Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark,

Where do I start dear friend? I sincerely apologized that it has taken me this long to leave my reflection. However, It seems just like yesterday that we were chasing PERPS together, cracking jokes on one another, and asking radio to start a 4 or 82 to our location. Since our first day on Red Dog together, we’ve had each other’s back. You were like a little brother to me, and accepting your untimely departure is something that I have yet to come to terms with. There are very few days that the thought of our friendship doesn’t cross my mind. Man “I miss YOU!” Remember how I cracked on you when you told me that you like that girly song by David Legend. Now it’s my favorite! Who would ever believe it? By the way, your Falcons did beat my Saints in that Monday night game we were was supposed to attend. Yes, I’m keeping my promise to you, I keep in touch with Gem and the kids, they miss you dearly and they are doing fine.


To The Cross Family, your son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend; the Mark that we all loved and cherished will forever be missed, but never FORGOTTEN. May God continue to guide and bless your family; and watch over Mark’s wife and two beautiful children. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Special Agent Terrance Q. Porter
DEA Miami

April 23, 2006

Andy is like my son. Our family is very close which in turn made Mark and Kanthnaree a part of my family as well. When I got the call the night of the tragedy it was the worst night of my life. I had no idea the state of either Mark, or his partners but when I arrived at Grady it was obvious what was happening. I cried all the way to Grady and was in shock most of the drive. After walking into the emergency room I knew it was bad.I saw my nephew crying and that is the first time I had ever seen him cry. I knew his tears were not because of the huge scare on his face from his own wound. I grew to love Mark through Andy and Gina even though I had only met him once briefly. He was an honor to the people of Atlanta and will be sorely missed. May God's blessings be with Mark's family for eternity. God Bless you Mark.

David Steerman
Uncle of Mark's partner Officer Andrew Griffin

April 23, 2006

At the beginning of every shift, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, April 23, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Mark Anthony Cross who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Cross' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

April 23, 2006

Officer Mark Cross, May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap His arms especially tightly around your family, friends and fellow officers today so that thet may feel His comfort today and in the future.

April 23, 2006

It will be one year that your tour of duty ended and I know it was a long and rough road for those that love you. Keep watch over them, wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm and make your presense known in their hearts. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

April 15, 2006

Mark,
I cannot express in words how much you mean to my family. Every moment of every day is spent thinking of you. You have had such an impact on our lives. We are looking after Gem and the kids the best we can and offering our support. You will be a part of our lives every day. You know Andy misses you so much.
With love always!

G. Griffin (wife of officer A.Griffin)

January 26, 2006

My condolences to the family and friends of this officer. I am quite sure he is with the Lord at this time.

Officer David P.Wakeley
Phoenixville Borough Police Dept.

December 8, 2005

To Brother Cross' family and his brothers and sisters in Blue...
I did the same job in Philadelphia before leaving for the State. We lost a young officer, Al Palmer, in a similar situation. As I read your refelctions, I was overwhelmed by that same familiar pain.It laid so deep in my heart and brought back all those friends whose loss I experienced up close and personal. I pray for God's strength and mercy for you as you continue doing a dangerous job that no one else wants to do. It is easy to think that the job is thankless because thank you is often not said... but don't allow yourself the thought! Know that somewhere...everywhere someone says a prayer and whispers "thank you". They may be reading a story about how you died protecting them or maybe even a witness to your heroism. It may be a brother officer who is glad for your membership so they don't have to go it alone, The good who struggle everyday to survive in the most evil of the neigborhoods we patrol. They may not say it out loud but they feel it deep in their hearts, like the pain we feel when we lose a "Blue".
To your beautiful wife and child left to go on with out their loving husband and father, Remember, God's love surrounds you and will keep you safe. He will listen to your cries and bring you back to smiles.
Much Love, Much Joy and above all...Peace
Rybs

Rick Booker, Agent(Retired)
State Parole

November 25, 2005

Brother,
I was shot three times and criticaly wounded in the line of duty on April 23, 2005. Everyday I ask God why I wasn't the one he choose to serve Him in Heaven. It's really hard to know that someone else made the ultimate sacrafice on the same day and at about the same time that I was shot, but this I promise to You...Upon my return to work I will uphold all that is sacred to ALL the Brothers and Sisters on the job and I will never let anyone forget that YOU made the ultimate sacrifce for all of us. Please look down upon us and aide St. Michael in keeping us safe. May God Bless your Family and Friends and may You rest in peace Brother!!!

