Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Marlon Francisco Morales,

The circumstances of your death are among the most horrendous involving the slaying of a law officer. It is truly the horror of everyone who enforces the law to be gunned down without even a chance to protect one's self. Yet we put on the uniform and go to work another day. Each of has dedicated ourselves to law enforcement and that alone makes us noble and part of a huge family. When one of us dies, we all feel the pain. Each of us understands that a family remains waiting and wondering the age-old question of...why? As long as lawless individuals roam the streets there will always be law officers on their heels. Unfortunately your death will not be the last. While we cannot deny our fate we can make our commitment to back one another and resolve to make it known that to harm one of us will only bring out great numbers of us to hunt you down. Each time. Every time. And always. We salute you as a hero among heros. Embrace those law officers who have gone on before you and stand tall among them knowing you have done your duty. Well done, officer, ...well done.

To you I render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

November 17, 2008

I just wanted to catch up... Wow our children are growing fast... Jeramy is 18 and a Senior this year... He is doing a co-op class that lets him have a job in the afternoons! He goes to school in the morning and then works from 1-5... This way he still gets to do all the high school activities! He really enjoys working and is doing a great job in school! Josh will be getting his license Dec 2, he's disappointed that his birthday is on a Sunday this year! He has to wait until Tuesday to get his license! He made the honor roll again! Meghan is in Second Grade and is loving school! She is an excellent student and one of the top in her class! She is having a great time in gymnastics and actually pays attention! I just signed her up for basketball... not sure how this will work since last time she did gymnastic and basketball she would do cartwheels and such at the half court when she got bored!!

I'm hoping we can finally let Johnson waste away in a federal prision... October 15th he was sentenced to 16-32 years in Philadelphia on the charges stemming from his capture... June Jeffries said it best when she said he will start serving his time in Philly when he finishes his Life sentence for Marlon's death! I just pray that he harms no one else in his lifetime.

I would like to say that I love reading the reflections from so many that knew you and even those that didn't get a chance to meet you... You truly touched many lives... Today I was going through some things in the office and I started going through the notes and cards that the department received after your death... I was surprised to see an email from John Ashley, Badge 349, Metropolitan Police Department, who died in the line of duty on May 30, 2005... I'd just like to end with his quote, "It is better to have lived one day as a lion, than a lifetime as a lamb."

Jen Morales
surviving spouse

October 29, 2008

I never had the privilege of meeting Ofc. Morales. But I feel like I know what kind of man he was by reading what those who knew and loved him thought of him. I hope your family is doing well. I cannot imagine the pain they must feel. Please know that we feel the pain and sorrow with you. We are your family, too. God Bless you all.

AZ Narc

September 3, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER MORALES for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero to us all. GOD bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 23, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 27, 2007

Marlon and I served together in Germany and in the Gulf. I arrived in DC in 2003 and heard of his death. My heart goes to his wife and children. Ready 1st!!

Deputy
US Marshals Service

September 19, 2007

Life is like a stream.

Life is like a stream
Rolling threw the hills
Sometimes the gap is narrow
Sometimes the gap is wide

Life is like a stream
Rolling threw the hills
Sometimes water is lost
Like loved ones along the way

Life is like a stream
Rolling threw the hills
It doesn't matter which way it flows
It will all be together one day.
God Bless

Family Friend

August 10, 2007

Marlon,

I never had the chance to meet you but I know you. I know you though the life that you lead and the impression you left on you family and co-workers. I had the opportunity to meet your family Police Week 06'.Meghan is beautiful...I've kinda got a soft spot for Daddy's and daughters. My little girl Claire is 3 years old. Jennifer is a rock of strength. Most of all I knew you through Officer Anthony Mendoza. Tony and I were fraternity brothers in college. He still holds a special place for you as we all do for fallen brothers-in-arms. Marlon there is so much I want to say but just don't know where to start. So I will close with God Bless and God Speed....

Patrolman Rickey Edwards
Bogalusa Police Dept. Louisiana

June 14, 2007

REMEMBERING OFFICER MORALES TODAY.
MY SON WAS ALSO IN THE GULF WAR BUT THEY BOTH CAME HOME AND GAVE THEIR LIVES HERE ON AMERICAN SOIL. THEY WERE SOLIDERS HERE PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY

June 13, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Morales on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 13, 2007

G-d Bless you and yours.

June 13, 2007

I was a classmate of Marlon's in B section during the Academy. I still think of Marlon on lots of occasions. Every time the song " One More Day " plays on the radio I stop whatever I am doing and think of his funeral. I will never know the loss it was for his family but know that he will always be in my heart. He will always be my Brother.

Kurt Dove
Academy Classmate

March 31, 2007

Hello Mr. Morales. My name is maddie. I met your wife and daughter yesterday. They are amazing people. Your daughter Meghan is beautiful. She looks a lot like you. Your wife is beautiful also.. I see a little of her in Meghan also. I wanted to let you know that you are a true hero and romodel for other younger officers. You're a great man Mr. Morales

Maddie Hannan
Dads friends husband

January 16, 2007

Warrior.

