Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Mark Anthony Sawyers

Sterling Heights Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, June 5, 2004

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Reflections for Police Officer Mark Anthony Sawyers

Officer Saywers and Family,
It is unbelievable that Police Officers can not even finish paperwork on the street without being the focus of someones hate and cowardly actions. We will all remember the sacrafice that your family and you have made to keep all of us safe. God bless you and your family.

PO M. Hull
Detroit PD

June 5, 2004

My heart and prayers are with the wife, child, family, friends and coworkers of Officer Sawyers. May God be with you all in this terrible time of loss. May this fine officer's child know always what a true HERO their dad is now and always. Rest in peace Officer.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee D. Azure
EOW 08/06/02

June 5, 2004

My family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends & fellow co-workers of P.O. Mark Sawyers-we know the loss you've suffered is a tremedous one and want to let you know that you're in our thoughts & prayers. May God watch over all the men & women in law enforcement as they serve & protect their communities each & everyday.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig EOW 2/16/04

June 5, 2004

My prayers go out to you and your family. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rest Easy Brother

Dep. Paul Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La

June 5, 2004

MARK,
YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. KEEP ON TAKING CARE OF BUISNESS UP THERE AND ALL OF YOUR FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS WILL TAKE CARE OF BUISNESS DOWN HERE!!
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY!!

POLICE OFFICER~ DANIEL F. JONOSHIES
SPRINGPORT TWP. POLICE

June 5, 2004

I was on duty conducting a traffic stop when the initial information was broadcast, and my stomach hit my throat. What is this society coming to when a Police Officer, that is selflessly serving his community,can't even complete a report, without being assaulted. The person(s) responsible for this cowardly and souless act will not go unpunnished. Mark, you will be missed but not forgotten and rest in peace knowing that the animals responsible for this will be hunted down and brought to justice and punnished by our courts and judges. Your brothers and sisters in Michigan will not forget your sacrifice and will do everything to bring your killers to justice!!Take care brother and i will see you in heaven.

Deputy K.Mansell
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Dept. Michigan

June 5, 2004

I would like to extend my condolences to Officer Sawyers' family and friends, and to the men and women of the Sterling Heights Police Department. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Officer Sawyers, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

June 5, 2004

In loving memory of Police Officer Mark Sawyers: Oh, this is so upsetting. We've come to expect accidents, but this is unprovoked murder. We reside in such a violent
society and my heart breaks for his
family, the brotherhood of law enforcement officers and America,
in general. Thank you for your selfless service and for your ultimate sacrifice. It is a long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.
I found this poem on another's site and wanted to share it.

We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.
Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.
Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.
And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

You are in my thoughts. If only I could erase your pain...

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, Washington


June 5, 2004

It is a sad day for all of us. It is unbearable having to lower the great American flag to half mass, and to wear another band to pay our respects for another fallen HERO. What is worse is why we are doing it again. My condolences goes out to the immediate family of Sawyers, the family of the Sterling Heights Police Department, and all who are personnal affected by his tragic death. I only hope that true justice is served when the suspect is finally hunted down. There is only one thing that he deserves. Mark, my God open his arms and welcome you into heaven, and my he grant peace to your wife and child. Let us all watch over his family in these trying days and not forget Officer Mark Sawyers.

Ofc. Robert Priest
Warren Police Department

June 5, 2004

To the Family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Sawyers, I send my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Mark. To be ambushed by some coward is truly a despicable act perpetrated on one who only sought to serve the public and create a life for his young family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, nor is it in vain. Godspeed, Mark.

Officer Donna C. Wright
Purdue University Calumet Police Department-Hammond IN

June 5, 2004

To the family of Officer Sawyers and to the members of the Sterling Heights Police Department my sincere condolence.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

June 5, 2004

Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace sir. We salute you.

FF
Washington

June 5, 2004

Officer Sawyers,
You are a true hero for sacrificing yourself for others. May the Lord give your family the peace they need to get through this. I am an officer with less than one year experience and I check this website every day. Thank you again Officer Mark Sawyers, you are an inspiration to me.