-May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

RIP Officer Mark Cross....I will NEVER forget the scarifice You made!

Ptlm Matthew Livingstone
Forest Hills P.D.(PA)

November 23, 2005

Mark, I met you in passing and I could tell that you were a good hearted person as well as a dedicated police officer. You loved your job and you gave the ultimate sacrifice for what you loved. You are greatly missed and will continue to be missed by all law enforcement nationwide. We love you and also send love and prayers to your family.

P/O K. Williams
Atlanta Police Department

November 4, 2005

I haven't spoken to anyone in the family in years, but I I know they are all good hearted and caring....When I heard the news I was devastated due to the fact Mark was such a caring and givng man....This is a loss for the entire world, he had so much more to give...My heart is with the Cross family, I am truly heartbroken...May GOD bless your entire family...

Tony Anderson


Tony Anderson

Tony Anderson

October 31, 2005

Mark,

You have done your tour of duty. There is not a single tear that can wipe away the hurt we all feel here in Atlanta. I happen to know a few of the Red Dog officers and they all miss you dearly. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and you will never be forgotten. I will see you in heaven brother.

Atlanta Resident

October 25, 2005

A true hero indeed, you will be missed by most, but forgotten by none. Your service was complete and true.

Mervin L Raggs III Ex-Law Enforcement
Lake Wales P.D., Lake Wales, FL

October 13, 2005

Officer Cross, everyday I remember the song played at your funeral, your beautiful children, the look on the Chiefs face as he pinned your badge on your son's chest. It truly saddens me knowing that such a tragedy could happen to such a wonderful man, an officer of the law, a person risking his life every day and losing his life solely for the purpose of helping others. I know how hard you fought to even have the privilege to become an officer in a department that is the caliber of APD and I know you loved your work. Brother you will always be in my mind and in my heart. Everyday when I pin my badge on my chest I think of you and pray for every officer especially officers in Atlanta. May you rest in peace. My prayers for your family.

Officer M.Peralta
Jonesboro Police Department

September 5, 2005

You are a true Hero and your loss will never be forgotten. Rest easy now, your father, friends, and FBI family are still on watch.

Mrs. Cross and family: May God bless you and comfort you and your children. Please know that you are, and always will be, part of the FBI family.

Michael Harris, Special Agent
FBI, San Francisco

August 1, 2005

AS I SIT HERE AND READ 11 PAGES OF REFLECTIONS AT 2-30 AM. PLS KNOW THAT TEARS OF SORROW HAVE COME ACCROSS THIS KEYBOARD MANY TIMES TONIGHT. AND TO HAVE TO RELIVE THE THOUGHTS OVER AGAIN AND THE PAIN OF HAVING TO LOOK AT MY 5 YR OLD ANGEL TO TELL HER THAT HER FATHER IS NO LONGER HERE..WHAT A TRAGEDY.
HOW SORRY I AM TO KNOW SOMEONE HAS THE SAME PAIN TO DEAL WITH. TO YOU AND YR FAMILY - IM SO SORRY. WE ALL HAVE BROTHERS OF BLUE THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

RIP- MARK CROSS
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING US DOWN HERE.
GO AND BE WITH ALL OF OUR OTHER FALLEN
OFFICERS AND CONTINUE AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN

