Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mark
You were/are a true hero to your community, family and friends, even after your EOW you were/are still a hero helping people to continue to live through your organ donations. My father who’s EOW was after a traffic stop also donated, which later made my sister and I very proud when we found out. We were only a few years older than your daughters when my father died but I believe that he and you continue to be with us every day. I believe that my father sits in my patrol car passenger seat every night I am at work. Many times I have felt my father there with me when I was in a tight situation just as you are for your daughters.
I know how your daughters feel about not having any contact with your side of the family since your EOW. One year after my fathers death my mother dropped my sister and I off at our grand parents house saying that she couldn’t handle my fathers death anymore and didn’t want anything around to remind her and she left with her boyfriend. That was the last time we had any contact with her or her side of the family.
I remember the first time we told our grand parents we wanted to be police officers, we were both in high school. My grandmother looked at us both and said don’t do it with what’s in your head and hoping that is what your father would want you to do, but do it with what’s in your heart and make your father proud. Which we try every day.
Mark know that your family is and will continue to be in my prayers, as I know the pain of the loss never goes away it just becomes bearable. Continue to wrap your girls in your wings with love and safety. Also watch over your brothers and sisters in blue as we continue to work the streets. Rest in peace you deserve it, we have the watch.

Steve Child Survivor
Brother Officer

April 22, 2009

Colleen will be 19 on the 19th. We celebrated this past weekend. She loves her Jeep so much, I'm glad I could help her make the purchase. She really misses you, sometimes I feel so helpless in finding the words to comfort her.

Nikki's getting ready to take her learners written driving test next week - I need you angel now more than ever. As Chris he'll tell you about Disney and her driving - ha ha. She's practicing driving the tractor and Jake has her pulling him around the yard in the cart.

Jake is turning into a kind young man - tonight we stopped to get something to eat, just quick on our way home. He ordered for Nikki because she was feeling shy about ordering for herself. It was one of those moments I feel real joy.

I love you so much, today and always. Thank you for loving me so much while you were here with me, giving me two beautiful daughters and being my best friend. As I get closer to May I feel such heart ache. Our anniversary, police memorials and ceremony's and cops week. I thought it would be easier by now - what a joke and not funny at all.

Keep a watchfull eye on us, I love you!

Wife, Jennifer
Wife

April 16, 2009

It's almost Easter, my favorite time to experience the Lords Grace and Love for us. Colleen will be home to find a new special surprise for her to drive back to college. I'll just say "she is defenately DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL" She loves her school, can't believe she's almost through her first year.

Nikki loves her new doggie Sassy, they are two of a kind. Nikki's been sick and we have been back and forth to different doctors and we hope to have a diagnosis soon.

Jake is gearing up for baseball and loving it. He seems to be on a good team this year - I'm in charge of team game beverages - I think I can handle that.
I miss you, as Springs comes I remember our plans for our garden and landscaping. I will work hard this summer making our yard a place for the kids and their friends to gather.

I love you, in May we would have been celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. I love you now as much as I loved you then!

Wife, Jennifer

April 1, 2009

I think about you every day.I miss the good old days in the summer up here in Pa, when we would go fishing in wolf creek, or catch crayfish.It seems just like yesterday that we would walk downtown to the pizza shop, or be in g-ma's kitchen for home made bread.I guess thats it for now, hi Jenn and girls. smm.

s.m.m. from g.c.
family

March 24, 2009

Hey daddy,

It's like ten o'clock at night and I am still in the library. I am trying to write a paper for philosophy. I am having a really hard time because it's about comparing pleasure/pain to joy/sorrow. I miss you a lot. Valentines day is coming up this Saturday, it should be happy but it really never is. I have to cheer at a game on that day so I can't go home and see mom which hurts so bad but you know i will always do what is best for my squad. I love you daddy and I think about you often. I hope you are looking down on me and helping me through the tough times. I have met some awesome people here at college and I am on my way to an awesome education and entering into the academy. I am trying really hard in school and a couple of my classes are really challenging.

I wish you were here daddy, your side of the family hurt nicole and i yet again. Like mom said i cant believe after all these years they could do that to us. I hope your keeping an eye on them too, try to get them to understand how to treat us.

I can't believe you have been gone this long. I will be nineteen this year! Can you believe it? Only two years til i am twenty one! Uht ohh watch out bars and clubs here I come =) I am not kidding but I will be safe.

Alright daddy I should probably go finish this paper. I love you and think of you often. Thank you for always being my angel and watching over me.

xoxo

Colleen Filer-Orsborne
Loving Daughter

February 12, 2009

Well, we made it through Christmas. We had blue lights in the windows and two are on all day and night for you and Chris. God, I miss your smiling face. Your family once again has outdone themselves and were more hurtful than ever even after 15 years. Your Dad is the only one the girls even feel close to anymore.

