Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I would like to exctend my deepest sympathy to Mark's family and co-workers. I met Mark three months ago at a ground fighting in-sesrvice, we sparred together alot that week. During that time I could tell that Mark took great pride in the job he done and that he was an outstanding young officer.
To his co-workers I say I know what your going through, we lost an outstanding officer just four years ago.Take time to grieve and recooperate then use this to reaffirm your commitment to the profession that we love. Mark's goal and desire was to help others, may we all use this traggic event to increase our alartness and never let anything we do become routine.
To Mark's family I cannot find the words to express my regret for your loss all I can say is may God bless each one of you and tell you that you are in are prayers.
Finally for Mark's daughter rest assured and know that your daddy is a great man and was indeed a HERO

Sgt Greg Larkin
Hawkins County Sheriff Department

December 4, 2004

By the choices and actions of his life. He created the wonderful human being and man he was. The person we all felt honored in knowing. He gave to the world and touched our lives forever. His contributions will never be forgotten and the world is a more gracious place because of his time in it.

Carmen Eldridge
Friend

December 3, 2004

To the passing of a hero...

You made the ultimate sacrifice, and it will never be forgotten.

(salute)

Sgt. Sean Berger

December 3, 2004

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO OFFICER VANCE FOR BEING THE KIND OF OFFICER,THAT EACH ONE OF US STRIVES TO BE. EVERYTIME I MET MARK WHETHER AT COURT OR AT THE JAIL HE WOULD LEAVE AN IMPRESSION OF HOW PROFESSIONAL HE WAS AT THIS JOB,AND HIS FAMILY AND DEPARTMENT HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF IN HIM.MAY GOD BLESS THIS HERO'S FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF TRAGEDY,AND KEEP THEM SAFE.

DEPUTY KEVIN GRIGSBY
SULLIVAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, TN

December 3, 2004

You, you family, and your department are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

December 3, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with your fellow officers and loved ones...Never forgotten... Rest Easy Officer Vance

Michelle K. Ford
Friend of a Brother

December 3, 2004

God Speed Officer Vance and thank you for your service...

Brian Thomas
US MARSHALS SERVICE D/AZ - PHX

December 3, 2004

in thoughts and prayers always..much love to Tina and Alecia and everyone whose life was touched and enriched by Mark.

Karla W Perryman

December 3, 2004

Now you watch from afar over your brothers and sisters ... you will help them stay safe, Officer Vance. Thank you for all you have done ... and all you continue to do. You live on for them.

My deepest condolences to all Mark's family & friends. I know you miss him. While no words can take the pain away know that with each word offered on these pages a little bit of comfort and love is being sent to you. I pray that you feel the strength being sent to you and that it in some small way can help to ease the turmoil in your souls.

Cathy
friend of a Leo brother

December 3, 2004

It is a very sad day when another Officer is taken from us. Officer Vance and his family should know that his death has not ended his service to the profession. He continues to serve and protect. The posting of officer Vance's sacrifice was read in patrol breifings accross the country so that we will remember the dangers we face. He will make some more cautious, and if one officer is saved by the thought of Officer Vance's death, then it is a life he has saved. He has touched so many and will continue on forever... God bless the family and coworkers who are still greiving. Respectfully, A/Sgt. Greg Calef - Eugene Oregon Police Department

A/Sgt. Greg Calef
Eugene Oregon Police Department

December 3, 2004

FROM ALL AT THE CARTER CO SHERIFF'S DEPT, WE EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIEND AND THE FELLOW OFFICERS OF HERO VANCE.

SGT. DEAN JONES
CARTER CO SHERIFF'S DEPT.

SGT. DEAN JONES
CARTER CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT

December 3, 2004

your service will not be forgotten Officer Vance. May you rest in peace, and may god bless your family!!

J. K. Legan
Onslow County Sheriff's Office

December 3, 2004

Mark:

I will miss you my brother! Thank you for your dedication and friendship. I wish I could be there to help your family and your brothers and sisters in blue. God speed my friend!