Anonymous

October 21, 2006

On this the fifth anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
May your family know that we do not forget, and we carry on in the memory of Officer Marlon Morales.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

June 13, 2006

I had the opportunity to meet Marlon's daughter today during the C.O.P.S. Kids event at the FBI National Academy. As I was handing out pins to some of the kids, she handed me a pin that she said was from her dad's department. This was a wonderful gesture on the part of such a beautiful young lady, and brought a smile to my face on what was a very emotional day. I will treasure this gift and know that Marlon must have been a wonderful person, and I take great pleasure in having this chance for a rather small interaction that I will always remember.

Lt. Dan Weisberg
Clarkstown PD

May 14, 2006

God bless sir, we will not forget you.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

April 5, 2006

Marlon, I can hardly believe the impression your life and passing has had on so many... you truly were an amazing man. Not only did you put family first you never regretted it. I will always remember your easy smile and love for your family. We all miss you deeply. This past year has been so difficult, I keep waiting for everything to feel normal again and I know that will never happen. The kids and I went to stay with your parents for Christmas again this year - I know it's the best Christmas gift I could ever give them - time with the kids... I wish the boys still had your guidance... they need an honest, trustworthy, and loyal leader in their life. Jeramy changed so much after your death and he is slowly growing back to the kid he was before, but he could really use a man that is as uncompromising and upstanding to guide him. Josh is still growing... he has your personality and could also use a man that is ready to teach him about life. Meghan... wow what an angel! She told me the other day that you gave her a Dora Bingo game and it was her favorite and that you liked to play it too! I love to tell her stoies of when you were with us and what I think you would do or say in a situation... I hope I'm getting them right!

We all still love and miss you... watch over us...

Jen

January 3, 2006

OFC Morales and family,

At the time of your death, I was not yet in law enforcement. I had just graduated High School, but your funeral was held at my parish church. I remember getting a call from our rectory staff asking if I would be willing to serve a funeral. As an altar boy for many years at that point I agreed thinking it would be a regular funeral. I remember being told to show up at least an hour early due to the problems with parking. Your funeral has caused many a milestones in my life. I have since dedicated myself to a life of service as an officer. I never have seen anything as amazing as the show of support for your family from the LEO community.

As I said there have been many a funeral I have been to as an altar boy. Your's was the first one in which I actually cried on the altar. Your family, department, friends and everyone were so moved that it still reverberates in my head. Not a day goes by that I don't pray for you and your family. At the same time I also thank you for giving me the direction in my life to serve my community the same way you served yours.

Three years after your passing, I was in our academy. We hosted COPS Kids day. It was a fun but yet such a sad day. To sit there and play and joke with these kids was fun but then to realize why they were there struck something deep inside my soul. I remember walking down one set of stairs and seeing two brothers standing there. I immediately recognized them as your children. I almost broke down and cried. I held it together because these kids were here to have a break, a happy day. But as their bus left our complex, there was not one dry eye in the line waving goodbye. Thank you kind sir for your sacrifice. Every Sunday at mass you are in my prayers. I wish your family all the best

David Ziants
Brother in Blue

OFC Ziants
FCPD

December 25, 2005

Brother Marlon....Just thinking about you. I was one of the first three offciers that arrivied to your aide.

We thought we were going to a toll booth operator shot. Little did we know it was a brother officer. I remember the strength you displayed on the platform thus giveing a discription of the suspect.

You will bee forever in my heart and mind as THE strongest man I ever known.

I went to your candle light memorial held shortly after your passing at 13th and U St's and remember seeing your family. As a father of six with a wife I love dearly, that was the hardest thing I ever saw was your absense from them.

To the Morales family and childeren I am truely sorry for your loss of a great father and husband and public servant and wish you the very best. God bless you. He will never be forgotten.

Officer Bob Hay 1380
Ex- M.P.D.C. 3D
Woodstock, Ga.

Officer Robert Hay 1380
3rd District M.P.D.C.

August 21, 2005

It has been 4 years and 3 days since you were taken away from your family. I know that you would be so proud of Jennifer and what she has accomplished. She is now the President of the Illinois Chapter of COPS and is working very hard to help other families who have loved ones lost just like you. I am so proud of her and wish that you were here with her instead but....unfortunantly we can not take back what we have lost. Meghan is getting so big and had her first dance recital and I was not there but she said into the microphone that she was also doing it for her daddy. The boys are doing very well and are growing so tall. I know Jen is doing a great job with everything. You would be so proud and know that you are not forgotten and are thought of very often.

Family Friend
Tammy

June 16, 2005

Throughout the reflections written I see a familiar theme: Professional, friendly, always ready to take radio calls, backed up his fellow officers, a dedicated family man. I know him and thousands like him. These men and women, though human and as such imperfect, are the very best we have. Rest in Peace Officer Morales and God's peace to your family.

RAIC
US Secret Service

June 13, 2005

Your family will not walk alone, and you will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, my brother.

Deputy Pattie Nagel
Cook County IL Sheriff's

April 7, 2005

I knew Ofc. Morales for a short period. The one thing I remember most is that he always had a smile on his face and said hello to anyone he met. I find it interesting that someone you meet for such a short period can remain in your memory for such a long period. You will not be forgotten.

Ofc. Tracie Black
Clearwater Police Department (former DC Metro Transit Police)

April 5, 2005

Just visiting Washington, DC last week reminded me of the time I road along with your shift while I was a Cadet with the New York City Police Department. Rest in peace brother.

P/O Maas
West Orange NJ PD

February 19, 2005