Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Atkinson,

Sir, your bravery and courage are an inspiration to me. My prayers go to you and your family. Thank you for you devotion. Thank you for your dedication, and thank you for your selfless acts. Your name and heroism shall not be forgotten. Rest in peace sir.

Private Citizen
Jeff Zimmerman

It's been close to 7 months since your death, and although I didn't know you personally, you, your wife and your baby have been in my thoughts on a daily basis. When you were killed, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with my life yet for sure. Now I know. I will go through the Phoenix Police Academy and help to carry on the work that you obviously loved so much. You are dearly missed. God Bless You

Anonymous

Dear Marc,

It has been several months since your death, but a day dosn't go by that I don't remember you. I really miss your smiling face and sense of humor. The Station isn't the same with you gone. Your old squad has a few new members and a couple of the folks who you worked with have transfered to other places. 83F will always be "Marc's squad" to me and I can't watch them go about their business with out thinking of you and how much that you are missed by all. I thank you for caring enough about this "Desk Aide" to ask me if my grouchyness was because of something that you had said earlier in the shift. Of course it wasn't, but it was awful sweet of you to ask and shows just how much of a special and caring person you had been!

You are sorely missed Marc

P. Aide Baya Sommers
Phoenix Police Dept.

On this 4th of July, 2000, I wanted to thank you again, for you are part of the reason we have our freedom.  Thank you for giving up your freedom to protect mine, as well as every other citizen's freedom in Phoenix.

You still are not forgotten and never will be.  You are my hero.

Anonymous

Although it has now been several months since this tragedy occurred, I am still terribly moved by the loss of Officer Atkinson. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Officer Atkinson, his family, and to all of the incredibly brave and good men and women who risk their lives every day in this increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world. I pray for all of you daily; please know that there are citizens out here who know what risks you take and will always respect, admire, and appreciate it all.

God Bless the Angels in Blue

Anonymous

Marc, I still can't believe you're gone. Every time Trish used to tell me stories about you, her eyes would light up. You were an inspiration for her. Now, when she speaks of you, too often I see the heartbreak in her eyes, and hear it in her voice. I want you to come back, for her, and for your beautiful wife, and son, and your wonderful family. I don't know how to say what I feel, and I don't think I ever will.

Your life made such a difference.

I will never forget you. We will never be the same.

IN MEMORY of 5930.

Phoenix Police Officer

South Mountain Precinct

Anonymous

I never dreamed it would be me

My name for all eternity

Recorded here at this hallowed place

Alas, my name, no more my face

"In the line of duty" I hear them say

My family now the price will pay

My folded flag stained with their tears

We only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chest

I sleep now in eternal rest

My sword I pass to those behind

And pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be me

And with heavy heart and bended knee

I ask for all here from the past

Dear God, let my name be the last

City of Phoenix Police Officer's Wife

I am truly sorry for the officer death, I am a duty deputy myself. I think that each day every officer has to face a fear, a fear of death and a fear of loss.

Deputy Andy T. Mai
Winston Salem Sheriff's Department, NC

To Marc's Family,

I never met Marc at work. We are a large agency as you know. I went to the funeral to show support for your family and to mourn the loss of a fellow officer. I left the funeral feeling that I got to know him a little bit. I am so very sorry for your loss. God be with you all.

Lt. D. Faulkner
Phoenix P.D.

When I heard of Officer Atkinson's death, I was extremely upset with the news. But the outpouring of support that came from the community was very moving. I personally was moved to create a memorial site to Officer Atkinson, in an effort to give the officers of the Phoenix Police Department an avenue to deal with their pain.

Brian Casteel
Private Citizen

I've known Marc Atkinson and his wife for about 8 years. When I was managing a restaurant, Marc was my assistant manager and his future wife was an employee. I am a Real Estate Agent and have had many transactions with the entire family from parents to siblings to cousins. Marc and his wife were instrumental in helping me through a tough time in my life several years ago. They are both very giving people.

Marc Atkinson was devoted to his job, his wife, and most of all his son. I held his son when he was 6 hours old and am simply heartbroken that Marc's son will never get to know him. I am very proud to call Marc my best friend.

Marc, wherever you may be, I hope you are at peace. I miss you more than you can imagine.

Bob Vittal
Family Friend

Dear, brave Marc,

I knew all those years ago that your life would be an example to others. And, indeed, that is what it turned out to be. I can't tell you what an honor it was to be a part of the celebration of your life in Peoria, even if we did have to drive through the night to be there. I would do it again in a heartbeat, my friend, as I know you would've done it for me.

Already, I miss you painfully, and know that, from all of "the gang" who used to hang out on the corner with you; Lorene, Danny, Toni, Jenn, Dee, Dylan...things will never be the same. You touched each and every one of us in a way only you could. I will always remember the get-together at your house when you returned from Desert Storm (one of the many...), and I will never forget the friendship you gave not only to me, but to us all. I could tell you anything, and most of the time I did. But I am not sure that you knew just how I felt about you, my friend.

I love you, Marc. And I always will. "Goodnight, Sir. Rest in Peace."

Love,

Connie "Little Constance"

Connie Anast, private citizen
West Valley City, Utah

What is there that I can say for this fallen warrior that has not already been? I have worked the same precinct as Marc for just under three years. In that time, never did I hear a negative word spoken from or about Marc. He was always smiling or laughing as he walked the halls of our station. Never too busy to give a hello or short conversation, Marc's reputation was nothing but positive. His presence on the street will be sorely missed. May God rest his soul in peace and bless his family and fellow squad mates. We miss you Marc.

