Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The life of yet another hero is taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Sawyers. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

June 6, 2004

What can one possibly say at a time like this. This senseless, violent, and random assault on Officer Sawyers leaves me numb. On behalf of the men and women of the Public Safety Group, let me convey our deepest sympathies to Mark's family, the men and women of the Sterling Heights Police Department, and all those who are so tragically affected by his death. His sacrifices, as well as your own will never be forgotten.

Remember, Mark was first chosen by God, then annointed by God, and has now been called home by God. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent McLellan
Immigration & Customs Enforcement - Detroit

June 6, 2004

May God Bless You Mark Sawyers,Your Family, Friends and Fellow Officer's.
Justice will prevail upon the person responsible for this sincless crime, indeed it will. All to often Justice is not carried out fast enough, hopefully it will be swift for the individual in this matter. God may forgive them, but we, all your fellow Officer's across the nation will not.

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton Co. Texas Pct. 2

June 6, 2004

I would to express my condolences on behalf of the officers at the Michigan State University Police Department for the loss of another brother. It takes a special person to do the job we do everyday and it is not for everyone. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Sterling Heights and to the people of the State of Michigan. You will NEVER be forgotten and those responsible will be held accountable. Rest in honor and rest in peace.

Officer Michael Villerot
Michigan State University-Department of Police

June 6, 2004

Rest In Peace brother! We will take the streets from here. Rest assured your family will be well taken care of by members of your dept.

Trooper Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol

June 6, 2004

God bless all the friends and family of Officer Sawyers. My prayers are with you all, especially his wife and child. You are living my worst fear, and my heart goes out to you. I pray you find comfort in your loving memories and in knowing that he died as he lived, a true HERO. God Bless - An officer's wife.

a police officeer's wife
Loudoun Co. Sheriff's Office - Virginia

June 6, 2004

I just read the circumstances of Officer Sawyers death and words cannot express how I feel. The needless loss of this officer is without comparison. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and Brother Officers in Sterling Heights. God Bless you all.

David DiVito Retired Capt.
New Haven Fire Department

June 6, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are sent to your family, friends, and colleagues at the Sterling Heights Police Department Officer Sawyers.

I’M FREE

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

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 CLOSE OF 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 MUCH;
GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES,
A LOVED ONE’S TOUCH.
PERHAPS MY TIME SEEMED ALL TOO BRIEF;
DON’T LENGTHEN IT NOW WITH UNDUE GRIEF;
LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS AND SHARE WITH ME;
GOD WANTED ME NOW.
HE SET ME FREE.

Tonya Stephenson
Delaware County Private Citizen, PA

June 6, 2004

On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the Georgia Perimeter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Mark Sawyers' family, friends, and co-workers with the Sterling Heights Police Department.

God bless our brother in blue. Now you can walk Heaven's beat.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

June 6, 2004

Rest in peace. May the Lord comfort and heal those left behind. No one knows why things like this happen, I think no one ever will. But we go on, never knowing why one had to make this sacrifice, but sure in the knowledge that this was not in vain. The Lord is on our side and the angels weep when one of us is taken. Rest in peace my brother until the last day when we will all be reunited at the final roll call.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Bicycle Patrol Unit, Baton Rouge PD

June 6, 2004

Rest in peace brother, you did your job well. Let us do our job and seek justice for you and your family. Protect the gates for us all.

Police Officer Terry Holzhausen
Department of Homeland Security/ICE

June 6, 2004

Rest in peace Ofc. Mark Sawyers. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends of this fine officer. To the members of the Sterling Heights Police Department keep up the good work and be safe.

Cpl. Bryan Taylor
Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office Tampa, Fl.

June 6, 2004

Mark, your noble service in our profession will not be overshadowed by this cowardly act upon you. My condolences and may God bless you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Conforti
Macomb County Sheriff Department

June 6, 2004

Rest in peace our brother. You will not be forgotten.

Dep J Creaser
Pinellas County S.O., Florida

June 6, 2004

Rest in peace knowing that you did a Job Well Done.......

