Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark,
We run hundreds of calls a year. But how do you prepare to run a call like we did on 02-12-04. When you realize you have lost a freind. I hope you know and your family knows how much you are missed throughout the fire department. We miss talking to you while you wash your car or you just stopping by to speak to us. You and your family will be forever in our prayers.

P.S. your name and blue ribbon is our gaurdian angel everytime we asnwer a call.

Firefighter Ashley Pierce
Fairview Fire Department

January 24, 2005

George died yesterday. His kidney failed and he no longer wanted to be on dialysis! He and Connie made that decision yesterday and his dialysis was due today. He had already given up! I only hope George was one of Christ's children and will join you in heaven. Welcome him for us and keep him close so we will soon be in his and God's company!!!! I love U so much it hurts, prepare a place for me and keepwatch for me to join you!!!!! IMU: ILU; Iwish you were here!!!!!!!!

Trisha Mark's wife

January 22, 2005

I'm sitting in class right now, and I know you would tell me to do my work, but I was just thinking about you. I'll get back to class in a second. Me and momma, and Chad are doing OK I guess. We could be doing better. I wish you were here. I miss you dad. Me and my girl are doing fine. I wish you could meet her since she's grown up. She's amazing, the most wonderful thing that I've ever seen. I love her so much, but I'm giving it time, not too fast though. You and momma taught me that. I just hope that me and her will have a lil bit of what you and momma have. Mark I would like to ask one thing from you, I need to be more of a rock in my life and in the family's life. I need to be stronger and smarter. I ask you and my true father to help me, I need it. Well, Talk to you later. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH Mark/Dad. Will talk to you soon. Love, your loving son Matthew.

Matthew Alan Tucker
Mark's youngest son

January 19, 2005

Mark Tucker,

My name is Justin. I did not know you that well but i was friends with your son matt. I just wanted to say that im trying to watch over your son and help him the best way i can. Its a hard task. After what happen we all have tryed to move on, but not a day goes on without all of use thinking about you. You held a big peace of our hearts. You have changed me in so many ways for the better that i whis i could shake your hand in real life, but it will be in my next life. I will meet you one day nd i will give you a huge and a hand shake. We love you Mark Tucker and we miss you so much. From a friend to a friend i love you and thanks for all that you have done for me. God speed my friend. Love Justin L. Reavis

Justin L. Reavis

January 16, 2005

Went to your Momma and Daddy's tonight. Your Daddy was having more problems talking than usual. His speech was so slurred I could hardly understand him. Your Momma is having a tremendous amount of pain in her left hip and both knees.
There are no options left for her, but to continue on the Fentanyl patch and pray that her pain eases. Momma went with me to church tonight, but I'm not sure she heard much of the message. I am trying to get her some mono earphones so she can use the hearing device the county gave her that won't hurt her ears.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you how much I'm thinking of you? You are all my tomorrows, you take away all my sorrows, You love me Baby that's what you do!I miss you and love you sooooooo much. One day, hopefully soon I will join you and Jesus in paradise! Reach out and touch my hand!!!!!!

Trisha, Mark's wife

January 12, 2005

I thought as the year mark grew closer that the pain would ease some. On nights like tonight I feel the pain just as intensely as the day it happened except the numbness is not ther like then. I miss you so very much. It doesn't seem like a New Year to me, just another day of wishing you were here to consult and to hold me when I don't want to be strong any more. I moved Momma into the house on New Year's Day and things are going well so far. Hopefully I have learned enough of life's lessons not to be disrespectful to her.

Trisha, Mark's wife

January 10, 2005

I was getting ready for work tonight, when I went to say good bye to my 3 yr old son. I found him asleep, with the US Marshall pin you had given me, on his "police" outfit. I woke him up and asked him was he supposed to have that pin? And as a child would think...he said, I told him that a "special" police man gave me that pin...and he "my son" was special so it was ok that he had it on!

Thanks Mark I needed that...

