Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dear Brother,
Wow, it's been one month and one day, and I still cry every day. It has taken me this long just to get one sentence out to you. I have started so many times, and just could not finish due to the tears not allowing me.
I started the new training class last week, and prior to, I stopped at Wal Mart to buy coffee and snaks. The people in the store probably thought I was 68, cause I couldn't stop crying as I shopped. I wanted to call you, and tell you I bought the coffee, so dont stop and buy it.
I miss you so much my brother. I will do everything in my power to make you proud.
We chose Kenneth to work Xander, and man you would be proud. He reminds me so much of BT it's incredible. I feel a sence of pride to train someone that's so bound and determined to follow in your footsteps.
I will keep an eye on your boy's, as you expect I should. I miss you brother,love you dearly,and I will continue the watch from here knowing you are my Guardian Angel.
I love and miss you Mark

Sgt. D. Distefano
Baton Rouge Police Department

March 26, 2008

Well Mark,
It's now been 1 month since you left us here on Earth and it seems like yesterday that we would throw our hands out the window in passing waving "HI" to each other. It seemed like every time I would go anywhere there you were. Of course you were always working so I couldn't stop and talk to you but you would always give me that familiar "head-nod"and a wave "HI".I sure wish that I had some of those times back and would just have stopped to talk if not but for a moment. I know you are up there watching over all of us and even us "CRAZY FIREMEN". You are so GREATLY missed that I some times still just can't get you out of my head. Many time I just sit by myself and think in total disbelief that this could not have happened to my friend. Mark you have and always will be MY FRIEND. Please continue to watch over us and we will all see you again someday.

Captain Glen Bacot
Livingston Fire Protection District 5

March 26, 2008

Mark-
I finally know how to get to Zachary! I just wish you were there to pick on me, but don't worry...Michelle is picking up your slack. We all miss you so very much. Your wife is my sister, and I promise to always stand beside her. We love you...Higgy and Jill

Jill Higginbotham
Higgy's "old lady"

March 25, 2008

Well dear brother it has now been a month since you have been called home to heaven above and I'm sure that you, dad, Terry, Chris, and others are having a great time. Please continue with dad watching over us down here until we can join you two up there. Oh yeah please give dad a great big hug for me also.

I know that you and I have had that "special connection" that only twins can feel thru out our life of 33 1/2 yrs and I only hope that I continue to feel it even though you're not down here with me. I remember quite a few times after dad passed that I would call you to just chat about dad and how I missed him and just wanted to cry, etc. and you would just reply to me "I know Marcia Leigh -- I feel the same way". Well I know you've heard me say over and over before that things happen in three's and when things would happen I would just remark just casually "that's two things that have happened -- now what?" and then just go on. Well I had that connection with you on Feb. 25th. At work I made a comment to a couple of co-workers that I had just gone to a family wake for Mrs. Judy's newphew, then Becca's mom passed and now I was scared because they say things happen in three's and I had already know about two so I was "scared and worried" for some reason. Well that reason was because of the "special connection" that we had and I was scared because it was your turn and 1/2 of me was taken away that night @ 11:30pm. Oh I just cannot express to you how much I miss you and dad now.

I will continue my best to take care of Austin, Bronson, and Jacob along with everyone else down here that you cared about. Mom had surgery on her ankle last Thursday and I know that you were there with us and she did great.

Keep raising you eyebrow at us while we continue to carry on your memories -- believe me I have plenty of them and they are happy ones (including the fights we had growing up -- which we laughed about with our many talks as we grew older).

I love you dear brother -- your twin
Marcia

Marcia
Twin Sister

March 25, 2008

God Bless Officer Beck, and the family & friends that he has left behind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily, and will continue to be.

LEO Wife
NJ

March 24, 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer Mark Beck,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer Mark Beck. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Police Officer Mark Beck is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

March 23, 2008

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Beck 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 Beck has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Beck, 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 Beck 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.

Special Agent
FBI New York City

March 21, 2008

Over the last three weeks I have been upside down and back again. Being a police officer, I have had the unfortunate job of giving death notifications once in a while. I remember giving a notification on a suicide a couple of years ago. I was patrolling and noticed a car where it shouldn’t be. Upon closer inspection I found a man with a bullet wound to his temple....a gun still in his hand. When it was all said and done, I went to his house to tell his mother that he would not be coming home. I remember the tears welling up in my eyes and this terrible nausea that would not subside. I was later told that I did a great job. Wow!

I also remember not so long ago, we got a call of a head on collision and one vehicle was engulfed in flames. When I arrived on scene, two girls were on the side of the road. One had a severe laceration to her forehead...one side to the other. The other girl was lying there with other injuries. As I tried to talk to her she begged me to save her mom. I looked over and her mom was within all the flames....she would not go home. This child looked at me and said over and over, "Just save my mom." I told her that I was worried about her and that the fire department was looking after her mom. Within a few minutes, I was somehow on the phone with this child’s father. I told him, "You need to get to the hospital...it’s bad." He begged me to tell him that his wife was okay. I couldn’t.

