Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark,

We all went to your park yesterday to see the new marker that the city/department will put up in your honor. It will serve as a beautiful tribute to you and your service/sacrifice to make the world a safer place for those who live in it. There is some real fine workmanship that went into the marker it even has your picture on it and everything. I couldnt help but to feel some sadness as i wish things could be different but i an moving closer to some kind of acceptance (whatever that means) but i also had an overwhelming feeling of pride in being able to call you my cousin/friend, i try to let your courage and bravery serve as an example to me and help lead me through tough times, but it has not been easy for any of us. I think in some ways it has become more difficult as time has gone by, it seems like forever since we have done some of the things thats used to bring us such joy and good times. What i would give to just have one more softball night with you or one more round of disc golf, playstation, fantasy football, whatever!!! Some of these things are just not the same for me without you there and i am getting ready to put some of these activities behind me forever. Anyway-Godspeed to you and let me live you with this...
Please lord grant me the serenity to accept the things, i cannot change.
the courage to change the things that i can.
And the wisdom to know the difference between the two.
- D

Donald Colpaert

June 5, 2006

Dear Mark,
Last night we celebrated you, we honored you, we cried for you. We cried for ourselves and each other at what we have all lost in losing you. Today will be even harder.

I hope you caught all of Lily's bubbles she sent you yesterday, and all the ones she will send you always.

Love Always,
Diane

June 5, 2006

Mark,
Thinking of you, Yvonne and Lily today and always!
Angie

June 5, 2006

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord comfort and strengthen your loved ones.

June 5, 2006

It was so good to see everyone at Mark's Memorial. It is hard to believe that two years has passed. I think of Mark often. I find it difficult to remove his picture and the wanted poster off my refrigerator. I look at him everyday and remember what a fine young man he was. All my love to all his family.

Patt Fry (Chris Fry's Mom)
Friend

June 5, 2006

God bless you on all this day. Our heart is with all of you. Yvonne, Lily and family - you are in our thoughts always. We will never forget Mark and his heroism.

Wife of SHPD Lt.

Wife of SHPD Lt

June 4, 2006

I hope and pray the family at Sterling Heights PD is doing the very best they possibly can on this sad anniversary of such a senseless tragedy....Our hearts at DHPD go out to you..... and you for us for our recent tragedy.

Officer Patrick Thomas
Dearborn Heights Police

June 4, 2006

Mark-

Two years ago today we were joking around at roll call and I had no idea what trajedy awaited you. Just the day before we were working Charlie area together. It was such a bright and sunny day on June 4, 2004 that no one could have guessed at what was going to happen. It still hurts. We continue to keep your spirit alive and we watch your daughter grow. She is extremely smart and very loving, just the way you would have wanted her to be. Tonight we will be honoring you again at the lot, I hope we can all be strong. I miss you, little brother.

Your friend,
Joe

Joe
SHPD

June 4, 2006

dear family of officer sawyers,
tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of your tragic loss. even now, 2 years later, we never forget the sacrafice that was made that night. when i drive around the county and see the decals with the number 76 on them, i know why they are out..... to honor a remarkable young man who was taken from his family way to young. god bless you all.

karrie
macomb county citizen

June 3, 2006

Mark,
I sit in disbelief that the 2 year anniversary is upon us. I remember as though it was yesterday. I remember how upset I was the morning of June 5th because it was warm & sunny, the birds were chirping and people were going on with their daily activities as if nothing had happened to you, your family and to our police family. I was so angry. Angry that the world hadn't stopped turning, even for a little while.

And yet here we are, two years later. Living proof that life does carry on, though at the time (and sometimes still) it seemed that it couldn't or rather shouldn't.

A part us died with you that horrible day Mark. But a part of you continues to live on...if only in our hearts.

Kathy

Dispatch
SHPD

June 2, 2006

My dear Mark,

My heart is breaking. It has really been two years tomorrow that I answered the door and was greeted by two of your co-workers who gave me the worst news of my life. The last two years have been so hard. We miss you so much. I still keep saying why, why, why????? Another officer was buried today and I feel so bad for his family. I know what they are going through. I know you are probably getting to know him and you and Mike are introducing him to fresbie golf.
Lily is going so fast. I want her to stay just like she is. I told her to stop growing and she said I can't. It was so funny it makes me laugh. I would like to freeze time to a date before June 4, 2004.
You would be so proud of Lily and the job Yvonne is doing raising her. She is so much like you. It hurts watching her because we can't but think of you everytime we look at her but we are so happy to have a part of you.