Lt. Chip Hawley
WCSO

January 6, 2005

So Sorry about the computer not working right. The spacer bar is giving me a fit. To continue:

Keep trying each moment to stay in
His grace
I came here before you to help
set your place

You don't have to be perfect
all of the time
He forgives you the slip
if you continue to climb

To my family and friends please
be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
in a new special way

I love you all dearly now
don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my Christmas
with Jesus this year


Mark, I hope you know that I will always love you. I miss your smile and warm laughter. I miss your hugs and kisses. I miss you so much it hurts to think about it. I know God has a lan for me, I just wish He would reveal it soon. ILU Merry Christmas from home! Trisha, Chad and Matt

Trisha Tucker

December 25, 2004

It's Christmas Eve, and you are not here to hold me and wish me a Meery Christmas. I miss you somuch it hurts, but I could never ask for you to come home to me, as you are in a far better place than I.
I found a poem and an ornament that I gave your family to night. I signed the card from Mark, Trisha, Chad, and Matt. Your Moma caught it right away and said you were with us tonight.
The poem is "merry Christmas From Heaven"
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love on cold
wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you to please
say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above the crowd

Keep trying each moment to stay in
His grace

Patricia Tucker, wife

December 24, 2004

Merry Christmas Mark, we miss you. One day we will understand all this pain. Please keep on watching the ones that continue to wear the badge and keep them safe. May we always remember the
THIN BLUE LINE

Mari Clark
Craven Co Sheriff Office New Bern NC

December 24, 2004

Mark,
I honestly don't know what to say. You know I miss you and you know I wish you were here. It's just so hard for me to be as strong as you. I know I can, but you were my rock that made me strong. That rock is gone now only dust remains. I think I'll take the dust and mix it with water and make it stone again. It will take time, but that's all we really have now. I will be the ROCK for you. I still cry, but I told you I wouldn't, not anymore about you. You won't believe it, but I found an beautiful woman that I love. You knew her mom pretty good and her dad. I hope one day I can have the love that you and mama shared. I just wish you could be there in person to see it. Well, I'm tired and I need some sleep. I will always love you Mark. You will always be my "Dad". And I'm so proud to be your son. And one day I too will walk that Thin Blue Line.

Matthew Alan Tucker
Mark's youngest son

December 9, 2004

Today the jury gave your killer life in prison without the possibility of parole. Oh so sad a day for his family, but it brings all of this to an end for me and the boys. Your daddy was surprised and hurt that the death penalty was not inflicted. Matthew was in the court room when the decision came back. With too many nurses out on leave I was not able to attend today's court proceedings. Buddy was not too pleased at the outcome, but he will have to accept what the jury decided. Dan and Matthew were alright with the outcome. One day I hope to speak with your killer at length about the young man he is and the man he wants to be. I can not describe how difficult it is living in this house without you! Some days I just want to crawl in a hole and disappear. Others I want to scream out how unfair it is that you were taken from me before I was ready, willing or able to let you go. The only consolation I have is that you are with Our Savior in a better place. Robbie was so impressive today she told your killer that she forgave him. She also asked God to have mercy on his soul. I have prayed so fervently that God will use my witness to bring him to know Christ as his Savior and be our brother in the one Blood that transforms all men. Remember that ILU, IMU, I plan to be reunited with you some day when God is ready. ILU Trisha

Trisha your loving wife

December 1, 2004

Yes the verdict is in, but the sentencing is yet to come. No one wins this time. There are losers on both sides. After the verdict was read, your brothers, sister, Tommy, Matthew, and I held each other and thanked God in prayer for justice served, for giving you to your family for 49 years and allowing me to love and honor you as your wife for 26 years. When we were through I saw Gail and David Grant silently weeping. I went over to Gail and comforted her as I know you and our Lord would want me to do. She was so kind to say she appreciated my heart for them, and how we would be the talk of NC for my display as well as that of your brothers and sister toward the family. She also told me she wasn't sure if she could shoulder the burden if he was sentenced to death. I offered to lend her my shoulder and my strengh to carry on. You are missed so much. I cannot even begin to tell you how huge the void in my life is without you. Chad and Kimmie are driving to Fla. for Thanksgiving to see her mother and be at her mother's wedding Saturday. Protect them from harm and bring them home to me safe. Mother and I are going to the beach house after I get off from work Friday. I need to do some more Christmas shopping but just don't seem to have the time or the energy. I know youe are sitting at Christ's right knee listening intently to him. Pray that my faith never waivers and the God will continue to hold me and our sons in his capable hands. Thank you for loving me and giving me these beautiful son who look and act so much like you. Thank you for many years where we were soooo happy and of like mind and spirit. One day I will return to stand by your right side where we will never be parted again. Until God is through using me, I will continue to do His will and follow the plan He has laid before me. ILU