Colleen is home until the end of January. She's going to do some babysitting and odd jobs over the break. She sure loves to spend money - Who does that remind you of?

Nicole is doing better in school. The death of Ryan Didone really struck her hard. He was in several of her classes and it's hard in those classes where there is an empty chair.

Me, I'm ok - I sure wish wishes could really come true. With another year soon to pass my love for you continues to grow. I told Ryan's mom - no matter how much time passes you will always be Ryan's Mom - I'm called a widow and not Marks Wife. I consider me your wife today and always. To death do us part does not mean my love is parted. The Organ Donation WRTC sent me a sweatshirt for Christmas with "Give Life, be a Donor". I love wearing it, people ask me about it and it gives me a chance to tell them you saved 5 lives the day you died. It brings my heart such joy to know you gave so many the gift of life. Not unusual for you, you always gave and never asked for anything in return. You are my hero.

Being back in our home we had together made this Christmas a very special one. Kind of a double edge sword, our tree was beautiful and we had your famous sticky buns for breakfast. We will always keep that tradition alive.

Love you now and forever until I die, but see ya in Heaven

Jenn
Wife

December 30, 2008

Merry Christmas Jen to you and your family! Hang in there and continue to move forward in life. I know your guys are very proud of you from what I've read here on Marks ODMP page.

With love and hugs,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron

December 25, 2008

Can't believe another Christmas without you - I hate to even count the years now since you've been gone. I will make those wonderful sticky bunns for the kids and the egg bake for breakfast. Everyone but Steph & Bill will be at Nana and Papa's. Tommy is 2 and 2 cute - he 100% little farm boy. Your wonderful brother in law Bill tought Tommy to fart on Jasons face - Tom thougt is was funny too - without you around those two get way out of control. I know you are not surprised. Colleen is OK with College one day it's wonderful the next it sucks - sounds like life in general as far as I'm concerned. Nikki is working hard to keep her grades up and goes to tutoring 3x a week. We hope to get a dog next week for Nikki - her name is Sassy and she is a poodle/Jack Russel mix, she's 3 and sweet as sweet can be. If Apache doesn't eat her at the home visit then I guess she will be ours. Tell Chris Jake is doing really good with wrestling and his grades are good too all "A,B and 2 C's". He is an eating machine and growing like a weed - no not smoking it.

I love you, I love You, I miss you, I have living without you. I loved being adored by you, I miss you bringing me coffee in the morning and so many other things that this G Rated web site wouldn't like me to post.

Always and Forever My Love, Jenn

Jenn
Wife

December 13, 2008

Hi Daddy,
I miss you a lot. It's a really yucky day outside. I hate when it is cold and rainy. It makes me so sad. I hope your looking down on me and that your proud. I am trying so hard to do well in school and be there for my family and friends. I hope your showing Ryan around up there. I miss him so much daddy. It is so hard being down here without all of you. I love you guys so much. I can't wait until the day we meet again but until then I am just doing my best. I can't wait til I can become a officer of the law just like you Daddy. I hope your friends with Brittany's daddy too. She is my best friend and i really wouldn't be able to survive with out her. She is my crying shoulder and my wonderful confidant. Please watch over us with all that we do. I love and miss you soo much. <3

Colleen Filer-Orsborne
Oldest Daughter

November 13, 2008

Captain Tom Didone's son Ryan is now with you, seek him out, tell him what an awesome friend he was to your beautiful daughters. Nicole is taking Ryans death very hard, Colleen is a true friend to Kara and has been by her side all week. You would be so proud. Like you, Ryan road motorcross/dirtbikes - you have another connection.

I love you, I miss you, Jenn

Jenn

October 24, 2008

Once again I believe devine intervention has happend. The nurse from Suburban ICU found me through my work with 4-H. Her daughter wants to be a clover in my horse clover club. With tears in Denise's voice she told me of the deep love you received from so many officers during your long week struggle before you died. Denise and I have become good friends, she still is an ICU nurse at Suburban and continues to encourage me that your time in the hospital every one and every thing was done to save your life. She eased my guilt over taking you off life support and that my visit with you the night before was the best gift I could have given you. So after 15 years since you have been gone from this earth there are still staff memebers at the hospital that think of you, think of the girls and I and continue to pray for us. Moving back to our home really has brought me full circle. Melissa Maro from when I worked at DOE got a hold of me and expressed how sad she gets sometimes thinking about how you are not here for me and the girls.

That's it for now - One of the wonderful facts about loving you is that it does not end.--Jenn

Jenn
Wife

October 13, 2008

Every day you are missed.

