Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have no "rank" and am with no "agency". However I do know friends of Dennis and through them have learned that he was a was a dedicated officer and a wonderful friend whose memory will be forever carried in their hearts.

Anonymous

Dennis was a student in the Basic Tactical Officer Academy that we run at Macomb.  Being older than most of the other officers made no difference.  Dennis was highly a motivated officer. Not one to shirk, he enthusiasticaly participated in all of the strenuous activities that are required in tactical operations.  I remember looking at him while training, and him smiling at me as he was "busting his butt" through the course.  We will always remember you, Dennis.

Semper Fi!

Angelo Lema Jr
Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center

I was the Base Chaplain at the time of Dennis' death and was sitting in my office at the base Chapel just 3 blocks from where he fell. As a former Tampa Florida Police Officer and Florida State Wildlife Officer, I had "connected" with Dennis, I think maily because of my background. We had become friends and I used to see him before the "newcomer's briefings" each month. But I also used to see him in my neighborhood in military housing when he would be patroling. We talked often! He was a neat guy and I really liked his demeanor and personality.

That day that he died I will always remember. I heard the sirens that afternoon so I drove down the street to see what was going on. The officer on the street told me it was Dennis and that he was taken to the hospital. I quickly made my way there and learned of his death. It was hard for me as a Chaplain/pastor to get past my own grief and reach out to his beautiful wife and daughter and his parents, who had experienced the death of a son twice before.

I will always remember Dennis and think of him often. Thank you Theresa for the recent letter of gratitude that somehow reached me in Alabama. I want you to know that I was already aware of your thoughts that you expressed in your letter: your eyes told me that fateful day in November 1998. I am happy that I could be there for you.

Dennis is missed by so many. May God bless all of you that knew him and miss him so very much.

Chaplain Barry M. White
U.S. Army

Dennis,

We lost touch over the last few years as our families grew. I was so proud to know what a full life you lead, only so sorry that I had to find out through the memories shared by your many friends after you left us. You would be so proud of your children, just reading what they have written about you shows what a great team you and Terry were in raising them. They are both outstanding individuals. I remember the wonderful times we had as children and will cherish those memories forever.

Love, Suzette

Suzette Katopodes

Dad,

I may never understand why you were taken from us so early in life or how to do some things without you, but I do know how much you loved mom, Ninette, and I. I know how much you loved your job and the people you worked with. I know you miss all of your family and friends and how much they miss you.

I will never get over losing you. You were and still are everything I aspire to be. I try to live my life as best as I can to be at least half the man you were. So many people have told me what you meant to them and how much you affected their lives. Hearing them say the good things they have to say about you make me so happy.

There are so many things I wish I could have still done with you. So many things left unsaid. These things haunt me at times, but then I think to my self why those things weren't said. They didn't need to be said. We both knew them all along. I know I won't get to do those things with you, but I know you will always be there with me and I hope if I do them anyways you will come be there with me during them.

I know that you are with me but I still wish I could have you here with me. Someday I will hear your voice again. For now I will hold onto your pictures and the thousands of memories I have of you. I hope I can be a reminder to everybody else of you and what you stood for.

I miss you dearly dad and I love you always.

A1C Steven Dennis Marcotte / your son
2nd Security Forces Squadron

Dennis,

You were an individual that is surely mist in my heart and will be there forever.

Your freind and buddy,

Ryan Redlawsk

Officer Ryan Redlawsk
Mount Clemens General Hospital Security

Dad...Pops...Sgt..Sir...Daddy...

Never did I ever think that this day would ever come so soon. I feel as if I were robbed. Months ago, when I spoke to all of your friends, family, and admirers, I felt so proud, even thought it was so tough. I stood there, proudly, and spoke of a man who made my life worth living. I spoke of a man who I was proud to work with, to live with, and whom I was proud to call dad. I spoke of your laughter, your hard work, and your pride. I spoke of the father, and the man, who gave everything his all and always put his family first.

