Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR MEMORY LIVES ON.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

April 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 4th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. My son was shot in California at almost the same moment you were shot in Atlanta with the three hours time difference taken into consideration, thus I have always felt you both began your new journey together.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 23, 2009

Mark,

We love and miss you. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. We will continue to honor your memory in a way that would make you proud. You are no longer with us physically and there is a hole in our hearts, but you will forever be with us in memory and in spirit, and you are never far from our thoughts.

Love,

Mom and Dad
James and Teresa Cross

James and Teresa Cross
Mother and Father

April 23, 2009

Four years since you have been gone! Have not forgot! Take Care..

Fred Watson
Atlanta Police Department

April 23, 2009

To Officer Mark Anthony Cross, his family and his fellow officers with the Atlanta Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Cross’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Cross and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

April 23, 2009

Mark
Just thinking about you today and wanted you to know. I still Love you very much and always will.
Love,
Aunt Bev

Anonymous

March 11, 2009

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a post remembering our beloved son Mark.

While our hearts still ache and not a day goes by that we don't miss Mark, we take comfort in knowing that Mark's death as tragic as it was has also brought about so much good.

As Romans 8:28 says We know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

James Cross and family
Father and family

February 4, 2009

Dear family & friends of Officer Mark Cross,

There's not a single day that goes by, that I don't think of this HERO! For, he has touched my heart & soul, from Heaven above ... I offer my condolences & prayers in song.

Although I never personally knew Officer Cross, like all of Atlanta, I was stunned to see the news report of the tragic loss of this servant to our city. As the evening news told of his tragic loss, and I saw his photo, my heart just sank...I immediately cried out to God on his behalf, with prayers for his family & friends.

And, I couldn't get his face out of my thoughts, what a beautiful smile, such a loss, and beyond my tears...like so many others, I was asking the question "why".

The next morning as I sat at my piano, I was so moved by this HERO...and, my deepest thoughts & prayers came to life in melody & song, a Tribute to Officer Cross, based on my faith & belief...titled, " The Fallen " (Lyrics below ) this song is condolences, prayers & my gift to the family, friends & city of Atlanta Police Officers.

www.TheFallenLine.com ( ALL Downloads are free )

I'm just a housewife, although I'm not a musician, I do have "My Gift of Song", a gift from God ...and when moved & inspired, certain people, places & events move me to song.

All my music is free to anyone, my personal "THANK YOU" to ALL who serve this GREAT NATIION!

As my husband & I perform on a volunteer basis all across this nation, Mark's Tribute song is one of the most requested & was played across Ground Zero on the 5th Anniversary in 2006 and, has touched thousands of lives.

A deeper note about this story, a year after the loss of Officer Cross, my husband saw one of his co-workers with a T-Shirt honoring Officer Cross. When he inquired "where" he got it, he soon found out...his co-worker is the uncle of Andrew, Officer Cross's partner that fateful day, who was also shot. The song Mark inspired now had such a deeper meaning to both my husband & I, that God used me to write this moving Tribute & all the while we never knew someone in our everyday lives was so close to this tragedy, too.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends " John 15:13

May God hold Officer Mark Cross in His loving arms, forever ... and, keep his family & friends in HIS tender care, until we meet again.

In Christ's service,

Susan D. Wiseman - " The Tribute Lady "



In Honor of
Fallen Atlanta Police Officer Mark Cross


" The Fallen " - ( RISE )


Look at that face ... behold that smile.
Beyond the tears ... the question's ... " why " ?
Another life ... has stepped aside,
To join the ranks ... of ... " The Fallen " line.

Where the Finest, Bravest, Strongest
men & women stand ...
from across this land.

Where lives are laid ... upon the line
As Duty calls ... your friend & mine.



Look at that face ... behold, this life.
And, believe ... beyond ... " The Fallen "... line.

The scripture says, in John 15: 13,
" Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends. "

Behold ... your friend.

Beneath this flag ... where Honor ... lies,
" The Fallen " stand,
Where ... Heroes ... rise!



Behold ... " My Friend ".
" No Greater Love ... has any man,
To lay his life, upon the line ...
For a friend ... such as, I. "

" No greater love has any man. "

Beneath this flag ... where Honor ... lies,
" The Fallen " stand ... as heroes rise
As we behold ... " The Fallen "... line !

