Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Sawyers,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just Iike to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sterling Heights. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 5, 2024

Hi Mark,

20 years since you were stolen from us. 20 years since I’ve heard your voice and seen your smile. But I still remember them both. You are always remembered, loved and missed by so many.

Sending you love in heaven, my dear brother-in-law.

Tracy

Tracy Bawcum
Sister-in-law

June 4, 2024

Happy Birthday Mark we all miss you. Love Gabriella

Gabriella Sawyers
Niece

November 28, 2023

Today marks 19 years since we lost you. Our hearts may have mended but will never be fully healed. You were stolen from us, something I can never forgive. I can only pray that you are at peace. I truly hope you are able to see what a beautiful young lady your Lily has become. Yvonne has been such an amazing mom to her, and I’m so proud of both of them.

Diane Bawcum
Mother-in-law

June 5, 2023

Never forgotten bro! It's been a long time, you truly been on my mind all this week. You was such a good person. The 20 minute study sessions in your car, in the parking lot of the Detroit police academy before a exam. You definitely use your teaching skills. I so remember, after work going to your house in Warren and having a good weight lifting work out in your basement. The cool things we talked about. Always and down to earth loving guy. You rest peacefully bro. It's been almost 19 years ago so unbelievable sometimes. God bless your family and soul love you bro!

Cpl Derrick Mahone
Detroit Police Department

January 2, 2023

To the Family of Officer Sawyers,
I was living in SH at the time of Officer Sawyers EOW. In the following days I remember driving into work in Detroit looking for a specific car with a specific license plate... I felt the need to help find the person who took him from you. I even missed my exit as I was focusing on cars in the I94 morning rush hour! I didn't know him, but his loss hit home as my dad lost his partner in '86 (Buffa, EOW 2-5-86). I came the church to pay my respects and in the time of social media, Yvonne accepted my friend request on social media several years ago so I am able to follow Lily's journey into adulthood and offer support to both of them as they fight for the rights they EARNED with Officer Sawyers passing.
Please know you are all in my thoughts anytime I see a 76. Even thought that is the year I was born, I think of him first, that is the impact his loss has had on me. I'm even considering having a small 76 added to my Thin Blue Line tattoo that I had done to honor my dad's partner (and when he passes my dad who is retired DPD and my father who is retired Wayne County SD).
Sending continued prayers for strength, love, peace and comfort to his entire family, both blood and Blue.
Wholeheartedly with Love,

Elizabeth J. Vorhoff
Daughter of Ret. Detroit Police Officer
& Ret. Wayne County SD Deputy
Former resident of Sterling Heights

June 17, 2021

Mark,
For some reason you were on my mind and heart today, and now I see it is the anniversary of your passing. You are not forgotten....may God bless your family and friends and may we all remember the wonderful man you are/were. Thank you for doing the job so many won't do....your legacy lives on.

Joyce VanMeter
OPA Classmate

June 5, 2021

RIP Officer Sawyers, Thank you for your service. My condolences to your family and friends who I pray will see you again in Heaven. I am so sorry for how you died. I am so glad that it was your gun that took this scum to the gates of hell-where he will enter and forever more regret the day he stole your life from all who knew and loved you.

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, 'This is eternity,
And all I've promised you.'
Today your life on earth is past,
but here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
and since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart '

Livingston County, KY
Sister of Roger Lynch

June 5, 2021

Was just thinking about you brother. I talk about you a lot. How strong you were and how you inspired so many. We had a lot of fun in the Detroit Police Academy. You were so excited when you got hired with SHPD. I was so happy for you and loved seeing that smile on your face as you told me about that. I miss you Mark.

Michelle Therrien (Former Detroit PO)
Detroit Police Academy Classmate

February 7, 2021

I was just thinking about you as I often do. We had some fun times in the police academy. I miss you brother.

Michelle Therrien (Cassabon)
Detroit PD Class 2000-C

June 24, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

June 5, 2020

Mark,
I just wanted to share with you that you are still being remembered and honored, even by those who didn’t know you personally. Steve and I had a very emotional conversation in the Costco parking lot with a passerby. We had just gotten out of the car which of course has your memory badge on it, when approached by a young lady after she saw the badge. She asked Steve about it and he told her how we were related to you. She went on to tell us about her family’s loss, her brother-in-law, Officer Kenneth Steil, Detroit PD, EOW 9-17-16. In that moment, in that parking lot, it seemed like the world stopped as we talked about our losses. We hugged and told each other that our loved ones are never forgotten. Somehow I think we were meant to meet each other that day. Maybe we both needed to be reminded that others still remember our loved ones, and maybe we both needed a hug from someone who truly understands.

Diane Bawcum
Mother-in-Law

January 28, 2020

God bless you man, such a horrible reason to take a life. I may be joining , and saw this. This just shows me that the line of duty ain't a joke. Thats for all men and women that protect others. Poor guy. You will not be forgotten.

Joe Bain
Resident

October 17, 2019

Thinking of your family today. Rest in Peace my friend! You will never be forgotten.

Sgt (ret)
Sterling Heights PD

June 5, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Sawyers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 24, 2019

Still miss you class mate. We had some fun times in the Academy...

Rest in Peace and may God continue to give your family strength.

Lt. Andre Walker
Detroit Police Dept. Class 2000-C

September 30, 2018

Mark I did not know you personally but tonight I meet your amazing mother.

She listened to me and another officer talk while on a bus together and afterwards she told me she lost you in the line of duty. All of us from different parts of the country but not knowing we were so closely related. It is a small world my friend.

