Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

18 years. At times it seems like yesterday. But in reality much time has passed. A child who was not even born yet on the day we lost you, will arrive at adulthood this year. Perhaps joining the Marine Corps or entering the police academy, following in your foot steps.

I still get emotional when telling people about you and what happened that day. Your picture still hangs proudly on my wall at work, resting above “Life’s Handbook” as written by fallen hero D/S Scott Pine, given to me by his father several years ago. I have tried to live a good life and embrace the lessons you taught me and the positive, respectful, and helpful attitude both you and Scott embraced.

Hope we are all making you proud. Miss you doctor.

Shoe

September 24, 2023

In 23 days you left 18 years ago and your loss affected so many people. I met a VCSO recently who was 12 and saw the entire tragic incident. He was torn between being a LEO or something else. He weighted the facts and is a sergeant with VCSO. Over the years I have met many and all mourned your loss. You live on as your memory is still teaching others to be good officers. A friend of mine said we only die when our name is forgotten. You will always be remembered,. First a hero and then a legend , you have become the legend. The 25 seconds we met changed numerous lives. I think of you , your folks , friends, UCFPD and the people that witnesses the tragic event every day. We all are victims of a tragic event. I wonder " why " but after almost 18 years still do not have the answer. I plan to ask one day. Semper Fi Marine ... well done.

D.R. Smith , SGT retired
Orlando Police Department , Orlando. FL.

August 31, 2023

17 years, Brother. How the time flies.

Think of you everyday. Miss you man.

Chief Earl Cowan
Swinomish Police Department

September 24, 2022

All these years later and I'm still telling stories about the good old days of chopping down trees with a Glock. I miss you my friend.

Scott Penvose
Director of Security Golden Oak Walt Disney World

May 25, 2022

Mario,

I remember hearing about what happened to you many years ago. All these years later it's still just as shocking and disturbing that this could happen to such a great guy.

You were one of my best friends from 4th grade until High School. I remember your dad taking us to an air show and how we both reacted to that Sonic boom... I remember when we earned our wolf patch in the cub scouts, and that zip line ride your dad made in the back yard. I just remember so many good times with you, it's impossible to put in perspective how much your friendship meant to me growing up.

One thing for certain, I will never forget you bro. You are one in a million and you truly deserved better.

C.J. Coombs
Childhood Close Friend

March 18, 2022

If there is a heaven, I know Mario is comforting all the soldiers and police officers killed in the line of duty. He was great person and the world is a bit dimmer without him. You will never be forgotton.

Peggy A Holland
Mario grew up with my son.

September 23, 2021

If there is a heaven, I know Mario is comforting all the soldiers killed at war and all the police officers killed in the line of duty. He was great person and the world is a bit dimmer without him.

Peggy A Holland
Mario grew up with my son.

September 23, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 24, 2020

14 years. You are still loved and not forgotten.

Commander James Mangan
UCF Police

September 24, 2019

Terrible tragedy. Rest in peace Corporal Jenkins.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2019

It is now 13 years since your tragic death. I wonder what happened to the students who caused this tragedy and the Officer who ended this tragedy. Were any lessons learned or punishments handed out? Were the students charged with a crime and made to pay a price for their disgusting behavior? Did the Orlando Officer ever get counselling to deal with his actions?

A lot can happen in 13 years, I can only hope and pray that SOMETHING good came of this horrible event and pray as well that those you left behind has been able to recover somewhat from your loss, though I know it would be a long and brutal road.

God Bless you, Brother and may your continued rest remain peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

September 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thankyou and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 24, 2018

Thinking of you today brother. Happy birthday.

Lt. Earl Cowan
Swinomish Police Department

August 1, 2018

Hard to believe 12 years, still miss you like it was yesterday.

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September 25, 2017

12 years later and you are still missed within our ranks. You are still missed.

James Mangan
UCF Police

September 24, 2017

12 years my Brother.... hard to believe it has been that long...

My family will be visiting yours tomorrow for your memorial. I wish I could be there, but as I am on the west coast, I am happy that they can honor your memory in my absence.

Looking through the past ODMP posts today, reading the words of our Brothers and Sisters and other LEO Family, I find some solace that your memory lives on in each of us.

I still think of you daily my friend as I know many others do... thanks for watching over us.

Never Forgotten!

Lt. Earl Cowan
Swinomish Police Department, WA

September 24, 2017

You are such a great person, Mario - I think of you, Franc, Ramona, often - and also Sean (from childhood) and his family. I wish the best of blessings to your widow, and brother-in-law who I learned still fight for you today. Miss you so much, so much my friend.

Civilian Daniel John Banas
Childhood friends

February 15, 2017

11 years, seems like yesterday. Miss you.

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September 25, 2016

Happy 40th Birthday Mario. You are still remembered.

Lt. James Mangan
UCF Police

August 2, 2016

Thinking of you tonite. No particular reason, just missing you and raising a glass.

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March 24, 2016

Happy birthday Marine!

Shoe

November 10, 2015

Mario,

WOW, TEN years have passed. Despite the lengthy time, your impact, your character, your being and your presence will forever be felt by ALL that had the honor to have met you. You will always be remembered as a class act and role model for all police officers and even husbands. I learned so much from you in the short time we spent together. I often thank GOD for blessing me with your friendship. Rest in Peace my BROTHER.

Officer Steve Carmagnola
UCFPD #23

September 24, 2015

Mario, it has been ten years and you are still part of our daily thoughts. You are still missed greatly and the impact you have left at UCF is still felt.

Sgt. James Mangan
UCF Police Department

September 24, 2015

End of Watch (EOW)

10th year Anniversary September 24, 2015:

It was a privilege and honor to have you on my Squad and most of all being my friend.

RIP my Police Officer Brother, Sarg tg

Sergeant Tom Gorbas
UCF Police Department 1976-2006 Retired

September 24, 2015

Thinking of you today brother!

Ofc. Earl Cowan
Washington State

February 13, 2015