The night that you, well left us, I wanted so bad just for you to walk into the room and laugh.."HAHA Fooled you"...needless to say, God didn't answer my wish. Now, all I want is for you to come home, be with us, and make us whole again. We, the unit, and the world is nothing with out you. Besides, no one is there to stand up for me now when your fellow SPs are picking on me...but hey, they know they better not mess with a Marcotte. We're tough remember. Oh god, I love you daddy. You were everything I wanted to be. It's hard to imagine you not being here, not with mom, not being able to be a grandfather...that hurts the most. I know you're still here though. I feel you.

Just one favor, kick that son of yours in the butt for me once in a while ok. You're my hero pops, the wind beneath my wings. I'm proud to be your daughter, and to have been named by you. Even though no one gets it right. Love, your daughter

A1C Ninette Marcotte AKA Mushroom
his proud daughter

Sergeant Marcotte you made a positive impact on everyone you came in contact with and you definitely made an impact on my life. You always put your troops first, you led by example and you were always there for those in need. Selfridge misses you, your Unit misses you and I miss you. We will never forget you. We also will never forget the family you left behind for they suffer the most.

God bless you and your family.

Sgt Christopher Platz
127th Security Forces

My Buddy,

You are sorely missed throughout the unit. I will always remember your smiling face riding around the base. When times got tough, the tough got going. You were always there to make sure that tasks were done right, sometimes bending but never did I see you break; a true professional. I will miss you may friend, but never forgotten.

Msgt William R. Becktold Jr.
127th Security Forces Squadron

Dennis, It's been almost a year since your departure to the safe streets. Just want you to know the department still misses you a great deal. We laugh at the good times we all had. I see your wife and your daughter often, they are doing well. I'm writing this with welled up eyes. You have never been this late relieving me!!!!! Until we see each other again. Keep an eye out. Keep your head down, and stay safe. Later STUBS!!! Sgt. Mike

Sgt. Michael A. Hackett
Dept of Defense

Sweetheart, today I pulled up the Officer Down Page on the computer and there you were, featured. How I miss that wonderful smile of yours and how I miss you, babe.

Dennis was a very proud Police Officer and loved the job he did. He always said he had a good day as it is what you make of it. I love my husband and miss him terribly. He had many friends and they miss him also. Dennis's many friends have helped me cope with these last few months. My heart is empty and no one will ever take your place, Dennis as you are my soul mate, and I know that someday we will be together again. Dennis was the best husband, a great father and a good friend.

It is very difficult to go on with my life without my husband and I am very sad. He was too young to leave this world and nothing will be the same without him. Dennis gave 100% to his job and to his family..

Sweetheart, someday we shall again be together, as my faith proclaims. All I have now, are pictures to kiss and your flag to hug. I miss having you here and your strong arms around me and my secure feeling you brought to me. How quickly your life was taken and much to our surprise. We could not have prepared for it. But I know that you would say, "I was doing my job and proud to still be able to do it." May you rest My Darling with God and the angels and hold a place for me. I LOVE YOU, DENNIS, MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD. I LOVE YOU,

YOUR LOVING WIFE, THERESA

Dear Dad,

It has been a while since I have written you a message on this site. I just needed to talk to you. The kids are doing really well (as I'm sure you already know). Jason and Daniel are really wonderful sons. I love them as though they were my own. They have become very close to me and I care for them deeply. Jaden is growing so quickly. He already knows he has me wrapped around his little finger. I want you to co me a favor Dad. Please look over Hanna. God took away our daughter very early but I know she is in good hands with you. I'm sure you probably have her cradled in your arms right now.
I wish you could be here to meet Madelyne and the kids. They would all love you very much, and I would love to have you back. I will do my best to raise them the way you and Mom raised me.
We spent Christmas at home in Michigan. Grandma and Grandpa were so happy to see the kids, and we all enjoyed seeing them. I espically enjoyed seeing Grandpa. Through him I see you. He reminds me so much of you. He says he sees you through me. I think it helps him when I'm around, because it almost feels like you're still here to him. He said I look I just like you.
We all really miss you Dad. I hold on to the fact that one day we'll be reunited. Until that day please keep an eye on everybody for me and give my daughter a kiss and tell her daddy loves her for me. I love you dad.


