Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am so sad to hear of the loss of another hero. I too have lost my husband in the line of duty after just 5 months of marriage.
Mark is an angel in heaven right now and you have to believe he is in a much better place. He continues to watch and protect all of you. He made the ultimate sacrifice and God will take extremely good care of this fine man. I will keep Mark's family and friends in my thoughts and in my heart.

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving spouse of NJ State Trooper Bertram Zimmerman 02-05-2004

February 21, 2004

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Investigator Mark Tucker. God Bless you.

Phil & Joan Allen, Retired
Michigan State Police

February 20, 2004

This has been a very trying week for law enforcement across the country as we have lost two of our own here in Detroit. It is so sad, and hard to believe that there can be such a disregard for life in our day in age. I am praying for your family, and your department, and you must know that these officers will never, ever be forgotten. God Bless.

William Ratliff (ret.)
Detroit, Mi Police Department

February 20, 2004

MARK TUCKER WAS A GREAT PERSON. WHEN I CAME TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE THAT I TALKED WITH. I WAS WORKING 911 COMMUNICATIONS AT THAT TIME. SOMETIMES HE WOULD CALL ON NIGHT SHIFT AND JUST TALK TO MAKE THE TIME PAST. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS GONE. IT WILL TAKE ME SOMETIME TO GET OVER THIS. I WILL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT HIM BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT HE WAS A GREAT PERSON TO TALK TO. EVEN WHEN HE WAS WITH THE U. S. MARSHALL'S I WOULD SEE HIM AND I WOULD ALWAYS GET THE TEDDY BEAR HUGG, I WILL MISS THAT. MARK YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY. LAVERNE

ADM. ASSIST,II LAVERNE I. FULLER
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFFICE

February 20, 2004

Mark:

Once again Evil has crossed The Thin Blue Line. Even though the Evil has been contained this will not bring you back to us.
Thank You Mark for your many years of Dedicated Service both as a Deputy Sheriff and as a U.S. Marshall. All the citizens you served benefited greatly whether they knew you or not.
The true key to being successful in life no matter what your occupation is just be a Man. Mark you stood tall, looked people straight in the eye, and always had a smile and firm handshake. Not only were you a man but you were a Good Man.
Only but for the Grace of God Go I.
God Bless you and your entire Family.

Investigator K. Lada
Wake County Sheriff's Office

February 20, 2004

Brother, may God bless you and your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

February 19, 2004

I never knew you,
But we are brothers,
I never met you,
But we are brothers,
Our paths never crossed,
But we are brothers,
I have never patrolled in your town,
But I know we have been on duty together,
I just in Sampson County,
And we are brothers.
And as a brother,
I feel the pain,
I feel the hurt,
And I feel the sadness that only a brother can undergo.
The sacrifices that each of us make everyday is nothing compared to the one you and your fellow officer have accepted.
One that everyone one of us is aware could happen
Any day, any moment, any second.
You have made me proud,
You have made my job easier because
I am more aware.
I am more cautious
And I will never forget you.

May God hold you in his hand and have you rest in peace.


"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

D.V. DEPUTY
SAMPSON CO SHERIFFS OFFICE

February 19, 2004

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke

Thanks for doing your part Tucker, you will be missed.

Special Agent DHS-ICE, Ex-RPD

February 19, 2004

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

February 18, 2004

Mark,
I first met you before I started BLET. You gave me incouragement to get through it. When I graduated my plans were to go to a small department to learn the ropes. You had other plans. You and another Deputy I know talked me into applying with WCSO. Only about year after I was hired you left to be the Marshal. You told me that you may be leaving the department but you would always be there for me if I needed you and you were.
I was at drivers training when I got the call. I couldn't believe it. Although it's been seven days I still fill empty inside. A part of me is gone. I will look in on your family from time to time. Because I know you would do the same.
I will always be greatful for having known you. You taught me so many things. You may be gone but WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

Deputy K. Harper
Wake Co. Sheriffs Office

February 18, 2004

I know that words can never take away the pain that you and your sons are feeling at this time, however, my sincere condolences are with you at this hard time. As a Survivor of the Shield I know the feelings that you are experiencing. Your strength and faith are so strong that you will overcome.

Anonymous

February 18, 2004

Mark,

What can I say about the loss of a brother, who was a brother by choice? Through the good times, bad times, and in-between times, you were always there to lend a hand, and help any way you could. You have touched so many lives over the past forty-nine years, and you will be severely missed. I am proud to have had the chance to work with you and be your friend. I still remember all the hours we hung out after work. You have no clue how much that meant to me then and especially now. You and your family always welcomed me into your home no matter what time of day or night. I know how much you loved all of your family, and I know how fortunate they were to have someone like you there who cared so much.

