "Mark, you never turn your back on anyone out there. Not even those blue haired, little old ladies coming home from Sunday Bingo!" But, how could he have known that what looked like a traffic accident was really a family disturbance at the time? The man who murdered Mark was Richard Leland Jordan and he had killed before. But the "system" let him out so he could kill again. Am I bitter? Hell, yes! He took one of the finest, most caring and courageous officers I've ever met, not to mention the fact that Mark was a close friend.I loved him dearly. He was a real hot dog, that boy! I'll never forget that phone call that morning from our dispatcher telling me Mark was gone!

I'm sorry if mentioning Jordan's name ruffles a feather or two but facts are facts and he took a son, a brother, a fellow law enforcement officer, and a good cop who lived for his job as a State Trooper.

We had a lot of fun and joked a lot but when it was time to get serious, when the fight was on or in a chase, it didn't matter, Mark was there for us and for the citizens he was sworn to protect and serve and I'll never forget him as long as I live.

Rest in peace Buddy, and I hope you got your "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on that big flat screen in the sky, lol.

Tina Anderson Former Officer
Tomball Police Department

July 9, 2007

Mark was my closest friend and roommate in college. I have retold his story to my soldiers throughout the years. Mark died a hero of the Texas DPS but his entire life is a testament to his dedication to public service. He is not forgotten. I will always remember the road trips we used to take in the summers between Airborne training and the start of the next college semester. We shared an apartment in Oklahoma City and would drive around to Army Reserve Centers and National Guard barracks and trade unit patches. Mark was loved by everyone that knew him. I still miss Mark and pray that his parents and brother are doing well.

Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Johnston
US Army

January 17, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

January 2, 2007

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

December 24, 2006

Rest in Peace. You have paid the ultimate price. You will never be forgotten.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Recruit Class A-89

December 19, 2005

Mark we had a great time togather in college. All the friends you made will never forget you. After all this time, I still think of you often. May God bless your family and we will meet again someday I am sure.

Master Sergeant Mark Sexton
Oklahoma City Police

December 2, 2005

Fifteen years after this tragedy occurred I would like for the family of Trooper Phebus to know that he will not be forgotten....thanks in part to the ODMP.
May you continue to experience God's eternal love and endless blessings.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas (Retired)

September 17, 2005

May you always rest in peace

Greater Manchester Police, UK

June 4, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

On September 18, 1990 I was 20 years old and in my second week of the Alvin Community College Police Academy. At 0730 Hrs we had line inspection and that's when we were told about Trooper Phebus's line of duty death. I was standing at attention and wanted to leave right then. I didn't know if I really wanted to be a police officer. My feet would not move. I finished the academy and continued on my law enforcement path. In 1995 I read the story about Trooper Phebus death. I ordered a memory bracelet from NLEOMF and I wear it everyday I am on duty. For the past 14 years I have had Trooper Phebus as my angel because I have thought of him everyday. I think it was his voice telling me to stay and take his place on the thin blue line that kept me from walking away in the academy.

By wearing the bracelet I remind myself how fragile life is and how dangerous our job can be. God Bless You Trooper Mark Jeffrey Phebus. You are forever in my thoughts.

Officer Liza Phillips
CSPD

Master Officer Liza M. Phillips
College Station Police Dept.

September 14, 2004

Mark,
I knew you well and you were an impressive young officer. I remember that night so well, even so many years later and remember the deep loss we all felt. May God bless you

Kelly Smith, RSPC
TxDPS

July 31, 2004

MARK I WAS AWAKE WHEN NEWS WAS TOULD ABOUT
WHAT HAPPEN TO YOU I IVE GOT A POLICE SCANNER I KNOW THE DANGER OUT ON 2200HRS 0600 HRS ARE THERE
I KNOW THERE ONE LIKE IN THIS CO WHO CARE FOR US
AND IM THANKFUL FOR YOU AND THEM ALL
RIP NOW AND KNOWN THE STREETS ARE NOW WATCHED
FROM ABOVE LOVE ALWAYS AN THAKFUL PERSON IN
MONTGOMERY CO AND ALL OUR DEPTYS

SHANE LACAZE
MONTGOMERY CO SO

February 7, 2004

You have been gone for a while, but not forgotten. Rest in peace.....

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

January 12, 2004

I am truly saddened by your death as I am of similar age to you. It is terrible to hear of this loss! May you rest in peace Brother

British Police Officer

Rest in Peace Blue angel...your tour here is done.
You will never be forgotten.

CPD, Ohio

Mark, it seems like yesterday that we last spoke. You were my next door neighbor and we'd sit out in the parking lot after work and talk for hours. You were crazy in love for your girl.

I remember backing you up on calls off of Jones Rd. You had such enthusiasm for your job! You were so full of life and were a joy to be around. You made patrolling the streets with you enjoyable. You loved the DPS like I haven't seen before or since. I still have the Blues magazine that told your story but nothing in writing, not even this, could ever express what an outstanding trooper, an outstanding human being, you were.

Every time we lose another officer, deputy or trooper, I think of you. Whenever I feel down and want to leave law enforcement, I think of how much it meant to you and how much pride you had to wear the badge. That brings things a little more into perspective. I was proud to have you as my friend, and I am grateful to have known you.

Brother, you will NEVER be forgotten

Deputy Joe Wright
King Count Sheriff, Seattle WA.