Matt
Proudly Serving In Iraq

Ptlm. Matt Cousins
Kingsport Police Dept.

December 3, 2004

WITH MOST DESERVED HONOR I BID YOU FAREWELL. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHOSE LIVES YOU TOUCHED. THANK YOU, DEAR FRIEND, FOR YOUR PROMISE TO SERVE & PROTECT. PLEASE WATCH OVER YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS. GIVE THEM STRENGTH, HELP THEM FIND PEACE, & ABOVE ALL ELSE PROTECT THEM. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU - YOUR KIND FACE - YOUR GENTLE VOICE - YOUR LAUGHTER - BUT MOST OF ALL THE SACRIFICE YOU MADE. THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART 438!

WIFE OF A FELLOW OFFICER
BRISTOL, TN

December 3, 2004

There are no words to describe the senselessness of this act. Why do people want to major in minors by turning a relatively minor incident into a major one by not thinking? Who knows? Rest in Peace Officer Vance.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit

December 3, 2004

My condolences to the family of Officer Mark Vance. My you rest in peace my fellow brother, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. J.Stoots
Mount Rainier Police (Md.)

December 2, 2004

Our Prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends, of Brother Mark E. Vance; and the Bristol P.D. during your time of grief.

"MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU,
MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK,
MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,
AND THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS,
AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN,
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND"...

Spec.Gerard Purcell/ K-9 Division
Penn Hills P.D. Penn Hills,PA.

December 2, 2004

Rest in peace my brother.

Deputy Sheriff Ohio

December 2, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers. We know what you are feeling right now. My husband just lost his father (a 36 year veteran of Law Enforcement) on Nov. 12, 2004. Mark Bernier is also a radio host here in Daytona Beach, and spoke of Officer Vance. We will be praying for peace for you all.

Kelli Grim, wife of Det. Bobby Grim
Daytona Beach Police Dept.

December 2, 2004

I didn't know this fallen hero, but he wore a badge and that's all I need to know. Another Brother has fallen and for that we all shed a tear. Rest peacefully, we'll watch your beat.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Officer M. Rook
Rockmart Police Department

December 2, 2004

Thank you brother for doing a job "others" couldn't understand. You won't be forgotten but you will be forgiven. Matt. 5.9

Officer Gary Phillips
Texas Department of Criminal Justice

December 2, 2004

May you Rest In Peace. May God Bless and Watch over your family, friends and your department in this time of sorrow.

Sgt.J.Baird
Union City Police Dept

December 2, 2004

When I received the phone call on Saturday night I could not believe what had just happened. I met Mark during his 8 week stay here at the academy Class #48, he was a quiet, motivated young man. He always gave 110% and he represented his department with honor. Mark, my heart goes out to you, your department and your family. You were a special man and you died doing what God had chosen for you to do. You can rest now and walk on His streets of gold. May God watch over your daughter and loved ones.
"He will rejoice over you. You will rest in His love, He will sing and be joyful about you." Zeph. 3:17
May you rest in peace Mark.

Academy Instructor, Cesar Gracia
WSCC Regional Law Enforcement Academy

December 2, 2004

It is with great sadness that I read of the death of Officer Vance. Officer Vance's family and his department will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Lieutenant
City of Peoria PD. IL

Lieutenant
City of Peoria Police, IL

December 2, 2004

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE, AND WEARING THE BADGE WITH HONOR.

WHERE A STAR QUENCHED ON HIGH,
FOR AGES WOULD ITS LIGHT,
STILL TRAVELLING DOWNWARD FROM THE SKY,
SHINE ON OUR MORTAL SIGHT.
SO WHEN A GREAT MAN DIES,
FOR YEARS BEYOND OUR KEN,
THE LIGHT HE LEAVES BEHIND HIM LIES
UPON THE PATH OF MEN.

OFFICER MARK E. VANCE 10-7, GOOD NIGHT SIR. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!

OFFICER B.L. YOST
LAKE HAVASU CITY POLICE DEPT. LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ.

December 2, 2004