ON THE DEATH OF OFFICER MARC T. ATKINSON.
Officer Marc Todd Atkinson was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 26, 1999 at the age of twenty-eight.
Officer Atkinson was born in Pocatello, Idaho on August 16, 1970. At a young age, he moved to Colorado with his family. After graduating from high school in 1988 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Beginning in 1990, he proudly participated in Operation Desert Storm. His service decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. In 1992, Officer Atkinson was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as Lance Corporal and moved to Arizona to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer.
In 1994, Officer Atkinson began his career with the City of Phoenix Police Department as a patrol officer at the Desert Horizon Precinct. Two years later, Officer Atkinson transferred to the Maryvale Precinct. He exemplified professionalism and integrity as a patrol officer on the 83F Squad. He loved being a police officer. He was known for promptly answering radio calls and for his exceptional communication skills with citizens. He was a hardworking and dedicated officer. He received numerous commendations for his work including a commendation for his dedication to duty and employee excellence for an unselfish act of kindness in assisting a citizen. He also received a departmental commendation for a stolen vehicle investigation that resulted in the identification of two home invasion suspects.
Despite the responsibility for a family and the rigors of his job, Officer Atkinson gave selflessly of his time, energy and abilities to various community organizations. He participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and generously donated a portion of his salary to the Tuition Assistance for Police Survivor program.
Throughout his brief career, Officer Atkinson faced many risks in his efforts to enforce the law and to maintain a safe and orderly community. On March 26, 1999 while working on patrol surveillance in the Maryvale Precinct, Officer Atkinson was ambushed by three gunmen and was killed.
On March 26, 1999 the citizens of this state lost a friend. A friend who placed the safety and well-being of others above his own and who truly represented the best traits of humanity, heroism, sacrifice and the spirit of service to others. The citizens of this state owe Officer Atkinson an extraordinary debt of gratitude for his tremendous service and ultimate sacrifice.
Marc Atkinson was dedicated to his family and is survived by his wife, Karen, his son, Jeremy, his mother, Rita, his sister, April, his brother, Darin and his grandparents. He will be greatly missed by his family, his squad members, his colleagues at the Phoenix Police Department and his many friends.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the House of Representatives sincerely regret the passing of Officer Marc Todd Atkinson and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and many friends.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 6, 1999.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 6, 1999.
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