Trisha your loving wife

November 23, 2004

The verdict is in..guilty. This is a double-edged sword, justice may be served but nobody wins. I pray God gives strength to all involved. We miss you, and we always walk and remember
THE THIN BLUE LINE

Mari Calrk

November 19, 2004

I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. How hard it is to loose a loved one. My brother too was killed by gunfire on 04/04/04. Another fallen hero the world will greatly miss. This poem was sent to Jeff's reflections by Deputy Kevin B Kelley-Carteret co. Sheriff's Office Beaufort, NC. It brings us comfort and my family and I hope it will help to ease your pain as well;
DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME FOR NOW I'M FREE,
I'M FOLLOWING THE PATH GOD LAID FOR ME.
I TOOK HIS HAND WHEN I HEARD HIM CALL, I TURNED MY BACK AND LEFT IT ALL.

I COULD NOT STAY ANOTHER DAY,
TO LAUGH, TO LOVE, TO WORK, OR PLAY.
TASKS LEFT UNDONE MUST STAY THAT WAY,
I FOUND A PEACE AT THE CLOSE OF THE DAY.

IF MY PARTING HAS LEFT A VOID,
THEN FILL IT WITH REMEMBERED JOY.
A FRIENDSHIP SHARED, A LAUGH, A KISS,
AH YES, THESE THINGS I TOO WILL MISS.

BE NOT BURDENED WITH TIMES OF SORROW,
I WISH YOU THE SUNSHINE OF TOMORROW.
MY LIFE'S BEEN FULL, I'VE SAVORED SO MUCH,
GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES, A LOVED ONE'S TOUCH.

PERHAPS MY TIME SEEMED ALL TO BRIEF,
DON'T LENGTHEN IT NOW WITH UNDUE GRIEF.
LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS AND SHARE WITH ME,
FOR GOD WANTED ME NOW, HE SET ME FREE.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" Matthew 5:9

susan hewitt
sister/sgt Jeff Hewitt/bcsd

November 10, 2004

i receiveda call from Holly. You don't know her but she is our sister in Christ!!!!!

Trisha your loving wife

November 8, 2004

Happy 50th sweetheart! You should see how it was celebrated! A cane, a rocking chair, 50 pink flamngoes in the yard....you would have been so...It would have been what you would have expected from your family and friends. I took you 5 yellow roses to you gravesite today and cried for all the time we have lost since you were taken away! You would have been so proud of our sons. They went with me to the Patterson's to celebrate your life and reflect on the wonderful man that you were. Rob remembered first meeting you in the basement office in the Brownstone. Anne remembered your quiet
reserve. Marc and Maureen your compassion. Kris told the story of you putting the heated gelpack under the beef roast that we took to their house for a luncheon after church on Sunday. Not just under the container but actually under the roast, Lucky for me I discovered what you had done before we put a knife to the roast! We all had a good laugh at your expense. I thought Mother's and Father's day were hard day to get through but today has been the worst. The trial started on Friday and looks like it will go into December before going to jury. His parents are so nice. You would like them as you did all the people you met. I know that his life is ruined by either life in prison or the death penalty, as ours has been without you. Nothing feels the same, tastes the same, or even is the same without you here. Please know I am trying to live the kind of life that will bring me home to you in Our Father's House some day. Please don't ever forget me, my time here is not through. ILU happy birthday darling, Trisha

Patricia H. Tucker wife

November 8, 2004

Dear Investigator Tucker,

You know, life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. So many times you put your life on the line to protect your fellow man, and in the end it was your fellow man who took you down.

You are in our prayers, dear one. May your wings fly you high. Now you can release the surly bonds of earth and reach out and touch the face of God.

We will carry on down here and pray for your loved ones that they can get through this terrible tragedy and get on with their lives. They will make you proud just as you have made all of us proud of you.

We love you. Please pray for us and protect us from your home above.

Thank you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 30, 2004

A DEPUTY BEGINS HIS TOUR OF DUTY TODAY
TO PROTECT AND SERVE US ALL.
BUT THREE MONTHS LATER A MUSCLED STONE
CUTTER PLACES HIS NAME UPON A WALL.

