Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark,

Even your name has great meaning that truly reflects the person you are:

MARK
"Mighty Warrior"

The Lord is my rock
And my fortress,
and my deliverer;
My God, my strength,
in whom I will trust.
Psalm 18:2

We miss you so much, and all that we can do is to trust in God, and to look for him for strength in our effort to ease our pain. We forever hold you in our hearts.

Mom 2

Diane Bawcum
Mother-in-law

November 5, 2004

Mark,

Did you hear Lily today? She pointed at your picture and said "daddy". She even tickled you. We miss you so much.

Yvonne

November 4, 2004

Mark,

I never had the pleasure of meeting you.
Someone that I love dearly works at SHPD. I was there that night at the hospital and I was there at the funeral. The overwhelming turn out should show that this family of blue is a strong unity that will never break down. Rest in Peace Mark

October 28, 2004

WE HAVE THE WATCH

FRIENDS, FOR MANY YEARS MARK STOOD HIS WATCH.

WHY SOME OF US LAY ABOUT AT NIGHT...
MARK STOOD WATCH.

WHILE OTHERS OF US WERE ATTENDING SCHOOLS AND YES,
EVEN BEFORE SOME OF US WERE BORN...
THIS OFFICER STOOD WATCH.

AS OUR FAMILIES WATCHED THE STORM CLOUDS OF CRIME AND CIVIL UNREST BREWING ON THE HORIZONS OF OUR COMMUNITIES...
THIS OFFICER STOOD WATCH.

OFTEN HE WOULD THINK OF HOME AND SEE HIS FAMILY NEEDED HIS GUIDANCE, BUT HE KNEW HE MUST STAY BECAUSE,
HE HAD THE WATCH.

FOR MANY YEARS HE STOOD THE WATCH SO THAT WE AND OUR FELLOW CITIZENS COULD SLEEP SOUNDLY IN SAFETY KNOWING THAT...
THIS OFFICER WOULD STAND WATCH.

TODAY WE ARE HERE TO SAY...
"THIS WATCH STANDS RELIEVED..."
RELIEVED BY THOSE THAT YOU HAVE LED, GUIDED, MENTORED AND TRAINED.
"OFFICER SAWYERS, YOU STAND RELIEVED...
"WE HAVE THE WATCH!"

MARK, YOUR BROTHERS IN BLUE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE WATCH AND WE KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY.

KEVIN R.
SHPD

October 26, 2004

I didn't Know Officer Sawyers, but I am getting ready to go though the police academy and he just made me want to be a officer even more. May he rest in peace. May the lord keep his wonderful wife, and beautiful baby girl strong. Mark, you are forever in our hearts.

Ashley Edgemon, Sterling Hgts

October 25, 2004

THE POLICE OFFICERS LAST ROLL CALL ...

The OFFICER 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, officer. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other check? To my church have you always been true?"

The officer squared his shoulders and said, "No, My Lord, I guess I have not. 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 just got to steep. I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. Sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many 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 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 Officer waited quietly, for the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, Officer, you’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets, you’ve done your time in HELL !!"


Rest in peace brother, and may God continue to look over you and your family.

Resident of Warren, MI (1975-1986)
Family Still resides in Warren, MI
USMC (1986-1998)
Mass State Police (1994-present)

GOD Bless !!

Trooper Mark D. Robbins
Massachsuetts State Police

October 24, 2004

Mark,

Here's another one for you, baby.

Every night it’s the same
I hear you callin’ my name
You’re lyin’ next to me
I give into your charms
You disappear in my arms
I realize it’s just a dream, but

Desperately I long to feel your touch
But you left me all alone in love

And now I
Shake the sleep from my head
And try to crawl out of bed
Today is just another day
I make the coffee for one
I turn the radio on
Pretend that everything’s ok, but

Desperately I long to feel your touch
But you left me all alone in love

And now I
Know there’s no reason to smile
It’s gonna take me awhile
‘Cause I still love you desperately

Desperately I long to feel your touch
But you left me all alone in love

And now I
Watch the sun goin’ down
There ain’t nobody around
I feel a night in the breeze
I keep on tellin’ myself
I don’t need nobody else
And I can do as I please, but

Desperately I long to feel your touch
But you left me all alone in love

And now I
Desperately I long to feel your touch
But you left me all alone in love

And now
Every night it’s the same
I hear you callin’ my name
I still love you desperately
I still love you
I still want you
I still love you desperately

Yvonne

October 21, 2004

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

October 20, 2004

Mark,

I found this song on your George Strait CD. Every time I listen to it, I feel like you are singing it to me.

