Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was deeply saddened when I heard the report of Officer Cross. I visited the funeral home to pay my respects and was overcome with emotion to see the photographs of his family - especially the kids. As the song played, it reminded me that it is the "Ordinary People" that make the extraordinary difference, and the ultimate sacrifice.

As an educator, I strive daily to impact the lives of children, many with one or more absent parents - absent for one reason or another. When I saw Mark, his wife and the obvious love they have for the kids, it was apparent that he has left a legacy of love and planted a firm foundation for the kids. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his family and loved ones forever.

You are all in my constant prayers, and Mark is now in a much better place.

A. Britt
Resident of Atlanta

May 14, 2005

On April 23, 2005 I lost one of my best friends, Ofc. Larry Lasater. At approximately 1745 hrs on April 23, 2005 Ofc. Lasater met his fate, which was exactly the same time OFc. Cross contacted the suspicious vehicle (given the 3 hrs time difference). When I read what time OFc. Cross's incident occurred I found some comfort that my brother's in blue, over 2000 miles away were engaged in the same type of fight that I was. A fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves. A fight so that our country and communities can be a safer place for our children. Ofc. Cross another hereo taken, Another HERO to honor. "The only thing neccessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

Ofc. P Galer
Pittsburg PD, Pittsburg, Ca

May 12, 2005

I have know you since the beginning of your career and it has been a pleasure. You will always be remembered. Radio show Ofc. Cross code 8 for the remainder. Code 9 to APD. Will miss you.

Detective D.W. Coleman
Atlanta Police

May 10, 2005

Rest in peace my brother for you have fought the fight and won the battle. May God keep you and be with your family.

Det. R.L. Williams, Jr.
Rocky Mount, NC

May 9, 2005

Atlanta has seen a rash of violence recently including the courthouse shooting. APD and FCSO are true heros in this city. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Tim Gravitt
Atlanta Citizen

May 9, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON YOURE JOURNEY

GOD BLESS

Andrew Caruana
Raleigh Police Department (N.C)

May 7, 2005

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY REGREATS. I HOPE THAT HIS FAMILY IS DOING OKAY.I THINK THE MEMORIAL PAGE IS A GOOD THING.
IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO HEAR OF AN OFFICERS
DEATH. BECAUSE IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANYTIME.MY GOD KEEP YOUR PERSONAL SAFE.

CPL. TOMMY E. JOWERS
VALLEY PD VALLEY,AL 36854

May 7, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

May 6, 2005

My prayers go out to Officer Cross, his family and the Atlanta Police Department family. I truly understand your pain as my agency lost an officer, Tommy Scott, on April 29, 2005. Officer Cross made the ultimate sacrifice and I appreciate his service to the community. May God bless his spirit and comfort all of those left behind.

Lieutenant Carolyn Smith
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 6, 2005

I attended the funeral services of Officer Mark Cross and like all funerals, especially the men and women of blue, I could not hold back the tears. To see those pictures of him and his family around the church made me think about this profession. To see Chief Pennington pin that badge on his son as he walked off the stage was a great feeling of how appreciated Mark was to the Atlanta Police Department. To see his son stand beside his Daddy's casket, wearing his red dog uniform while saluting, not knowing what was really happening made me break down. I didn't know Mark, like many other police funerals I attend, I attend to say Thank You to the slain officer. Being an officer for many years myself, I feel it's with great dignity that we pay respect to slain officers for their sacrifice to the community. Rest in peace Officer Cross, you did well during your 6 year tenure with the Atlanta Police Department.

Chief Damon Pierce

May 5, 2005

As I debated whether to send a reflection, I begin to look at my high school pictures and came across Mark's. Same smile. Nothing changed, (except the bald head). It dawned on me that Mark and I were no different. Married, with two children. Both have jobs that can be demanding and time consuming (his a little more dangerous)! But where is it that we differ? He moved to Atlanta and I stayed in Chicago? No. Mark and I differ because he died for what he believed in. The ultimate sacrifice!! Regardless of what his surroundings may have said or the danger he knew that he would encounter, Mark died for his belief, to serve and protect his community which leads me to this conclusion. What am I willing to die for? I am willing to die for the gospel of Jesus Christ in which His ultimate sacrifice at the cross saved me. If you are not 100% sure that you are going to make it to the Kingdom of Heaven, ask Christ into your life. His death was and is the Ultimate Sacrifice.
P.S. Mark, I now know my purpose in life. Thank you and I love you.

Dante' H. Burress

May 4, 2005

Mark,
I only met you one time while I was a recruit in zone3. I remembered you as a fine man who talked to as a friend even though I was new to the department at the time. You walked into the precinct wearing the classic RED DOG uniform and admired you more that any police chief in the country. Mark, I know that you are looking down at your brothers right now, you are sure that we will look after "Gem" and your children as if they were are own, because since you were part of my family in the APD, they will always be. God speed Mark A. Cross. Go patrole the streets of heaven, you have served your time in hell

Police Officer
Atlanta Police Department Z-5

May 4, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER, EVEN THOSE OF US WHO DIDN'T KNOW YOU LOVE Y0U AND YOUR FAMILY. I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS KNOW WHAT YOU STOOD FOR.