HE DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY AS ANY SOLDIER
WOULD DOING A DANGEROUS AND THANKLESS
JOD THE VERY BEST HE COULD.

NOW HIS WIFE AND SONS WILL MISS HIM IN
AS THEY SAY THEIR TABLE GRACE
BUT THEIR HEARTS ARE NOT AS HEAVY AS
HE'S IN A BETTER PLACE.

AS THE KILTED PIPER PLAYS HIS SAD, SAD
FAREWELL TO OFFICERS THAT FALL SHOW THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES THAT YOU REMEMBER THEM PLACE THEIR NAMES UPON THE WALL.

IF MY OWN LIFE ENDS IN SADNESS AS I CARRY ON THE CALL. PLACE MY NAMES WITH MANY OTHERS, PLACE MY NAME UPON THE WALL.

MASTER DEPUTY ODIS STEPHENSON
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 29, 2004

A DEPUTY BEGINS HIS TOUR OF DUTY TODAY
TO PROTECT AND SERVE US ALL.
BUT THREE MONTHS LATER A MUSLED STONE

MASTER DEPUTY ODIS STEPHENSON
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 29, 2004

A DEPUTY BEGINS HIS TOUR OF DUTY TODAY

MASTER DEPUTY ODIS STEPHENSON
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 29, 2004

THIS IS IN HONOR OF MARK TUCKER
A DEPUTY BEGINS HIS TOUR OF DUTY TODAY
TO PROTECT AND SERVE US ALL.
BUT THREE MONTHS LATER A MUSCLED STONE
CUTTER CHISLED HIS NAME UPON A WALL.

HE DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY AS ANY PATRIOT
WOULD DO. DOING A DIRTY AND THANKLESS
JOB THE VERY BEST HE COULD.

AND AS THE KILTED PIPER PLAYS HIS SAD
FAREWELL TO OFFICERS THAT FALL.

DEPUTY ODIS STEPHENSON
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 29, 2004

Mark,

Tomorrow will be 8 months since your passing. I could not write to you until now because I did not have the words to tell you how much you meant to me. We didn't get to spend a lot of time together, but our little talks have always stayed with me. I miss your grin and the way your eyes would sparkle when you were getting ready to joke with someone. I miss seeing my children cuddle with you on the sofa while watching movies. I miss the fact that you always seemed to know when something was bothering me even when I thought I had hidden it well. I miss your encouragement, your laughter, your playfulness. I simply miss you. Pat, Chad, and Matthew are all doing as well as they can. I wish I could do more for them to help ease their pain, but only God can really give them comfort in this. God Bless you, Mark, and may you stay safe and comfortable in his arms until we are all together again. I may not have said it much before...but I Love You.

Leanne Stanley
Niece of Deputy Mark Tucker

October 11, 2004

Investigator Tucker,
I shared tears with part of your family last Sunday as we lit candles in memory of you and other officers killed in N.C. and across the world. I talked briefly with two of your brothers and you really do resemble each other. They are struggling to deal with your loss as we all learn to do. I will keep all of your family in my prayers. You will not be forgotten.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

September 30, 2004

Right now the pain of loosing you is so heavy at times that I can hardly breathe. You never told me how many, many people knew you and loved you as we do.
Growing up you were my "baby;" and a very good, happy baby and little boy.
After I moved away, married and had children, we didn't see each other a lot, but our love for each other stayed strong. I looked forward to being back in Cary and having an unexpected visit with the bear that gave the best hugs and also had very blue eyes. Tom, Buddy, Dan and I treasure our times together now even more. It's just so hard to be a family and not have you to laugh or ague with us. We need some extra angels at times, but we will try to make you proud of us as we live out the rest of our lives.
I know that God gave humans "fee will" to make choices; you made a lot of God sanctioned choices, but the young man that shot you made a sinful choice, consequently, his choice has hurt you, your family of Pat, Chad and Matthew, our parents and brothers and all your loving neices and nephews and friends and friends and friends.
I had no idea that you always made sure that each of them had numbers to reach you anytime of the day. Thank you so much for all the love you gave us. We will meet again, and I'll expect a big bear hug! I love You! Robbie (an that other name you call me)

Robbie Angell
Proud Sister of Mark Reid Tucker

August 30, 2004