My Infinite Love

When you see a shooting star in the night
When you hear the warm wind whisper through the pines
I want you to know

It’ll be me and my infinite love for you
It’s just like I promised you under heaven above
It will live on long after we kiss goodbye
Forever by your side
My infinite love

When you think someone is callin’ out your name
When you feel that kind of feelin’ you can’t explain
Now you will know

It’ll be me and my infinite love for you
It’s just like I promised you under heaven above
It will live on long after we kiss goodbye
Forever by your side
My infinite love

I want you to know
It’ll be me and my infinite love for you
It’s just like I promised you under heaven above
It will live on long after we kiss goodbye
Forever by your side
My infinite love
My infinite love
My infinite love

Lily and I love you and miss you.

Yvonne

October 15, 2004

MARK,
TWO DAYS AGO I PAINTED YOUR BADGE AT THE POLICE STATION. WHEN I WROTE 'IN MEMORY OF..' MY EYES WELLED UP WITH TEARS.IT JUST DOESN'T SEEM LIKE IT WILL EVER GET EASIER. MY HOPE IS THAT IN THE YEARS TO COME WHEN THE OFFICERS GO TO THEIR PATROL CARS, THEY DON'T SEE THE AGONIZINGLY SAD ,EMPTY PARKING SPOT BUT INSTEAD SEE THE BADGE YOU WORE SO PROUDLY.
WE FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN YOUR FRIENDS.YOU CHANGED OUR LIVES. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT WE DON'T TALK ABOUT YOU. YOU ARE TRULY ALEC'S HERO.
WE MISS YOU!

ANNE
FRIEND

October 7, 2004

I did not know Mark personally, but I was raised to respect all men and women who serve.
Mark paid the ulitmate price.
The citizens of Sterling Heights are greatful for that sacrafice.
His family at home and his family in Blue will forever be in my prayers.
Stay Safe Out There!!!!!

Liz Unger
SH Resident

Liz Unger
City of Sterling Heights

October 6, 2004

Dear Mark,

You have been gone 4 months today. I remember like it was yesterday. Seeing you in the lobby just prior to your “citizen assist trans”...you warned me not to laugh. (I did anyways...I just couldn’t help it)

I remember the day that you brought pictures in of your babies. I say babies because you not only brought pictures of Lily, but you brought some of the dog. (You are so funny.) You were so proud. And now I know why.

Your family is amazing. They have welcomed us into their lives as we have welcomed them. And by doing so, they have provided immeasurable strength to this department. For that I am truly thankful.

Please continue to watch over the guys and keep them safe.

We miss you so much!

Kathy

Dispatcher
SHPD

October 5, 2004

Your family and friends are kept in my prayers for strength and comfort to go on. Too many times officers are taken from the families and the community without knowing how much they are appreciated and what a truely self giving sacrifices we realize that you make for us. I would like to tell the family you left behind how much your service to our community ment to all who you served. I know you are finding comfort in our Lord, may your family also receive this loving comfort and support.

Jackie
Michigan citizen

September 30, 2004

As the chaplain that was with Officer Sawyers and his family at the time of his death, I wish to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family, the Sterling Heights Police Department, and most of all to all of you men and women who give of yourselves daily to protect us from harm. May our Heavenly Father watch over all of you and protect you daily. I will never forget Officer Sawyers nor his family. May he rest in Peace.

Captain Kenneth Coppock
International Fellowship of Chaplains

September 27, 2004

Some time has passed and yet it doesn't get easier. I hope that through our losses we can be stronger and smarter as patrolman. God speed warrior.

Patrolman

September 27, 2004

On behalf of my husband, Dennis, and myself, it is still so hard to realize that Mark is no longer with us. Every Wednesday, I watch my husband and all of his and Mark's friends play softball (with the team that Mark used to play on), and it simply isn't the same. The team name, now called the 76ers, was named that in Mark's honor. I have known Mark since junior high, and it is still so hard to believe that he is no longer here. Our prayers and thoughts will always remain with Yvonne and Lily, as well as Mark's entire family. Mark, may you always be remembered by those who cared about you most-you will always be missed dearly.