HOO-YA!!!!!!!!!!

Officer Zane Beard
Scottsboro Police Department

May 4, 2005

Officer Cross, Rest in peace, thanks for your service and your sacrafice. You will always be remembered and loved by all those who have worn blue!!

Police Officer
Littleton PD

May 4, 2005

Mark, I know your looking upon us right now. As your class coordinator, I remember your smile, your bravery, your humbleness and most of all, your honor. I was honored to coach you as well as be coached by you. You and your family are in my prayers. God speed my brother.

Investigator M. K. Clayton
Atlanta Police Department

May 3, 2005

Rest in peace brave warrior....you're sacrafice will not be forgotten.

PSO GREG MAGNAN
KALAMAZOO DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

May 3, 2005

AS DISPATCHERS, WE COME TO KNOW THE OFFICERS AS IF WE ARE WORKING IN THE FILED WITH YOU. WE ALL WORK IN A OCCUPATION THAT IS SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED. CROSS, THANKS FOR YOUR KINDNESS OVER THE RADIO AND DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THIS EARTH, FOR GOD HAS BETTER THINGS FOR YOU NOW. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS... ATLANTA PD DISPATCHERS

APD 911 COMMUNICATIONS
ATLANTA PD

May 3, 2005

I will never forget the pain we felt on that day we had to say goodbye to you, a fellow officer and one of our brothers in blue. You are a hero. You are not gone from Atlanta Police, for you will be in all of our hearts, everyday, on every call we answer. My heart goes out to your family, your partners ,Griffin and Sperl, and the whole reddog unit. Rest in peace, my friend. With all my heart, (your nickname for me) "oops"

Officer / Zone 1
Atlanta Police Department

May 3, 2005

Rest in peace brother in blue 10-7

Watch Commander/A.Dumas
Bishop State College Police Dept. Mobile,AL.

May 2, 2005

My family feels your pain and your loss. Officer Cross is a hero. You are all in my prayers. I am so sad everytime we lose another family member in law enforcement. I am thankful for the job that these men and women do everyday, I just wish that there were not so many tragedies. Too bad the good guys are the ones paying with their lives. Unfortunately, these are the times in which we live. Thank God that there are those still willing to go out everyday, and enforce the law and keep some sort of order in a disorderly society. Thank you Officer Cross for your service and your sacrifice. Blessed are the peacemakers, for their's is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rest in a much deserved peace.

Brandy Mapp
Cousin of fallen Officer C. Haist 2/16/05

May 2, 2005

I had the greatest opportunity to work with the most funniest brother i know- Mr. Mark Cross. I knew him as a father first and then a husband. Mark loved and talked about his wife "Gem" so much that i didn't think he had anything to else to talk about. God gave me the greatest opportunity to know Mark and i will forever cherish that . My heart is very heavy for the loss of Mark but rest in peace my friend. I love ya

Gaston

Police Officer Tommie E. Gaston
Atlanta Police Department

May 2, 2005

RIP BROTHER, YOU HAVE EARNED WINGS. WE TAKE THIS JOB TO PROTECT AND SERVE AND PUT OURSELVES IN HARMS WAY WITHOUT THINKING TWICE. IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT A MAN IS NOT A HERO FOR HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED IS WHAT MAKES HIM A HERO.

DETECTIVE GARY MYRICK
SUFFOLK POLICE DEPT, VA

May 1, 2005

I first heard about Mark while he and my fiance (Officer Jay Rollins) were in the police academy together. It was soon apparent that he and Jay were going to be great friend 's from that point on. I soon met Mark and his wife Gem (who was pregnant with Thai at the time)...and began to spend time with them at various sporting events including our season falcon seats together. One of the greatest memories of Mark that I have was his great love for his son Thai...who often came to the falcon games with us...(Thai also kept me company, as I was not the huge sport fan that Jay and Mark were). Mark was a fun dad...always patient, and very attentive. Another great memory of Mark was that he was a great friend to Jay. Mark's friendship was and is a great gift that Jay and I will treasure forever.

You will be greatly missed.

Jabari Hill

May 1, 2005

My heart goes out to Officer Mark Cross' family and co-workers. I look st this page everyday and I hurt every time I see an officer die in the line of duty. It is hard to believe that we live i such a society where a bad guy will just shoot an officer for no reason. God bless Officer Cross and his family.

SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Military Police Ret.

May 1, 2005

MARK WAS A TRUE WARRIOR AND GOOD FRIEND. IN ALMOST TWO YEARS WITH MARK IN RED DOG, I CAN HONESTLY SAY I NEVER SAW HIM HIM HESITATE AND NEVER SAW HIM FLINCH IN THE FACE OF DANGER. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

J.S. GUNTER
ATLANTA POLICE (RED DOG UNIT)

April 30, 2005