Storm's Reflections (Odessa, Tx. Police Shootings)



Posted: Wednesday, September 19, 2007

by Chris Cole
George Cole

I woke up this morning and I had a mission. I was going to visit my good friend Dr. Daniel Cepero who passed way before his time. He was just forty-three years old when he died (11/25/2003) and like the recent deceased officers, Danny is also buried at Sunset Cemetery.

Upon arrival at Sunset, I noticed that Dr. Cepero's headstone was recently redecorated and bronzed. It was beautiful. After I finished talking to Danny about how much I missed him and what had transpired with Officers Jones, Marquez, and Gardner, I became distracted at a  mountain of flowers and wreaths that adorned a grave site. As I started walking towards the odorous mountain of bee heaven, I noticed a small bear wrapped in a United States Flag. The bear was sitting about ten feet away from the other flowers.  When I glanced underneath the bear the marker read "Arlie Jones."  I later figured it out; Arlie was one of the leaders of The Teddy Bear Patrol Program launched in Odessa in the mid 1980's, so it was fitting to mark his grave with a teddy bear. Arlie would have said with a laugh, "Cole, you are not a detective, but a DEFECT-IVE." Implying how slow I was to catch on to the lone teddy bear signaling the location of his burial.

I walked to the huge pile of flowers and observed that it was the grave of Abel Marquez. I did not know Abel, but I do know what he must have gone through. I can sympathize. I can still feel the hot tar burning through my uniform boots while directing traffic in the summer months in Odessa. I can definitely remember how the Kevlar vest stuck to my stomach and the stench it made after working a long day shift. And the constant arguments I had with myself about how hot and uncomfortable I was wearing the vest. I reasoned that I could take it off for just a half hour and cool off and then put it back on, but I thought about what if during that half hour I was in a shoot-out and was killed because I was not wearing the vest. What ended my mental vest debate was one word; Alisha. I thought about Alisha (my six year-old daughter at the time) without a father and I kept the vest on.

I can also remember the vigilant training we incurred at the Odessa Police Department Firing Range. I distinctly recall being issued a new type of security holster (issued to all the uniformed officers at the time). The holster was designed so that a hostile subject could not take a holstered gun from a police officer. To remove the gun, the officer had to rock the gun backwards/forwards and snap two or three snaps and then pull the gun out with a lot of force. Needless to say, it took a lot of practice to become proficient. After being issued my security holster, I can remember the range master yelling out loud, "Let's go ahead and order pizza, Cole is about to TRY to unholster."

All kidding aside, Arlie Jones, Scott Gardner,  Abel Marquez, and even Dr. Daniel Cepero all possessed one common element; They cared. They cared about their fellow man. Not just by words, but by actions. They set a good example and they set the bar high. We should follow their example and care and "do." They strive to make the world a better place...which they did. Even in their passing, they will not be forgotten. Rest assured we will have memorials every September for the officers. And, let us not forget the Daniel Cepero Track and Field Meet which is held at Ratliff Stadium every year. Dan also was instrumental in developing Alliance Hospital.

Let's not cry their passing, but let's rejoice for the changes that they made (and the changes that are going on today). They actually made Odessa a better place to live. They cared while they carried out their duties.

Each one of them is in a mansion in heaven looking down upon our little city. Each one of them knows their duty is complete.  Dr. Cepero's mansion holds a chest that secures a stethoscope and doctor's bag (there is not any sickness with The Son of God). Officers Jones, Garder, and Marquez' mansion chest secures all of their police gear (for, there is not any need for protection when you are with The Protector).

George "Chris" Cole experienced life as a law enforcement officer with a tour of duty lasting over ten years in law enforcement. He is the survivor of two marriages, and continues to meet new people that provide inspiration for many of his articles and short stories. Many of his articles have appeared in national and local publications.

In 2008, Chris abandoned West Texas and its' "Wal-Mart Trees" (Mesquite bushes that grow plastic bags) to move to the green pastures and real trees of Fredericksburg, Texas. Chris continues to work and hone his writing skills while breathing the fresh air of the hill country.

Mr. Cole can be contacted at kriskohl333@gmail.com.

Chris Cole

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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Anonymous
 4 years 250 days ago.
Chris..thank you so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts. They are written in such a way, that even the most hardest heart is touched. Thank you again for your service to the community.God Bless you and yours!
» left by Holly Myers
from Carlsbad, NM 4 years 241 days ago.
Very, very touching and soul touching. I am so sorry to hear about the tragic events in Odessa. Your article reaches into the depths of your pain and the city's and is healing in its approach. Very Good Work!
» left by Jay Johnson from Oak Point TX 354 days 5 hours ago.
Cris, great piece, I remember Danny in the 5th grade (I think) at Gonzeles Elem. in Odessa. The teacher anounced how he was becomong a US citizen that day. He was so proud,...... It makes you wonder about some people, some are here to serve others are here to take (at least at some point in their lives). We were lucky to see Danny and You those fine Officers at a time of life when they "got it" ....they were serving others. Hopefully all will someday see the Light and follow in the Lords perfect example HE set for us when he became Man. He showed us the way.

Jay Johnson
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