Jennifer Brozowski

September 23, 2004

Dear Mark,

Lily turned 15 months old yesterday. She has grown so much these past few months. And to me she looks more and more like you every day. Do you hear all the words she has learned? She is just so smart. Most recently she learned "No!" One of the words she still knows is Da-Da. We will all make sure she knows that word forever. And as she grows up she will also learn all the wonderful things about her daddy from everyone that loves and misses you so much.

Keep your loving watch over all that love and pray for you.

Miss you,
'Mom' #2

Diane Bawcum
Mother-in-Law

September 18, 2004

Mark,
Whenever I wear my shirt that bears your EOW date and Badge, people ask me if I knew you. I tell them "Yes !". I tell them that I was one of the luckiest people on earth because I know you. I will always feel that way. Thank you for touching my life.
I miss you.
Brother in Blue...........

Fellow Officer

September 16, 2004

A million times we'll need you.
A million times we'll cry.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
and in death we'll love you still.
Our hearts will hold a place for you,
that nothing else can fill.
It breaks our hearts to lose you,
but you haven't gone alone.
Parts of us went with you,
the day you were called home.

You'll never be forgotten...not even for a moment.

(Sent with love on behalf of your family at SHPD)

Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

September 7, 2004

Mark,
Even though we have never met, I think of you often. I think about your wife and little girl and pray they are safe and secure under your watchful eye.

My husband was very active in helping bring your murderer to justice. I must admit, I wanted the coward to be caught, but I was also so scared every time my husband left the house. I prayed so hard and cried when on one particular day he was gone for hours. It seemed like it was days.

The day "he" died, I had a sense of calmness come over me. It only lasted a short time before I realized that it didn't change what had happened. Your little girl still had to grow up without a daddy. That's the most horrible tragedy of this whole thing. I also have a daughter and I know how much she loves her daddy.

Being the wife of a law enforcement officer is very humbling. I am very proud of my husband and the job he does. I am also very scared. I worry a lot more since June 5th. Mark,please keep an eye on your brothers and sisters in blue. Know that you are not forgotten and forever a hero in my heart.

Michigan

September 6, 2004

I, too, am drawn to Mark Sawyer's reflections page every time I visit ODMP's site. It is a tragedy that should never have happened. The same holds true for all the other men and women who were killed in the line of duty. The only thing we can do is pray for world peace. Pray for peace within our nation. Pray that the lunatics will not take the lives of any more officers. Pray that God will watch over the families of those that have lost loved ones. It's all in His hands, and we have to keep the faith that one day, these families will be reunited. To all of the law enforcement officers, you are appreciated. Be careful on your beats. And thank you for your many sacrifices. God bless!

Up North MI

September 3, 2004

Everyday I come to this site, I am drawn to check the reflections left for Officer Sawyers. I was in the academy, preparing to graduate when this tragic event took place. I read all of the moving words left on Officer Sawyer's behalf and can only hope that throughout my career and my life, I can touch half the people he did. I pray daily for the well-being and safety of Officer Sawyer's family and friends. God Bless.

Deputy K.J. Kooser
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2004

Mark, I miss you very much, and I think of you often. I can't believe all this happened. You will always be in my heart! My deepest regards to all.

With Love

Aunt Pam

Aunt Pam
family

August 30, 2004

Drove behind a Sterling Heights squad car today...

Affixed in the rear window was SHPD 76

Again the tears flowed...

August 30, 2004

Dear Mark,

While we will always grieve so deeply for you, somehow we are able to realize that there are many good and caring people in this world. I know you are watching from heaven all the love and support bestowed upon Yvonne and Lily by so many wonderful people. Even though we will never completely heal, these acts of kindness help us to mend our broken hearts.

You worked for a great city, Mark. The city of Sterling Hts, the Police Dept., Fire Dept., residents and businesses have shown how much they honor and respect you by opening their arms and their hearts to Yvonne and Lily.

After your funeral, I was commenting to Laurie of the Thin Blue Line of MI, how overwhelmed we were by the amount of support and respect you received from the people of Sterling Heights. She replied by saying "Sterling Heights is one city that really loves their police officers." She couln't have been more right.

We are also very touched by the many surrounding cities and states, their residents, businesses, and heros behind the badge who also extended their sympathies and support to Yvonne and Lily.

Mark,I truly believe you will not be forgotten, as many have said. It warms my heart to read so many reflections in your honor, along with the promises to take care of Yvonne and Lily for you.

We all love and miss you so much.
If only it were a dream...

Diane Bawcum
Mother-in-law

August 20, 2004