Dad wants me to get off of here because it tears me up so bad and it does not like to me upset and crying so I guess I should.
I will be looking for a sign from you in the next couple of days. We will be honoring you for the person you were. You were a great person and a wonderful son. We are very proud of you. Beecher is doing another award dedicated to your honor called the Hazel Park Junior High Patriot Award in honor of Mark Sawyers. I will be there to hand out the award. Debbie Nagel will give out the one to the girl in Jessica's honor. I will be proud and honored to give the award out in your name.
I better sign off and get myself together. Thank God for sleeping pills.
I love you very much.

Love Mom

June 1, 2006

Mark,

It's Memorial Day and you were the first person I thought of today. We (my family) think of you often and miss you very much. My Son thought the world of you and we all know why! You were a great friend and a loving Husband, Father and Son. My love goes out to Yvonne, Lily, and the rest of your family! I sure wish you and Michael were coming over to Terrie & Steve's with me today to play fooseball like we use to! I sure miss you both!!! I hope you and Michael are competing at some sport today...I'm sure you are! We want to be with your family to honor you on your 2nd year anniversary, and each year thereafter. Rest in peace Mark, and know we all love and miss you very much!

Love,
Sherrie

Sherrie Mosher
Friend

May 29, 2006

I didn't know Mark, but I went to EMU and knew his sister Michelle and her husband Steve. She and my sister Marcy were roommates. I have seen Michelle on occasions for my sister since graduating from Eastern, and I will never forget watching America's Most Wanted last year after National Police Week - and seeing Michelle on the screen. My heart dropped and I called my sister to find out more about Mark.

You see, we had just lost one of our very best friends on May 6, 2005 - so our wounds were still very fresh and raw. We stumbled on the show by chance and it really hit home to know that someone that I knew from years ago had suffered a personal loss that was much like ours. No, Jerry was not "family" by blood, but we all know that your friends are the family that you choose yourself - and you love them just as if you were born of the same blood. He and my husband have been best friends since they were small children and we are godparents to each other's sons. So, he was a very special part of our life.

He was St. Paul Police Sgt. Jerry Vick - and was shot and killed in the line of duty. Our lives were turned upside down that day - in so many ways.

My husband and I were blessed to be able to go out to Washington DC for Police Week a couple of weeks ago. Jerry's name was added tot he wall this year. It was very special to us that we were able to be a part of such an honorable weekend. The ceremonies, the displays, the moments... I said to Mike as we left the wall for the last time to go home, that it was actually almost harder leaving the wall than it was seeing it for the first time, because it was like leaving a part of him behind. What a well deserved way to remember these heroes, the men and women in blue who gave their lives for all of us.

I know that you know all too well how we feel. We took an imprint of Mark's name while we were out there, because we feel the connection and share your loss. Today I send this note - and our sympathies for your loss.

We will think of you as you approach the two year anniversary of Mark's loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.

Mike and Lana (Irwin) Campbell
St. Paul, Minnesota

Lana Irwin Campbell
St. Paul Minnesota - Eastern Michigan University

May 27, 2006

Hey Mark, I know it was very hard for everyone involved to watch the news this week about the officer in Dearborn. Chris and I sat here watching in disbelief, and we immediately starting thinking of you,Yvonne,Lily and everyone. We talked about that night, and Chris remembered some High School moments. I know that we haven't been close since High School but knowing the effect you had on Michael and Nathan the last few years, you are such a great person.(I knew that then too)Life is so crazy, why the good people????? Why all the grief and suffering??? It never ends...everyday is a new struggle or obstacle for your family and friends. Nathan looks up to you and talks about you alot...I'm glad you're one of the angels he has to guide him. RIP Mark

Kari Fry

May 27, 2006

I WAS READING YOUR REFLECTIONS THIS MORNING AND NOTICED THE ONES LEFT BY YOUR MOM. I PRAY THAT SHE WILL BE STRONG ON YOUR 2 YR ANV. I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS HAD TO ENDURE. POLICE OFFICERS NEVER TRULY DIE. THEY ARE IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ALL POLICE BEFORE THEM AND ALL POLICE AFTER THEM.

Jeremy
Federal

May 27, 2006

My Dear Mark,

I am just heartbroken for the family the lost their loved one yesterday. It is like living through it all again. I know too well how the mother feels. It may be almost 2 years but it seems like yesterday. It will be two years on Monday since I last saw you and the feelings that I have cause me are so painful. I still question why or how it could happen. It is just so unfair and hurts so bad. I have to stop writing this and get my self back together because I am at work and do not want the kids to see me so upset. I love and miss you.