Anonymous

October 10, 2008

I get so tired of bad news we lost 2 of Md's finest. If not for those brave hilocopter pilots and ems I never would have had the chance to be with you before you died. Little did I know my ride on that chopper would be 2 years away and I'd be fighting for my life. I miss you, I miss you reassuring me in times of fear and frustration. When I think of the horrible weather those pilots flew in to rescue you - leaves no doubt in my mind that you had a chance. I love you - and Mark, send down a little extra light as the days get shorter I get sad this time of year.

Love You Always.............

Jenn
Wife

October 1, 2008

Short and simple, I love and miss you daddy <3

Colleen Filer-Orsborne
Daughter

September 22, 2008

Don't let people fool you who leave reflections to you for others to read. Family and friends over the years chose to not be there for your daughters - that is just fact. I reached out to ALL your friends for Col's graduation and Fred, George, Mr. K, Mr. Mike too and the Sheffields were loving and generous to her.

Nicole misses Col so much, now she tells me everything and OMG I had no idea the things that those two shared. I guess I've forgotten what it was like for Steph and I sharing a room and going to high school together. Gene and Marla are moved to tears when they see Nikki out in the yard - they think of her begin this tiny little baby and then see her face and realize how much she looks like you and is like you----kind, considerate, fun

Thank God for HEROES. Colleen was able to meet Mr. Dogget for the second time in her life just before he passed - we are both so appreciative. The have done for Colleen everything they said they would do!

Love you always, miss you always until we meet again Jenn

Jennifer, Wife
Wife

September 21, 2008

Hey Dude:
I think about you every day. My son, Mark Alexander (Alex) knows about all of our exploits. He's an eighth grader and quite a kid. Erika is now 25 and engaged. She has great memories of driving around in your jeep. I check in on your parents when I can. Recently I have only called on anniversaries and birthdays. My mom passed away one year ago. I'm sure she's found you and is bugging you to keep your hands off of the walls.

Did you know I was on my way to your house the day of the accident? Seems like only yesterday.

I stop by and visit you periodically. Over the years I have left little things on your headstone, usually fishing gear.

Sounds like your girls are doing well. I'm sorry I have not been a part of their lives. Your parents have kept me well informed. Glad I found this site. Sounds sappy but I know your presence has saved my butt a few times in the past 15 years. I appreciate knowing you are there

Eric Levine
Friend

September 12, 2008

Hi daddy, gosh i miss you so much. Can you believe i am in college already. It seems like yesterday i was riding my tricycle around the carport. College food is gross dad seriously, i wish i had your garden here. I have made so many friends here and some mistakes, but i am learning and i know you have a close eye on me. My roommate is amazing. Her name is brittany and her dad died in the line of duty when she was seven. I thank God everyday for her. Honestly dad, i think she is the only one keeping me sane here. We fight sometimes but just because we are so much alike. No real boys yet... just crushes oh yeah oops sorry daddy boys dont have cooties anymore haha i like them. But nothing serious so dont worry. Nicole is having a tough time right now and it hurts that i cant be with her when she needs me but mom is helping her and i think they are getting closer. Oh and mom watch over mom, i know shes strong but just give her a sign every once in awhile that shes doing an amazing job. I love you so much dad. Its really hard starting all these new things without you here. Just know that I miss you and love you, and you are always with me. You were a great man, and you will always be my hero.

Colleen Filer-Orsborne
Daughter of Mark Filer

September 9, 2008

OK - this really sucks I'm turning 42 today and you still haven't gotten any older. How come it sucks so bad that you died. Sometimes I really hate my life and can't believe it's been so long since we celebrated any happy occasion together. I know my spelling still sucks. How about sending a little sign that you know what day it is and that it will be ok when I get to heaven with you and I look old and ragged and you still are as awesomely handsome you will recognize me? How did you like that run-on sentence? My english hasn't improved in 15 years either.

Colleen and I leave for her first orientation. The summer has gone by too fast - I feel like I just get through the death of Chris and Jake's birthday and August is right around the corner. I am so worried about leaving Colleen off to college the week of the anniversary of your death. It sucks, her first day is the day after.

She's found her roomate and Britney is also a surviving child of an officer killed in 1997. I think they will be wonderful comfort to oneanother. We etched your name and her dad's name from the NLEO and framed them for their dorm room. They can through you a kiss as they walk out the door for class or before they go to sleep.

I miss you - so much, it brings me such pain in my heart not having you here for all of these life events. I get really pissed off too that I don't have you to complain to when your - yes your daughter Nicole drives me crazy - boy is she her daddy's daughter. She looks like you and acts like you - some good yes, but well she is 15.

I love you always and forever, I miss you and love living in our house again. I finished replacing all the doors and will paint them this winter. No garden, but tomatoes growing in pots in the back yard.

Jenn - The only Love of your life!!!!!

