Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Wood,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Topeka. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 1, 2024

Rest in peace Coporal Hood.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2023

I was working at Cross Ambulance when Mark was killed, he was attempting to land his helicopter (TPD radio # 400) at Stormont Vail Hospital ‘s landing pad when something went wrong,, Mark diverted to the parking lot behind the Library across from the hospital and crashed into some parked cars, he was trapped in the burning chopper and died,, He was and is a Hero,, I think of him often,,
RIP Mark ,,

Glenn “Birdman “ Hawks

Glenn Hawks
Cross Ambulance/ Topeka Police

November 20, 2020

March 20, 2015

Ross Riggs was your fellow pilot, though he quit flying after your death. Ross thought so highly of you and mourned your passing. His son is married to my sister. I went to school at Washburn with Ross' son and was in and out of their home so often, I called Ross "Pa". So while I did not know you - I knew of you.

You and Ross were heroes.
Thank you for your service.
LPC

Lee Patton
Friend of his partner.

March 20, 2015

Marc, you are missed by your fellow officers. I remember my fill in assignment in the copter a couple of days before you died. You were a very experienced and thoughtful pilot and officer. I will always remember you quick wit and friendly smile. God rest in Peace

Cpl Dudley Havens Retired
Topeka Police Dept

January 29, 2015

Rest in Peace, Corporal Hood. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 28, 2012

Grandpa Mark Hood (my father-in-law) will be remembered at our family church here in Woodinville WA. My daugther never got to opportunity to meet her awesome grandpa. We are so blessed to still be in the circle of the Topika Police Department. Thank you for always remembering.
Grandpa Hood is missed but we have shared all our memories so our daughter knows how special of a man he was.
With Love to all that service and protect,
Shelley Hood
Married to Nathan W. Hood
His Grandaughter is Alexis M. Hood
Woodinville WA
January 28, 2012

Shelley Hood
Daughter-in-Law

January 28, 2012

I was young when my Uncle Marc passed away. I do remember that he was a fun loving kind man.

I only wish there were more men like him.

He will always be a cherished memory for me.

Kalynn
Neice

July 31, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 7, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the month & year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Corporal Hood.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 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

January 19, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 30, 2007

Mark, although you were only my cousin, you had a great impact on my life. I cherish the time we spent together. I learned many things about life from you. You were a wwonderful caring individual.

You had the gift of making people feel comfortable and coinfiding in you. They respected your kindness and advice.

I think of you often, and you are dearly missed.

Earl Bracken

Earl Bracken

July 15, 2007

Rest in Peace Corporal Hood. Thank you for your service.

Citizen Grace
St. Louis County

November 15, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

November 1, 2004

Rest in peace, and thanks for keeping the peace while you were here. You will never be forgotten. Time will not dim the glory of your deed.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

March 17, 2004