SURVIVING SPOUCE AND CHILD

July 27, 2005

I wanted to extend my sympathy to the family, friends, and members of the Atlanta Police Department for the greivous loss you suffered when Officer Cross was brutally murdered. From his picture, I can tell he was a person of light and honor. I hope that the other officer who was also shot has recovered, although I am sure the memory of that horrible night will stay with the two friends of Officer Cross that were with him when he was shot. There is such agony for fellow officers in these situations where a death has occurred in the line of duty because often it is the fallen officer's best friends who are with him/her or who respond immediately to his/her aid. That was the circumstances of my son's murder ...my son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. was shot twice at approximately the same time as his brother-in-blue Mark Cross met his own fate three thousand miles away. I am forever grateful that when I lost my son he was with his friends...he was never alone from the time he went down and that is such a comfort. There is no distance the heart cannot bridge and my heart goes out to all of you. I am sure all of Mark's family has been embraced by the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement...there is nothing more supportive than these brave souls when one of their own falls. I pray that everyone who pins on that badge at the beginning of their day has a safe shift. We honor all of you. God bless Mark Cross who gave all, and give comfort to his family and friends as they try to bear the unbearable. Pray for us all.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Dept.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

June 28, 2005

I NEVER MET MARK BEFORE, BUT AT THE TIME OFF HIS DEATH MY CLASS WAS GOING THROUGH S.W.A.T. WEEK. AND YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE REALITY OF THE JOB WOULD SET IN AND MAKE A PERSON TO QUIT. BECAUSE YOU MAY START TO THINK THAT ALL THE PAIN AND STRESS OF S.W.A.T. WEEK ISNT WORTH IT. BUT AFTER WHAT HAPPEN IT MADE ME MORE DETERMINED. MY PRAYS GOES OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND THE REST OF HIS THE ATLANT POLICE DEPARTMENT.

OFFICER
ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 26, 2005

I take this time to send a reflection to the career of Off.Cross. I had met him early in his career as a beat officer. He was extremely energetic and always had a smile and a positive attitude. At the time I was in Red Dog as an officer on Team 5. Everytime I would see Off.Cross the first things out of his mouth is what's are the questions they are going to ask me in the interview. My response was always a smile and state just be yourself, I have no question that you will do fine. As you can see in his picture that smile rarely was ever off his face. I would like to send my condolences to the family of Off.Cross. The RedDog Unit family is small and very close. Off.Cross gave his life for what he believed in and that is to make the world a safer place to live in. He gave the "Ultimate Sacrifice".

Det. J.R.Bilak (Fugitive)
Atlanta Police Dept.

May 28, 2005

I didn't know Ofc Cross personally, but I did dispatch for him from time to time. From what I can recall you were always nice over the radio and cordial. Thanks for your service you will be missed. To Ofc Cross family be steadfast and unmoveable the battle is not yours its the lord.

Former APD DIspatcher
Florida Highway Patrol (Dispatcher)

May 23, 2005

Rest in peace and may God bless your family.

PO Edwards
Coop City Dept of Public Safety

May 20, 2005

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too,
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always though I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had,
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you,
Today for life on Earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same day, there’s no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you take my hand and share my life with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

David M. Romano

Special Agent
FBI, Atlanta

May 18, 2005

Although some will lose sight of what was lost, others will always remember the sacrafice that was given by this Officer. Mark, I didn't know you, but I would like to have. Rest in peace, brother.

Senior Parole Officer Glenn Brown
Georgia State Parole Board

May 18, 2005

u were an officer with a truly good heart..we miss u.

apd

May 16, 2005

just as we take the oath and have earned the badge..we are also and very often unfairly judged by it. we remain stedfast and fearless, despite the fact that this is a very dangerous and thankless profession with little or no reward....on earth. just as doctors heal the very ill, and preachers preach to sinners, we have an obligation to stand against crime, for only but a few that are not "blue" will. Officer Cross, there won't be a Z-3 in heaven but i'm sure your still on patrol. we will never forget you and keep you in our prayers. God bless you and your family.

Ofc. D. Perry
APD Z-3

May 15, 2005