Jennifer
Montgomery Co. Surviving Wife

July 13, 2008

I take Colleen to the high school tonight for the award ceremony. She has been selected for an award - don't know what it is but I'm sure it will have something to do with her joyful spirit and willingness to serve teachers and students. She is so beautiful Mark - I know you see how wonderful a person she has become. My love for you has helped me be the mom I've needed to be. My love for you has helped me be the woman I am and the friend to other survivors of law enforcement. I honor you everyday by loving our beautiful daughters. You are my everything - your memory in me keeps you alive for the girls. You are a living legecy through me, I hope to always make you proud and allow our girls to grow into beautiful young ladies!! - All My Love, Jenn

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Wife of PO Mark Filer and PO Chris Orsborne

May 21, 2008

Somewhere amongts these many pages of heroes I came across your name and wanted to stop at your page and leave a reflection. You are a true hero and your memory is being carried on by those that are close to you. I know that they think of you each and every day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8.8.04

May 21, 2008

The Delany Valley service is May 2, I just can't bring myself to go. You and I would have been celbrating 21 years of marriage - if you would have put up with me for that long lol. I placed a wreath at the wall today for you, I put the picture of you and Col soluting eachother in front of the fireplace and I added her senior picture at the bottom to show how she's grown. You would be so proud of her. I love you, I know you are my angel in heaven and you and Chris need to stop talking about me - I get these uneasy feelings and I know it's you to making fun of my silliness. Behave up there, Isn't God keeping his eye on you two trouble makers? If only you could write me back - what would you say - I guess I'll never know. Come into my dreams I like that but nothing scary like coming up behind me when I'm vaccumming and tapping me on the shoulder----that's just mean....Love you\
All My Love Forever

Wife
Montogmery County Police Dept, Maryland

April 29, 2008

Your sweet little girl will celebrate her birthday today with lots of family. Chris's brother will be there and his wife and children. Your brother remembered her birthday and he and Julie sent a card and small gift. As you work from heaven above, bring peace to his heart and healing from the pain of the past. Colleen and Nicole are upset that they don't know their uncle, they could really use a strong Filer man in their lives to guide them and help them know who you were as a boy.

I realized as I was reflecting on the last 15 years of raising Colleen without you - She is her father's daughter. She is strong, kind, loving, considerate, difficult at times (ha,Ha) and a true friend to all. What she has gotten from me of course is my good looks and hot body - ok, not so hot anymore, time has taken it's toll.

No one can take away the love Colleen, Nicole, Jake and I have for you. It's so cool how Jake seems to comfort Colleen reasuring her that he thinks her dad was so awesome and he has know idea really.

OK - don't freek the girls and I got tattoo's in your memory. They are tasteful and beautiful, I'm sure your parents are going to freek - of course my mom was extremely irritated with us, but you know Nancy. Dad was really cool about it and seemed happy for us.

I love you - always and forever, Jenn

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Wife of PO Mark Filer and PO Chris Orsborne

April 19, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 18, 2008

Well, you won't believe it bought I've bought back our home. The children and I have pulled out all the carpet, getting some of the hardwood floors underneath finished and carpet for the Collee, Nicole and Jake's rooms. The are all so excited. The swing set you built for Colleen is in excellent shape after 15 years. Your shed need a little scraping and painting but all of you police decorations are up on the walls. The memories here warm my heart. We all feel like we are coming home. Jake is going to raise a Spring Ram with Edith Miller, Harvey died about 5 years ago. Your little Nikki want 2 pigme goats so I guess we will be fencing in some space for them too.

I love the house, I feel so complete there. I've done this complete circle. I doesn't bother me living on the road of your accident. I enjoy the noise of the traffic and when I want to get away I go to our beautiful back yard. My little magnolia tree is about 15 feet tall now and just beautiful. Everything in my bedroom is of magnolia flowers. For my first mothers day with Chris he gave me a beautiful painting of magnolia flowers, it will look beautiful in our bedroom. O' Colleen's little turtle sand box is still there it just needs new sand. I hope you ar proud of me, I'm working hard to complete all the projects we couldn't do after you died. Now when it's my time to join you in heaven the home will be all that we dreamed it would be together.
I love you, you are my best friend and I'm so glad that love is forever because I can't imagine it any other way!!

You are missed, All My Love, Jenn

Wife, Jennifer

October 4, 2007

I have seen your life in print...I pray that you continue to be as strong as you are...I can't imagine what you must feel or what you have been going through....I pray to be as strong as you...I wish for you joy and happiness....and love...Keep holding on...you are inspirational to me!

Chrissy Henley
Wife, officer William Henley, EOW 3/19/05

PS Skyler is the spitting image of his father...I know Drew is proud of the man he is becoming

August 27, 2007