Officer Michael Kilroy
Phoenix PD

Although Officer Atkinson was never known by thousands of Phoenix residents, the loss of this brave man has hit home as if he were a beloved friend. My heart goes out to his wife and son, and they will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Klem
Private Citizen

Marc,

Although I never met you or your family, your leaving has left me with much sadness. I hear from your fellow officers that you were a officer that loved his job and was very good at it. I will pray for you and your family especailly little Jeremy. May he grow to always be proud of the job his father did for our city. We will miss you greatly. May you become an gaurdian angel to watch over all the other officers.

Rest in Peace
An officers Wife

Phx Police Officers Wife
Phx PD

I did not know Officer Atkinson personally but whenever my squad needed assistance Marc would be there to help us if he was available. He will truly be missed by us all and never forgotten. May he rest in peace!

Sergeant Ortiz
Phoenix

Marc,

I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with you. Your professionalism and strong work ethic were an inspiration. You will be sorely missed.

Special Agent Sean Vickers
Drug Enforcement Administration

Officer Atkinson and Family,

The day you were laid to rest it rained. You now know, as we do, that it was Angels weeping.

Farewell to Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Officer. Semper Fi.

Detective Chuck Corning
Tempe Police Department

MARC,

EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A JOB TO DO, I WILL MISS YOUR PHONE CALLS ASKING ME FOR WORK! I AM EVER GRATEFUL FOR YOU TAKING ME BACK TO WHEN I FIRST HAD MY BABIES! YOU TOLD ME YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH YOUR SON. I AM HOPING THAT GOD GAVE YOU THAT TIME AS HE HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A TRULY WONDERFUL FAMILY.

THANK YOU FOR THE TIME YOU GAVE TO YOUR CAREER AND TO THE PEOPLE OF PHOENIX, YOU ARE MISSED, VERY MUCH!

YOU WIL LIVE ON, UNTIL WE MEET IN HEAVEN!

LOVE, MARY

Mary Johnson
Right Choice

I would like to share with you a message published on the home page of our site in memorial for Phoenix Police Officer Marc Atkinson. This message gives the general mood of the citizens of Phoenix. N.A.I.L.E.M. stands for Neighborhood Activists Inter-Linked Empowerment Movement. We are a state-wide group of citizens who depend on our law enforcement officers all over Arizona to help us solve the many problems we have in our neighborhoods. Losing Marc is a tragedy felt in every neighborhood in every small town and large city in Arizona. We know law enforcement is there for us, and we certainly are there for them.

"N.A.I.L.E.M. mourns the loss of another law enforcement officer.

Oh sure, we get impatient when the cop takes two hours to come take the report when our house was broken into and the VCR taken. But as usual, it takes a tragedy for us to calm down enough to put things into perspective.

Tonight, in Phoenix, another police officer was shot, and tragically murdered.

Do you ever stop and think about what they do for a living? The places they go, the alley’s they drive up the country roads they patrol in the danger of darkness at night, while we are tucked away safely in our beds? Sure, they chose their profession. Thank God! Thank God someone did, so our families and we are protected.

N.A.I.L.E.M. wishes to express our deepest gratitude to all law enforcement officers all over the state of Arizona. In our prayers tonight, we include all of you, no matter what small town or large city, no matter what county or state agency you are employed by, we pray tonight for your safety and well being. We pray that you continue to be able to do your job, and protect us.

Police Officer's Prayer:

Lord, I ask for courage. Courage, to face and conquer, my own fear.

Courage, to take me where

Others will not go.

And please Lord, through it all

Be at my side. March 26, 1999"

Richard Donley Fox
Private Citizen

God blessed us with you for such a short time. Thank you for your dedication and service to the department. As a counselor with the department, who was lucky enough to work along side you, you will be GREATLY missed. I thank God for the opportunity he gave me just days before you death to share in your newfound joy as a father. Your son will never know the hero of a father he had. Thank you for your service, your friendship, and most of all, your life.

Melissa Brickhouse - 801C
Phoenix Police Department

Marc,

As we worked different shifts and had different N-days, I did not have the opportunity to get to know you as well as others did, but in the three years that we served together I have the memory of our hellos and good-byes and the short conversations that we did engage in. You and your family will be in my prayers everyday and I can guarantee you that you will never be forgotten. Your memory will be with me every day of my life, both on and off duty. Rest In Peace, Brother

Officer Armando Carbajal
Phoenix Police Department

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend. John15:13

Sleep well Warrior, Sleep well

Trooper First Class
Georgia State Patrol

Marc and I worked out of the same precinct for about two years. We would exchange hellos between briefing and hitting the streets. Marc was always quick to smile and very friendly. On the street he was hard working and very professional. The city of Phoenix lost a great cop and he will be sorely missed.

Officer Michael Wilcox
Phoenix Police Department

Officer Atkinson,

How difficult it was to awake this morning and hear that you were gone. No matter how much we train, we can never be prepared for the death of a fellow officer. Though I never had the chance to know you, we still call the same state home. My heart weighs heavy at your loss. The citizens of Phoenix lost a wonderful officer in you. My prayers will be with you and your family each and every day I put on my uniform and hit the streets. I hope that you may shine down on all of us officers who will continue to protect and serve in your absence. Godspeed my brother, for we will always be with you, and you with us.

Officer Jody McInnis
Mesa Police Department, AZ