You believed in your work, and it was more than just a job. You always enforced the laws; yet, you took a common sense approach in handling situations. You always seemed to be the eye in the middle of the hurricane. I am glad you were able to pass so much of your knowledge and wisdom on to others.

It is so hard to believe that I saw you twice on Tuesday before your watch ended on Thursday. Even though our assignments within our department changed through the years, we always stayed in touch. I can still see you standing in my office doorway saying, “What’s up?” with that smile on your face. I don’t think you ever met a stranger, and you would lighten up any room you entered. You have been an inspiration to me, your friends, family, and co-workers. You have been the ultimate road warrior who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Patricia, Chad, Matt, and your entire family. Even though your watch ended with us on February 12, 2004, I feel safe knowing you will be on the Eternal Watch looking after us.

Rest in peace my brother until we meet again.

Lt. David Woodruff
Wake County Sheriff's Office

February 17, 2004

Rest in Peace! You will not be forgotten. Not only does your family and friends grieve, your brothers and sisters in blue grieve for you as well. Keep a watch over the rest of us. You have done your time in hell.

Ofc. K. Moses
MTSU.PD, TN

February 17, 2004

It is a sad momment when I hear of a fellow officer has given his/her life in the effort to keep the community and others safe. We will continue your fight with you now watching us from above and rest to sure that we will never forget what you have given for us. To your family I give my deepest condolences, Rest in peace and take your place walking heaven's beat.

Patrol Officer II T. Vincent
asheboro pd NC

February 17, 2004

Mark,
I will never forget Thursday February 12, 2004. In my twelve years with the Sheriff's Office, I thought I had done about everything and nothing could shock me. Last Thursday I was proven wrong! Sgt. Wright, Inv. Winstead and I were with your family Thursday afternoon. What a wonderful family!

I remember the night Sgt Martin and I chased a pickup out of Raleigh. We got him stopped on Holly Springs Road just down from your house. You were the Marshal then and you were right out there to lend a hand. I remember all the Raleigh Officers were impressed that the Marshal was there.

It has been a privilege to know and work with you. You will be greatly missed by all!!

Investigator D.S. Booth
Wake County Sheriff's Office

February 17, 2004

may you rest for now. another day will come and you can fight for GOD and country again. Be at Peace Brother you will be missed.

Morrisville P.D.

February 17, 2004

I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. Another of the best people on earth has fallen to an evil murderer. I hope the community will show its outrage, as well as appreciation for this officer's sacrifice. My deepest sympathies and prayers to the family, friends and brother/sister officers of Investigator Mark TUCKER. Rest in Peace brother.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

February 17, 2004

Our hearts go out to all of you, family, friends, and LEO brothers and sisters of Investigator Tucker. We have recently lost a dear friend and brother at our agency and it breaks my heart to see today several more souls added to the memorial. Stand tight in support of each other...God bless you all....

Master Deputy
Marion County Sheriff's Office, FL

February 17, 2004

What do cops think? ...only Bosco knows.

Mark, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!

John 3:16

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond, Va Police

February 17, 2004

My prayers go out to the friends and family of Det. Tucker. What a cruel and senseless act that he, his family and his brothers in blue became victims of. I admire Mrs. Tucker for consoling the family of the man responsible for this act. How strong can one person be? God Bless

Det. J.P. Guseman
Johnston Co. Sheriff's Office N.C.

February 17, 2004

Such a shame that a dedicated professional be taken from the lines of a profession that is too small to begin with.

May God give His mighty blessings to all of those that you have left behind.

Captain Joe L. Gilliland (retired)
Danville Kentucky Police Department

February 17, 2004

Though I did not know officer Tucker Personally, we shared a brotherhood of a profession together in the same geographical location. Anytime an officer is taken from us, it hurts us all. I wish his family well and pray for their comfort. Rest in peace brother.

officer Robert J Pike
Raleigh Police Department

February 17, 2004

Your years of service are courageous. Rest in peace.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow Officers of Investigator Tucker.

TELECOMMUNICATOR I C CLARK
ORANGE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

February 17, 2004

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

February 17, 2004

To the family of Investigator Tucker, I am truly sorry for your loss. Though I never met Mark, his tragic death is truly heart felt. I know your heads are low and hearts are heavy with grief, but please know that God just needed another Angel to patrol his streets of gold. May God smile upon you and bless you always.

Deputy A.J. Pollard
New Hanover Co. Sheriff's Office

February 16, 2004