A few months later, I was getting a pedicure and this young girl kept watching me. She finally approached me and told me that she was the girl that day begging me to save her mom. She thanked me and told me that she knew her mom was already gone. I wondered what that must have felt like.

Skip to February 25, 2008. Someone called my cell phone at 11:47 at night. Mark should have been walking through the door. Alex said, "Come open your door now!" I was so confused. I got up and I ran to the door. He said, "We gotta go. Mark was in a wreck and it’s bad. I have to get you to the hospital." You have to get me to the hospital???? Oh my God. He’s gone. I remember telling someone this once. If he was okay, you’d tell me. Wow. I became that person who was losing someone...not just someone, but her husband.

Then I became that person who thought she was at the end of her rope. Mark and I had many conversations about losing each other. I often said that I couldn’t live without him. He would always say, "Baby, you aren’t going to lose me." But the reality was there that it COULD happen. The morning after Mark died, Alex came home with me from the hospital. I layed on my couch and tried to sleep, but all I could think is that I could go into my bedroom and never come out. I have guns, medicine, whatever I need to just not wake up. Alex layed on the love seat recliner and everytime he moved I freaked out thinking that he might be leaving. I just wanted to go with Mark.

I am here to say that I am glad I have the faith I have in God. He got me through the next several days of picking cemetary plots, caskets, songs for the funeral and so many other crazy decisions that I should not be making as a young wife. God will get me through. I do not walk alone.

I guess what I am trying to say is that you never know what impact you have in life. Mark had a great impact and I am learning that I have also had a great impact on people. Many of my friends have told me how they admire me for my faith. People who don’t even know me have told me the same. I want everyone to know that life gives us obstacles. Satan tries to test us and our faith. On the night Mark died, just a couple of hours before, I wrote a blog on mysypace about Satan slithering his way into the tiniest cracks? I wrote that I would not let Satan be in my life and that I was sealing up the cracks. Wow again! How profound and I didn’t even now what was about to happen to me. My cracks are still sealed up. I won’t let my faith be severed. I AM strong and I will get through this. Not without God and not without my love for Mark. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Michelle Beck
Wife

March 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Beck during this trying time. If I could offer any advice to the Beck family, it would be to never give up on your faith in God. Faith is what has gotten me through the tragic loss of my daddy who was killed in August '07 in the line of duty.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God"

Sicily R Quebedeaux
Daugher of Port Barre Police Chief David Richard, EOW 8/5/07

March 21, 2008

mark, rest in peace brother, i bet you and terry are smoking a cigar in heaven and looking down on the rest of us. you will always be remembered as a good guy and i enjoyed playing golf with you, your dad and terry. mark,you and terry keep a watchful eye on us down here because there are two angels above watching down on us now.

sgt james sandridge
ebrso

March 19, 2008

My love,
Today has been so hard. Matt and I went to look for the prop I just bought you and I couldn't find it. I wanted to pick up the phone to call and ask you what you did with it. I felt so lost at that moment. I bought Danae a car. Once I got the registration done today, I let her have it. I broke down when she went to get in it to leave. I almost didn't let her go. My fears consume me some days. I want you to come home, Mark. I don't think anyone can realize how much I need you, miss you and love you. I stopped by to check on you. I hope you could hear me. Not that you needed to because you already knew everything I said. I sure miss your face my love. What I'd give to kiss that eyebrow just one more time. I'll just bet you are beautiful up there and your eyes greener than they've ever been. Take care of me baby. I love you.
Your Baby Girl

Michelle Beck
Wife

March 18, 2008

I would like to thank each and everyone who has wrote a Reflection of my son. It really hits me deep down for what each one of you had written about my son. I'm doing my best to deal with the lost of my son. But i would like to say I'm very proud of what he has try to do for this whole world,he truly love his job.please keep my husband and I in all your prayers. Once again Thank You All

Mary Hidalgo
Mark Beck was my son

March 15, 2008

Rest in peace Officer Beck. Thank you for your service. To the family I am sorry for your loss, Mark is a Hero and will never be forgotten. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss.

Aaron Linn
WV DOC Parole

March 14, 2008

Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. May your family and friends take comfort in the fact the he will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! Until one day in heaven we meet, keep walking your beat on the Golden Street. May God bless your entire family.

DET SGT Mark Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

March 13, 2008

Boy where to begin, I guess by saying fist off thankyou for being you. I know that you and my father were very good friends and he will always be missing a piece of his heart now that you are gone. I guess it is now my job to take care of him the way that you did. I know that even though you won't be here in person that you will always be his guardian angel. I was really looking foward to having the chance to work with you, and having a partner to double team my dad, when he gets on to me or you. I want you to know that you will never be forgoten, and will always be apart of the Distefano family. I hope that one day I can be half of the Police Officer you were, and my moto will always be " I want to be like Mark Beck." Rest in peace my brother and friend and know that I love you.

PS: I hope the fish are biting, the bucks are in rut, and leave some for me.

We love you and miss you.