FOREVER YOUR SON,
Steven Dennis Marcotte

steven marcotte
USAF

Dear Dad,

I regretfully never got to the chance to meet you in person. I never got the chance to sit down and talk to you. I have though visited this site where I have read nothing but wonderful things about you. As well as talk to Steven , Ninette, Mom and other family members that have given me a wonderful glimpse as to what a wonderful Son, Husband, Father and Friend you were and are. I say "are" because I know even though you aren't here physically that you are with us all now and always in spirit. I may have not met you physically but I feel that I have met you. I have met you through the people that love you more than life itself; Mom, Ninette and Steven. Through them I have learned so much about the person you were and about the impact you have had in their lives.
I want to thank you for raising Steven the way you did. I know you would be so proud of the man and father he has become. There is no doubt in my mind that he admires and holds you so close to his heart. As does Ninette. I watch Steven with the boys and from what I know and see he is as loving to them as you were with him and Ninette.
We all wish you would have gotten the chance to get to know and spend time with the boys. I have been told you had a way with children and that you loved them so much. You would be amazed at the resemblance between Jaden and Steven. They look so much alike. Jason and Daniel look up to Steven in such an incredible way. Jason is forever saying how he wants to be just like him. But, I know for a fact that you are watching over them smiling and laughing as they are growing up and getting themselves into mischief.
I have to say that Mom has become my second Mother. She is so great. There aren't enough words to describe how much I have grown to love her. Ninette has become my other sister. She also has a special place in my heart. You and I have never met but you want to know something you also are a second Father to me. I can say that because I have nothing but the greatest respect and love for you. Just by the way everyone talks about you and the way I can see your influence on Steven, Ninette and Mom. As well as everyone that had the privilege to get to know you.
Finally, I just want to let you know that I love you. I know you will be watching over all of us. You are always in my thougts as well as in my heart.

Lovingly Your Daughter-In-Law,
Madelyne

Madelyne Marcotte

Dear Dad,

Here it is, three years later and it's so hard to believe that time has flown by. Life has changed so much since 1998. We've had our share of both highs and lows, but your spirit keeps us strong. I don't know where I would be without mom, Steven, Madalyne, the kids, Mike, Pat, Art, and the rest of the family at home and from the unit. They, along with the reflections have helped ease the pain. However, no one shall ever fill your shoes.
I also want to say thank you. Growing up, you and mom were always there for Steven and I at all of our high school things. It meant so much to me because a lot of kids didn't have the kind of love and support that you and mom gave us and still do. Because of you and mom, Steven and I are the people we are today. We couldn't have done it without the two of you and even though you are not here with us physically, you are always in our hearts on on our minds. I know you are here with us sharing in our joys, watching mom and I work on the house (we've learned a lot!), and watching the boys grow up. I'm so proud of them Dad, as I know you are too.
I am scared though because I worry I'm not doing my part. I am so busy with things at the base and with school that I am scared that I will neglect the family. I look to you for strength and guidance though, knowing you are always on my shoulder pushing me to do my best, I just don't want to fail you. You and mom are the greatest parents that anyone could ever have and I am so proud to be called your daughter for that is the greatest honor I could ever ask for.
Dad, I love you and always will. Thank you for the wonderful 22 years of life you have given me, for mom, for Steven and family, for the adopted fathers, and for everyone and everything else. Your guidance, pride, laughter, dedication to both your family and military career is with me always.

I love and miss you dearly,
Your daughter

Ninette Marcotte
127th AG