Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

My deepest condolences to the entire Dunakin family, especially Deputy Sheriff Dunakin, and your three children. May Mark's soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 29, 2023

Sgt. Dunakin
So sorry about what happened that sad day. As a former SWAT Commander, I feel for you and your comrades-- we were following the situation closely, since many of us had worked with Oakland PD previously on cases, and other I80 corridor cities in the past, since our county seat Reno, is not far from the Bay Area. My brother also worked Oakland for a few years with the CHP. Oakland PD lost some great officers that day, but we all remember that you all sacrificed much that day. You shall not be forgotten. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret) & NVD
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

March 21, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

March 21, 2021

I'm running in honor of you today. Your family is in our prayers!

Ret Sgt C Perea

May 8, 2020

I don't remember a whole lot from my high school days, but this day is one memory that will stay with me forever, clear as water. I was driving by Seminary Av. when I saw all the units rolling code and had a gut feeling something bad had happened, and that feeling was confirmed by the news later that evening. As a new LEO, this memory has always subconsciously influenced my drive to be an officer. May you and the other three officers rest easy, and we'll hold the watch from here.

J. Duong
Alameda Police

May 2, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 22, 2020

I was looking at the Wall of Honor today at OPD HQ. Seeing your name and the names of your three other fallen brothers from that horrible incident ten years ago was difficult. I hope you and your family know that you are not forgotten.

Police Officer K Shum
Stockton School Police

January 30, 2020

Posted November 2, 2019 on SF News

Widow Of Oakland Police Officer Dies From Car Accident, Organs Donated To Save Lives
Angela Dunakin – the wife of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, who was among the four Oakland Police Department officers fatally shot in the March 21st, 2009 police shooting – was involved in a fatal car crash, this past Sunday.

According to East Bay News, Dunakin was on her way back from visiting her youngest son, Patrick, at Chico State University – bringing him cookies, as well – when a “large truck” rear-ended her at a stopped traffic light on Highway 99 in Yuba City, Sunday. Though first responders were quick to the scene and able to transport her to the latter-mentioned hospital, the trauma she endured from the accident lead to her untimely passing.

The Northern California chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) published Dunakin’s passing in a Facebook post Thursday; she was pronounced dead on Monday.

However, Dunakin is still helping those on this mortal plane. Being an organ donor, Dunakin’s body has “saved at least four lives,” her friends and family said to the news media site.

Currently, her heart has already been used to save the life of one Washington that was on a transplant list. Dunakin’s liver, too, has gone to a Southern California recipient. And, in a universally-aligned moment, the 52 year old's kidney proved to be a perfect match for the mother of her oldest son’s girlfriend, adding years onto her life.

“It makes us so happy that she’s going to have a lot more years to [the mother of her oldest son’s girlfriend] life,” her daughter said in an interview with East Bay Times Friday. “I’m glad my mom was able to give us that gift in the face of tragedy."

Other bodily tissues belonging to Dunakin will be donated and used to aid others, helping to decongest the long, scroll-like list many transplant recipients find themselves on.

Survived by the couple’s three adult children, the Fund A Hero: Dunakin Children's Family Trust Fund, supported by the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), is aiming to raise $50,000 to help the three children she left behind.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

November 3, 2019

Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.

Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department

July 29, 2018

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

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 21, 2018

Hey Dunnie, We will always miss you! Rest well!

Charles OConnor, Sergeant (ret)
Oakland Police Department

March 21, 2017

You led a life of integrity since boyhood. Your courage and honor, kindness and integrity shine like beacon as a role model for young people. Rest in peace, Sgt. Dunakin. Your reward will be great in heaven. God bless your family.

Los Angeles Citizen
California Citizen

November 3, 2016

Rest in Peace

K.Brooks
Houston Police Dept.

June 16, 2016

7 year later..... Still not forgotten. RIP

Police Explorer Matthew Badie
San Leandro Police Department Explorer post #540

March 21, 2016

Seven years have passed since that horrific day. The filth who murdered you is a smear on the history of the Oakland Police Department, you Sir, are an honored hero. It would have been better if you were still here and simply a good guy doing his job.

God Bless you Sgt. Dunakin and may your eternal rest continue to be Peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

March 21, 2016

Your loss is deeply felt. You were a man who loved his family, his community, his city, and the law-abiding citizens of Oakland. It has been almost six years, but we will never forget men of courage and honor like you, Sgts Sakai and Romans, and Officer Hege. May you all rest in peace and may the Lord watch over your loved ones.

L. Norton

February 21, 2015

I was honored to be driving by when his memorial was reinstalled today.

Laura K

December 23, 2014

The dedication of my Capstone class to you is more than a assignment, but a honor. A honor to one day be as courageous and fearless as you were throughout you're entire career as law enforcement. Wearing your uniform with pride, fighting for what's right and correcting what's wrong. I'm fighting hard to accomplish my task and join the Oakland Police Department with you're memory as my motivation. I want to thank you for you're ultimate sacrifice, rest in peace Sargent.

A. Zamora
CJ Student

September 18, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 21, 2013

I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization.
As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
I have given my life so that others may live in peace.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.
You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.

Captain Doug Gist (retired) Washoe S.O.
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum

August 6, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I will always remember hearing the news coverage that day of the tragic news. I was saddened, angry and dismayed that our Bay Area police community had been dealt the blow of four noble men protecting our community being shot.

I am praying for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 21, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 21, 2012

Every year since 2009 when we lost you and three of your follow officers, Sergeants Sakai and Romans and Officer Hege, I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.

A grateful citizen

February 24, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Dunakin. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 16, 2012