Dy. Ryan Distefano
Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office

March 13, 2008

Mark,
I've know you for several years. When I got the phone call about the accident I didn't belive it was really you. It has been a pleasure knowing you and working with you. You are a wonderful man, husband and father. I'm still in great disbelief that your no longer here. You will be greatly missed by everyone.

Dy. Rhonda Ruiz
East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office

March 12, 2008

I visit this website often. I wish to say my heart goes out to the family of Officer Beck. Officer Beck you will not be forgotten and I can tell by the reflections of people that knew you, you will truely be missed.

Officer Chad Van Auken
Dansville P.D

March 11, 2008

My dear twin brother,

Oh how am I going to make it thru without my other half. I know that I have 33 1/2yrs of wonderful memories with you, such as throwing our stuffed animals out the 2nd story window of our mom's townhouse when we were about 5yrs old, or tossing the rotten eggs in to the closet to smell up our room -- I could just go on and on. I cry just about everyday missing you so badly - it's just so hard for anyone to understand the bond that we as twins had and I feel like the life was sucked out of me when you passed on.

I know you're very excited to be up there with Dad now and I will try to "keep my chin up" (as you and dad would always say) thru these very rough times without you. Be sure that you and dad save a seat for me beside you two & when ML & I look up @ the sky and wave please be sure to wave back at us. I will do my best to celebrate "our" birthday down here without you but I can't promise anything because after sharing 33 birthdays with you it's going to be very very hard!!!!!!

And rest asure that I will do my best to take care of MY NEPHEWS -- Austin & Bronson and continue taking care of YOUR NEPHEW/MY SON -- Jacob.

I love you very much my dear brother & take care of dad too.
"Marcia Leigh"

Marcia Beck Duhon
Twin Sister

March 11, 2008

Mr. Mark and his fellow officers like a good cigar every once in a while. As many cigar smokers know...a cigar is more than a cigar....it's a way to hang out or bond with your friends. This is how i met my friend Mark Beck. We talked about our jobs, family, music, or just life in general. It is these conversations that i will miss. I will keep you in prayers always.

Gregory Allen
Friend and Cigar Buddy

March 10, 2008

Thank You for your selfless duty Brother. Your family can be forever proud that they have a Father and Husband that You are. God Speed.

Police Officer
Brooklyn North, NYPD

March 7, 2008

You are in my prayers.

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

March 7, 2008

Dear Officer Beck,
We at the Alexandria Police Academy have recently learned about your passing. We read the recent Officer Down Memorial Page every morning before prayer, you're passing hit home with a lot of the officer's in the academy. You're one of our brothers, even though we never got the chance to meet or work with you, we miss you. Our prayers are with your family and your department. God Bless You, but most of all....Thank You.
Deputy Barnard
Grant Parish Sheriff's Office
63rd Session of the Alexandria Regional Police Academy

Deputy Barnard
Alexandria Regional Police Academy

March 6, 2008

Mark, you were very special to us. We watched you and Kerry grow from young boys into men. You were certainly loved and respected along your peers. We would never have missed your funeral service had we been in town. However, we certainly felt the loss even in the Caribbean islands.
We will always love and remember you. Our condolences to Michelle, Mary Lou, and, of course your two boys.
Linda & Ivy Hidalgo
Denham Springs, LA

Linda Hidalgo
Friend

March 6, 2008

My Love,
I have finally had a moment to read all of these wonderful things that people have written about you. You must know how proud I am of you. Xander is okay. He misses you and I have been able to see him several times. I know you would flip out but, he takes commands from me.;)

This is so strange...how many times you and I sat as officers watching another officer's wife grieve. I never thought that I would be that wife. I became her on February 25th. Baby, I miss you. I love you and I still need you. Thank you for loving me so fully. I have no regrets. There was nothing left unsaid. Our 3 1/2 years together was more than a life time. Oh, how we lived. How grateful I am for that. I hope you know how much you impacted lives. I truly have an amazing man. We miss you so much Mark.

I saw the Chief yesterday. He is so comforting. He let me know that Xander would continue to work. I don't know who his handler will be, but I was promised to be able to have contact with Xander. I wish I could just bring him home. He truly belongs with me. Since, he can't be, you take care of him. I know you will watch over him and make sure, "he gets his mind right!" ;) Chief gave me a beautiful necklace. It is a pendant and it looks like your badge. I will never take it off.

Matt and Sonya have been taking really good care of me. I haven't been able to go back home for more than a few minutes. It isn't home without you and I just feel empty there. Your presence is in my heart and soul. That is all I need and I will plow right through this just like you would tell me to do. I will make you proud of me everyday that God continues to let me breathe. I will see you soon my baby.

Your Baby Girl,
Michelle "Mrs. Beck"

Michelle Beck
His Wife/Officer

March 6, 2008

i love you markus beckus.
i miss you so much...i just hope you knew how much i really did care about you.
rest in peace mark, and i'll see you again.
watch over me, and make sure i keep myself in line.... =]
you always tried to do that, and i'll make sure i keep myself up, just for you.

i love you.

danae lees
niece

March 6, 2008