1942
PPD

June 6, 2004

Rest in Peace. God bless.

Provincial Constable
Ontario Provincial Police

June 6, 2004

God Bless you and be with you during this time of deep sadness. I will pray for all of you as you walk this long journey. You do know he is in Heaven, and you will see him in your baby's eyes each day.

MI-COPS and the law enforcement family will stand by your side as you face each new day.

Mary Fisher
Mother of Deputy Kevin Sherwood, EOW 10/9/03

June 6, 2004

To Officer Sawyers, his family and fellow officers,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! In a city that I call "home" I never thought this sensless act of violence would happen. You are a Hero Officer Sawyers. Please watch over your fellow Sterling Heights Officers, for they were so wonderful to me and my family as we went through this same tragety 11 months ago for my husband, Tpr Kevin Marshall. The extended law enforcement family will be there for your family! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

Angie Marshall
wife of Tpr Kevin M Marshall
e.o.w July 7, 2003
Michigan State Police

June 6, 2004

TO:The family'loved ones;friends and department members: --- A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty,I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted.Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord,I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me.I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well.AMEN.***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by trhe father of First Class Officer J.D.Koeppen ,Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen,NJ State Police.

Chief ( retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

June 6, 2004

To the family,friends and co-workers of Officer Sawyers you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that words can't ease your pain for your loss. I know what you are going thru. My niece, Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig along with her partner, Matt Bowens, were also shot and killed. There has to be something done to protect the ones who are protecting us. God has another Officer on patrol with him. May God and Mark watch over you.

Kimberly Anderson
Aunt of Detroit P.O.Jennifer Fettig E.O.W. 2-16-04

June 6, 2004

Officer Sawyers. May God hold you in His arms and craddle you and your family during this painful time. My deepest sympathy to your family and everyone who knew you. Rest in peace.

Teresa Goss
ShaDco, Jacksonville, Fl

June 6, 2004

Brothers and Sisters and family,
Today my brother died. I didn't know him, and would have passed him on the
street if we would have both been in civilian clothes. I never spoke his
name, or he mine, yet today my brother died. Each and every time I read of
the tragic death of a fellow officer I look at my family and hold them a
little bit closer. I selfishly feel thankful I'm in the safety, and sanctity of my home, with my family, yet today my brother died.
I know today is different from others because there is a clinging sense of
tragedy, and a burning deep inside that screams out why! I know how, and
where, and when, and who, committed this senseless murder of my brother. Yet how do I explain to his family, why? I have to have an explanation, because life does go on. Being a caregiver by nature and a person who has to makes sense of the senseless, I have to somehow understand. I know he was a good and just man, who everyday put his life on the line for people he also didn't know, by name or face. He kissed his wife and said goodbye before leaving for work today.
He left the warmth and safety of his home to travel the streets of his city to "Serve and Protect". He swore an oath to put his life before the lives of others. Today my brother died!
Before today I didn't personally know him. Still he is, and will always be my brother. We come from a very
large family. We are spread thinly around this world. We are of different
backgrounds, and creeds, and religions, and have some different beliefs, and thoughts, yet we share many of the same ideals. We believe in the laughter,and smile of an innocent child. We honor and respect those who deserve to be honored, and respected. We know that Justice will prevail in the end. We have and share many other beliefs, but we believe foremost in the "Thin Blue Line". Today my brother died. His memory will never be forgotten by his family and friends around the world.

To the family and freinds of Officer Sawyers, and to the men and women of the Sterling Heights Police Department, I send me deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Police Officer
Southfield Police Department

June 6, 2004

May you rest in peace now that you are in a safer place. May you watch over all of us to help guide us thru the day. May you be remembered for who you are, and the lives you touched.
God rest for you are not forgotten.

Inspector PA Gust
United States Customs Service

June 6, 2004

REST IN PEACE..... MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER SAWYERS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS.

DISPATCHER
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

June 6, 2004

Officer Mark Sawyers you have done your job well.
May God be with you and your family.
We will take it from here.

patrolman Sam Decker
Hokes Bluff PD Hokes Bluff, AL

June 6, 2004