California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Thursday, November 26, 1987
Reflections for Officer Mark Thomas Taylor
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Well Mark, it's almost 24 years gone since you asked "be my buddy"...... after that damned doll popular that year.... still makes me laugh.
I still have a beer waiting for you....
Stand tall my friend....
Paul Bristow
#11629 retired
PS. Kristie, you don't remember me, but your Dad was a heck of man, an honorable Officer and most importantly, a hell of a friend. I know he is smiling about you and your family.
Paul Bristow #11629 retired
C.H.P.
November 23, 2011
I am not in law enforcement. I just wanted to tell somebody what happened. I, along with a small convoy of fellow dirt bike riders (I was 'front door') witnessed the "accident". The elderly driver was alongside of us for miles. She was smoking a cigarette. Every time she leaned forward to put her ash in the ash tray she would veer right, into our lane (#3 I believe). She veered right too far as she was putting out her cigarette. That's when it happened. We didn't stop as there were many children with us and others had already stopped and were trying to lift the front of the 5,000 pound car off of Officer Taylor. The woman who was getting the citations car was ripped in half. She survived I heard. I don't know if the accident investigator knows what actually caused the wreck, but it was due to a cigarette being snuffed out. One cigarette, one life. Was it worth that cigarette, lady? Anyone who wants to contact me for more info is welcome.
P.F.C. David Fruhling
U.S. Army veteran 3rd. Inf. Div.
November 5, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad!!! I can't believe I'm already older than you were when you passed away. I try to picture what you would look like now, but I can't. You'll always be the same young, handsome goof-ball to me. People refer to my husband as "Mark reincarnated". I married someone as silly as you...imagine that!
I love you & miss you so much!!!!!!!! You have 3 beautiful granddaughters that know you & love you as well. You are in our thoughts & our hearts, always...
Love,
Sis
Kristie Lee Ramos
Daughter
May 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad!!! I can't believe I'm already older than you were when you passed away. I try to picture what you would look like now, but I can't. You'll always be the same young, handsome goof-ball to me. People refer to my husband as "Mark reincarnated". I married someone as silly as you...imagine that!
I love you & miss you so much!!!!!!!! You have 3 beautiful granddaughters that know you & love you as well. You are in our thoughts & our hearts, always...
Love,
Sis
Kristie Lee Ramos
Daughter
May 17, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 26, 2009
It's almost been 22 years buddy and I still see you laughing and smiling... We miss you Mark.
Officer Paul R. Bristow
California Highway Patrol #11629 retired
November 20, 2009
Rest in Peace, Officer Taylor. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
October 22, 2009
Mark...its been twenty years since you made your last stop. In some way, I still think you are out there making things safe. We miss you buddy...Paul
STO Paul Bristow #11629 retired
CHP
November 29, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
VanDenBerghe
Manchester, Nh
November 26, 2007
No fellow Southern California law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.
Devil Dawg, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.
(Kristi Lee:If you read this, please contact me)
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
November 26, 2007
"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 21, 2007
You are not forgotten brother !! I remember the day you gave all and I know you are always at the gate waiting to greet your brothers and sisters that did not swerve from the path of duty as you did not! Rest easy Highwayman !!
DB
Ca Hwy Patrol (Ret)
November 26, 2006
Too many reflections to list. I will always remember you as a dedicated US Marine and CHP Officer, but most importantly as my best friend. You are sorely missed by me and my family!
Any friend of Mark (Tyrone) is a friend of mine! Call! we're in the book. Carlsbad Ca.
James J. Treanor Jr. 1stSgt, USMC (ret)
Friend
June 18, 2006
Mark, I have thought about you every year and for the last three years, I ride in memory of you. We had some good times at the academy and you and your family will always be kept in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Allan
Sgt. Allan K. Iversen Jr.
Suffolk Police Department, Suffolk, VA
June 10, 2004
Brother, may God continue to bless you and your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Special Agent
FBI New York
December 11, 2003
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