Officer
St. Petersburg Police Department, FL

June 5, 2004

May God be with you. You will be missed.

Aux Marine Deputy
St. Clair County Sheriff Department

June 5, 2004

It always hurts and saddens me when a brother or sister officer goes down. My heart and prayers go out to the family and police family of Mark Sawyers. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

*Death separates us for a time; CHRIST will reunite us forever.*

Psalm 34:15,18 encourages us that, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil. . . The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

In His Grip & Love,
Emery Esse
Police Chaplain

PO Emery Esse
Retired Detroit PD

June 5, 2004

I hate seeing the names of Officers who die each day on my email. Today was even harder as I saw a fellow Michigan Officer had died. I read the story and can not believe that people would do such a thing to a fellow officer.
Officer Mark Sawyers was someone; he was a friend, a co-worker, a husband, a dad, a son, a grandson and most likely a darn good guy. This person shall be brought to justice and may he be the first person to test out the new Death Penalty for Cop killers in MICHIGAN.
To All the friends, family members and co-workers of Marks, my heart goes out to you and I will say a prayer today for you all and may Mark rest in peace. God Bless us all.
Officer Rob Trevino and the Blissfield Police Department.

Officer Robert Trevino
Blissfield Police, Blissfield, MI

June 5, 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 the 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 5, 2004

I was struck with sadness as I logged on today and found yet another hero has been killed in the line of duty. God bless you Officer Sawyers. Rest in peace brother in blue!

Explorer K. Johnson
Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Morgan County, Alabama

June 5, 2004

To the family, friends,and co-workers of Officer Sawyers, my heart is saddened each time that I open this website to see another officer taken from us. My family will be praying for your family to make it through such a sad time. We are still going through it and we know that it will continue for many days to come. I know that Mark is now with my son Clint, and alot of other wonderful officers walking God's beat.
Officer Mark Sawyers please tell Clint that I love him and miss him, as I know that your family will do the same for you.
Thank you for watching over all of us while you were on earth, and now help watch over all of us now.
We will remember you...

Mother of Officer Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-
Prattville Police Department

June 5, 2004

Our deepest condolences to the Family, friends and coworkers of Officer Sawyers.

If it was not for ODMP none of us here in NJ would have heard of this execution, we all hope the killer is quickly brought to justice.


Newark NJ PD Auto Theft Task Force

June 5, 2004

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to your family and fellow Officers.

P.O. D. McCarthy
Van Buren Twp.

June 5, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because it is honored by God.

To the family of Officer Mark Sawyers and the Sterling Heights Police Department, your extended family of Law Enforcement Officers grieves with you during this time. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around each of you and comfort you during this most difficult time.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man, your life.
While serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.
Rest easy with our other fallen Brothers and Sisters, we have the watch now.

To all my brothers and sisters, please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Please pray for this officer's family, agency, and friends as they struggle with this tragedy.
May God be with you every day, please remember, we are a part of the largest family in the world and when one hurts we all hurt.

Though our badges and uniforms may be different, our mission is the same. We will continue the fight in your honor.

Florida Deputy Sheriff

June 5, 2004

I cannot tell anyone what kind of empty feeling that I felt last night when I walked into roll call and heard this. Sometimes, like in your case, we can do everything right, yet we still cannot keep this from happening to us. You did nothing more than I've done probably a thousand times---pull into a spot & write write a report. It was with great remorse that I had to put my band on my badge AGAIN last night---it's the 4th or 5th time this year already for officers in the metro Detroit area. As a man with a young family myself, it brings a large gap in my chest when I realize that it could have just as easily have been me that these cowards gunned you down in cold blood in a clear ambush which was almost certainly just aimed at the first police officer they saw. My deepest respect and thought go to your family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time. I'll be at your funeral next week to pay my respects. Thank you for your service.

P.O.- Michigan

June 5, 2004

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service. Hell has a place for waste of space cowards like the one who shot you. "Vengence is mine saith the Lord."

Shannon
concerned citizen

June 5, 2004

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."

P.O. Andrew
Chicago PD

June 5, 2004

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