I gave her a big hug for you and I hope that brought you joy because I do not give hugs! Lol. I told your mother I would remember you and I will hold my word. I have read how you was taken from this world and it was senseless. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten and has taught us in L.E. A valuable listen today.

Rest easy 76, we will hold the line from here.

Cody Wilson
Butler County Sheriff’s Department

September 25, 2018

Dad,

This is the first time I’ve written here, except maybe onetime mom helped me when I was little. It’s been hard for me lately. I’m lucky to have so many amazing people in my life, who tell me stories about the amazing person you were, and how much I’m like you. It’s hard I don’t remember you, I feel selfish getting sad because of this, so many people lost someone but I don’t even remember losing you. I’m always told I look like you and we’re so much alike, which I’m glad helps people cope, but for me it’s hard to find who I am, and to believe people truly love me and not just who I’m like. But, that doesn’t matter, because whenever I say something like you did my moms face lights up. They say people’s faces light up when they talk about something they’re passionate about, sometimes I can just tell my mom is thinking about you, because hers always lights up. We were in target the other day and I said something along the lines of “if you hadn’t noticed already” and she did a double take. I pass the police station everyday after school, I always think of you, and how sad I am Ms. Kathy isn’t working in the building anymore. Winston is doing great, he loves the new barn. He’s already gaining muscle, and his disposition is a lot like it used to be when I first got him. I was thinking about your beta fish today. The ones I named chippy and dippy. I can’t really have chip dip anymore, I’m not eating meat, and I’ve learned that EVERYTHING has gelatin in it. It’s been 5 or so months. For some reason reading through this page has inspired me to write again. I think I’m
Going to start a new book, or maybe continue the old one. I just don’t know what about yet. I’m going to Spain next year, I love the Spanish language. Last year I tried to talk to Harold and Lisa a little bit in Spanish but I was nervous I’d say something wrong. I’m starting to drive next week, moms really nervous. I keep seeing 76 places. I think I’m psychic, but I never can communicate with energies around myself, only other people’s. I haven’t tried again lately but it’s disappointing when nothing happens. Also, I love rap, and I attribute that to you for having listened to Missy Elliot with me when I was a baby. I didn’t have much to say so I kind of just word vommited. Love you

Lily

Lily
Daughter

September 12, 2018

My dear Mark, it's been the worst 14 years without you but I know you would want us to try to be happy and I do. I think about all the fun stuff we did were you were a kid. I remember you and your buddies playing cards all night long in the motor home parked in our driveway. I remember how happy you were on your wedding day and then the day Lily was born. You just beamed with joy. We had a house full today with family, friends, and your coworkers. People shared memories of good times that had with you. That's what keeps me going. Family, friends and coworkers that still want to celebrate your life with us. Rich and Eddie painted your badge at Target. I was so blown away when I found out it was them. Well this is more than I can bear on the anniversary of your leaving us so good night and I love your so much.

Faith Sawyers
Mom

June 5, 2018

Hi Mark,
It's been awhile since I've written you here. You've been on my mind a lot since the passing of so many officers. Every time an officer is killed in the line of duty, it's devastating. When Wayne State Police Officer Colin Rose died, I cried so many tears. And now Officer Glenn Doss from the Detroit Police Department. It's just too close to home. I know that pain. I know the grief their families, friends, department and community will endure. I know that it doesn't ever go away either...you just learn to live with the loss, you learn to cope with it. We miss you so much...almost 14 years and it feels like forever. Your smile and laughter will always be with us though. I'm so thankful for all the memories, I cherish them. I know you'd be so proud of your girl, too. Lily is such a smart, talented, beautiful and driven kid. She has such a love for horses and riding, especially now that she has a horse! I love her more than I could ever say. Keep watching over us. <3

Tracy Bawcum
Sister-In-Law

January 31, 2018

Hey, Buddy.

We just recently had your memorial at the parking lot. Pretty decent turn out this year. A lot of nice things said and a lot of people who still remember. Your folks are amazingly strong people and they make me a better person just knowing them. I think about you every day. I have your picture on the wall by my workbench in the basement and I find myself talking to it as I work on things. I miss you, Brother.

D/Sgt. Joe Tharrett (Retired)
Sterling Heights Police Department

June 8, 2017

It's been 2 years since we have had to leave behind friends and open new doors. I'm very bitter about having to restart my life at 40 years old. Well, I did it along with the help of some great people. I still have connections to our place and I cherish the friendships and the memories of my service there. It's been almost 2 years at this new place. I have made new friends and have been complimented more often than I ever was. I have been asked to train, at first I didn't want the responsibility of that again. But I see that I have some knowledge and some previous life experiences that are very tragic. I have found myself thinking about you more than usual lately. There's no doubt that your sacrifice has made me the paranoid Dispatcher I am today. I appreciate the signs that I see, usually its just your badge number on something and maybe it's just coincidence but I really don't believe in those. They closed the doors on us but, your light still shines bright with me over here. Thank you for that. Until next time.

Adam Vanderleun
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority

March 15, 2017

Mark,
Thank you for your great sacrifice.

Donovan Hayoo
Former SHPD Explorer

February 6, 2017

My Dearest Son,

Happy Birthday sweetheart. We love and miss you.

Mom and Dad
parents

November 29, 2016

Happy Birthday my friend. It's been heartbreaking here on earth, having had so many Heroes join your squad in Heaven. Know your brothers and sisters in blue celebrate you, remember you and miss you dearly. Your legacy lives on Mark.....in all of us.

Kathy
SHPD/MCSO

November 29, 2016