Tragedy

[ken1953]

Maybe some of you remember "My first published photo" which I posted in January shortly after arriving here in Odessa. It was a shot of Cpl. Arlie Jones arresting a purse snatcher and the 2 citizens who captured him and held him until Cpl. Jones showed up. Here is the pic.


Last night Cpl Jones, along with Cpl. John “Scott” Gardner were killed -- and Cpl. Abel Marquez was critically wounded, while responding to a 911 call.
I ask that your thoughts and prayers go out to their families and a special prayer to help Cpl Marquez with his struggle for life.
Thanks,

[Liz]

Ken,

I heard this on the news. That's absolutely terrible. Please be assured that I will pray for them and their families. Your photo makes it very real. Thanks for sharing your personal loss with us.

Liz

[MJS]

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

[JETA]

My thoughts and prayers and with them and their families. I'm so sorry to hear of such a tragic loss.

[mjs1973]

My thoughts and prayers are also with them and their families. I saw the headling on CNN.com this morning but didn't read the article. After seeing this I went back and read it. Things like this make you realize what a small world we live in. Thanks for making me take a second look at the article Ken.

[I_Fly]

From someone who has a sister-in-law in law enforcement my prayers are also going out to the family.

[another view]

Yes, very small world. I remember when you posted these shots and saw the story but didn't make the connection. My condolences.

[Speed]

My condolances to the families.

We often forget that some do not value human life.

Our prayers are with their familes.

[OBie]

Such a tragedy. Folks who put their lives on their line each time they respond to a call for help, only to be tossed aside as trash. I truly wonder what this world is coming to. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, force, and other officers out there.

[ken1953]

Just a quick note. Cpl. Marquez is still clinging to life, barely. Todays interviews of his brothers, both Police Officers, say they are preparing to let him go, but they have also said that he sometimes seems to start responding, only to fade again. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers for the families.
Cpl Jones and Cpl Gardner will both be laid to rest tomorrow (9/12). I wish I could attend, but Kim and I will probably be busy as we have been all week.

[jorgemonkey]

Wow, my heart goes out to their familes. I looked up the article and its really sad.

Officers, Firefighters, and Paramedics are in my top 5 respected professions.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

What a shame, great shot.

[ken1953]

Thank you everyone for your prayers and thoughts.

Cpl. Gardner was laid to rest this morning.

Cpl. Jones is being laid to rest at this writing. I'm at home watching the services on tv.

Cpl. Marquez still fights for his life.

All we can do now is hope for the best, but odds are bleak at this time for his recovery, but he's proving to be a fighter. Even after being critically wounded, he managed to get out of harms way and kept a couple of passersby out of harms way, before he fell. True heroes all.

[ken1953]

It is with great sadness that I report that Cpl. Marquez has lost his battle. At 3:10 PM, about the time I was writing the previous update and while Cpl. Jones was being laid to rest, Cpl. Marquez succumbed to his wounds.
One last time...I thank you all for sharing your thoughts and prayers and for allowing me to share this horrible event with you.