I Believe, Beyond,

" The Fallen " ... RISE!


www.TheFallenLine.com
( ALL Downloads FREE )


Copyright April 2005 - Susan D. Wiseman - " The Tribute Lady "
www.TheTributeLady.com


"Christ-Centered Pieces" - Given Gifts
P. O. Box 1591
Fayetteville, Ga. 30214

Susan D. Wiseman - " The Tribute Lady "
Atlanta native

February 3, 2009

I think of you everyday and pass your locker everyday wishing you were still here with us. Your spirit and memories will always be with us. Rest easy my friend.

Ofc RJ Sperl
Atlanta PD

January 17, 2009

I worked with both Mark and Gem back when Mark was still at Savannah State, I remember Marks glowing smile and excellent character. I am heartbroken by his passing. Although I knew him only briefly he left a lasting impression on me. You are in Gods hands now Mark, rest well. You are a true hero.

Chef Nicolas Bour
Former Co-Worker

January 13, 2009

Just thinking of you Mark.Happy belated Birthday Mark. I miss you Mark.

David Griffin
Friend

David Griffin

October 31, 2008

Happy Birthday Mark
I love you and I miss you everyday!
Aunt Bev

Beverly McKinney
Aunt

October 23, 2008

Mark,

Happy Birthday.

We love and miss you.

Dad

James Cross
Father

October 23, 2008

MARK, I HAVE STILL NOT COME TO TERMS WITH WHAT HAPPENED AND EVERYTIME I DRIVE ANY KIND OF POLICE VEHICLE I LOOK TO MY RIGHT AND SEE THAT BIG SMILE OF YOURS AND KNOW THAT I HAD THE BEST WINGMAN ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE. I MISS YOU MAN AND LIFE JUST ISNT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE.

INV A T GRIFFIN
APD RED DOG PARTNER

June 22, 2008

It was 3 years yesterday. You will never be forgotten.

Officer J. G-H
Atlanta PD

April 24, 2008

Mark
It's been three years today.I MISS YOU SO MUCH. I LOVE YOU MARK! I always have and I always will love you.
Aunt Bev

Beverly McKinney
Aunt

April 23, 2008

Mark,

It has been three years...Not a day go by that I do not refect back upon 4-23-05....We still miss you bro...Know also that REDDOG has not forgot about the scarfice you made....Take Care

Sgt. F. Watson
Partner/Friend

April 22, 2008

Just thinking of you brother. Rest in peace.

Inv. J.S. Gunter
Atlanta P.D. (former REDDOG)

April 4, 2008

I remember Mark's big smile, he was a generous family man that really loved the Reddog Unit as well as being an Atlanta Police Officer. The night I heard of Mark's ultimate sacrifice, I was crushed. It was like a part of me died with Mark and I was completely helpless. I am proud to have known Mark and worked with him during the good days of Reddog. Mark is gone but will never be forgotten. May God watch over you and keep your beautiful family.

SPO Derrick G Davis
Former Co- Worker Of Mark Cross (Worked the Reddog Unit Together)

March 17, 2008

I miss you so. I LOVE YOU
Aunt Bev

Beverly McKinney
Aunt

March 2, 2008

Mark,
Your mom and dad joined our church soon after you were promoted to the Church Triumphant. They are so loved and we are blessed they are members. In my 18 years as a member, I have never seen our church wrap our arms around a family as we have the Cross's. I know you are so proud of them, as they are so proud of you. We love them so much. By the way your dad was elected Clerk of Session too.

I look forward to meeting you one day.

Isaiah 43:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;



To God be the Glory.

Mark Dodson

Mark Dodson

February 29, 2008

Mark,

We love and miss you. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. Our lives have been changed forever. We will honor your memory in a way that will make you proud. I look forward to the day when we can be together again.

Love,

Dad

James W. Cross Jr.
Father

February 7, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cross and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Cross has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Cross, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cross is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.

TPD/Special Agent
FBI New York City

October 7, 2007

To the Family of Officer Cross
Words cannot express the appreciation felt for the service that your loved one rendered to the City of Atlanta. Eventhough, he is gone, his work and dedication will never be forgotten by those of us who care. Thank you for lending us your husband, father, and friend. Officer Cross will not be forgotten. I salute him and all of the fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Peace be with you.

Deirdre Orange
Fulton County Marshal's Dept.

September 26, 2007