Love Mom

May 26, 2006

My Dear Mark,

I am just heartbroken for the family the lost their loved one yesterday. It is like living through it all again. I know too well how the mother feels. It may be almost 2 years but it seems like yesterday. It will be two years on Monday since I last saw you and the feelings that I have cause me are so painful. I still question why or how it could happen. It is just so unfair and hurts so bad. I have to stop writing this and get my self back together because I am at work and do not want the kids to see me so upset. I love and miss you.

Love Mom

May 26, 2006

Mark,
Last night when they showed on the news a dearborn heights officer was shot it just made our stomache's drop.Even though it has been two years soon , it still feels like yesterday it was you on the news. This breaks my heart.I am sure you are greeting him at the golden gates. I feel for his family and friends.God bless them.I can't believe 2yrs ago you left this world,it is still painful remembering the faces of your friends and family.Watching the hurt.You were loved by so many, and still are.You will forever be a hero.Be at peace.

Andrea Mitchell(Mosher)

May 25, 2006

Mark,

Another officer will join you in Heaven this morning. I truly believe that you will greet him with a HERO'S welcome.

Thinking of you always....

Friend
SHPD

May 25, 2006

Mark,
Every day I visit your site. When I can find the words, I write. When I can't I still just stare at your picture in disbelief. I can't help but worry how we will all handle the two year anniversary of losing you. With Lily almost three years old, she is starting to comprehend more and more, which is one of my biggest fears. How will this affect your beautiful little girl? How will she cope when she fully understands? How do we protect her from the pain? I just don't know if there are any answers, because we haven't found the answers yet for ourselves. I just pray that you still talk to her and visit her in her dreams to help her through what will be a long journey in understanding her loss. Please keep giving your signs of love and support so desperately needed to Yvonne, your family, and your friends.

Love you, miss you,
Diane
Yvonne's Mom

May 24, 2006

Mark,
I watched a tape of our Law Enforcement Memorial Service Wednesday night at work. I was very disappointed that it was scheduled the same week as D.C., but what are you gonna do? Detroit's Chief made a wonderful speech reminding everyone to support LEO's. She made a point to say that while we do still grieve for you, we should live our lives to the fullest so that your sacrifice would not be in vain.

When Lily "helped" Grandma Diane present your wreath, my eyes welled up with tears. She is such a beautiful little girl Mark. Daddy's little princess! She will always know what a kind man you are and how very much you love her.

Your picture is now hanging on the wall behind the front desk. A solemn reminder of what we lost, but also a reminder of how blessed we are to have had you in our lives.

I miss you Sawyers!

Kathy
SHPD

May 19, 2006

Mark, I just wanted to tell you my family and I think of you often. I watch as the group that was once such a happy bunch of guys has faded and broken up. Maybe you were the glue that held them together. You had that effect on people. I think of how hard it must be for your family and i can't help but still ask why? why you? I guess god needed you too.My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God bless you all.

Andrea Mitchell (Mosher)

May 15, 2006

My dear Mark,

Washington DC was so different this year. We were able to reflect more on you than about what happened. We did get two signs from you. One at the wall when a can of chew fell out of Jason's pocket and on the way home as our plane was coming into the Detroit area I looked down and the only car I could see was a police car (we were over farm land). It was so weird. It's like you were letting us know you were with us in DC and then with us as we were going home. A lot of people came up to me and gave me words of kindness and support. I even met a lady at Pentagon City who use to leave somewhere in our area and saw my shirt. She came up to me and told me she was sorry and that she remembered what had happened. She nows live in DC. Cathy, Rob, Todd and the other dispatcher from SHPD spent some time with us. Kelly was with Rob and the dispatcher was with her husband from anothe city. Rick and Jimmy were there with Jason too. Everyone was there to honor you and to support each other.

I will never stop missing or loving you.

P.S. Yvonne got Lily and shirt that says Policeman's Princess.
That she is too!!

Love Mom

May 15, 2006

I just wanted you to know that i wish i could be down In DC for the memorial this weekend. I had a great experience last year and met some really good people. I know your mom and Yvonne are there and hopefully you can provide a little comfort for them as they help honor you and remember your sacrifice. We all miss you!!!

Donald Colpaert

May 12, 2006

Dear Faith and Yvonne,

God speed while you are in DC, Mark is with you all the way, as is the love that follows for him and for you from all your family and friends. While you are there, you will be in our hearts here.

Yvonne's Mom

May 11, 2006