I want to tell you about a very special person by the name of Marcus Charles.
Marcus joined HighCom Security Services nine years ago, and among the plethora of shifts and events and special projects we’ve done together, Marcus also spent years working very closely with me on our Red-Team style supervision check-ups, surveillance detection courses and various undercover operations.
Marcus spent 27 years in the US Army Reserve and 27 years in the New York Police Department. During his service in the NYPD, Marcus worked in SVU, Robbery, Security & Intelligence and Undercover Narcotics. His last position was Chief of Detectives Office.
Marcus retired in 1997 but was called back into service after the September 11th attacks. He initially worked in Ground Zero and later joined a special counter-terror investigations unit.
During his years in HighCom, Marcus was a fantastic operator and detail leader. He was a cunningly inventive Red-Team supervisor—utilizing ingenious disguises and elaborate penetration tactics. He was also practically invisible as a hostile surveillance role-player during the surveillance detection courses we ran together. I would almost always have to extend the field exercises or purposely instruct Marcus to be a bit more obvious by the end of the course—just to give the SD trainees a fighting chance at detecting him. (Marcus actually had a starring role in a number of the stories I feature in my book)
Many of the people who knew him probably didn’t realize that in addition to his long and interesting law enforcement and security career, Marcus was an all-around fascinating person. He was a professional actor, model, long-time consultant on the original Law & Order TV show and a tennis pro whose passion was teaching tennis to children.
Earlier this week, Marcus passed away unexpectedly.
It would be an understatement to say that everyone who knew him is going through a very difficult time right now. So much more than his fascinating career and life story, Marcus was a loving husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. He was without a doubt one of the most kind-hearted, gentle and sweet people I have ever known.
May death be not proud to have taken him. And even if you’ve never had the privilege of knowing Marcus, I hope you now know a bit about him—and miss him.
RIP BROTHER…..IT WAS A PLEASURE AND A PRIVILEGE TO WROK WITH A SUCH A COOL GUY AND A GREAT COP IN THE 24 ANTI CRIME…..
Marcus was my partner in 24 anti-crime and RIP for many years.We never had to worry who had our backs,we always each other’s.Marcus was a gentle soul and a great person that will always be a special part of my life.Rest in peace my brother. Your partner and friend,Tony Trotta ✝️🙏🏽
Marcus Charles…. a name that brings wonderful thoughts about a wonderful man. In my rookie days in the 24 Pct. Marcus took the time to teach me about police work. He taught not only with words but by example. Soft spoken but effective words that would calm others down. A true gentleman. Rest in Paradise my friend. Your passing is earth’s cry but heavens smile.
It was a True pleasure to have know & worked with Marcus in the 24pct. May he have a special place in the hereafter!
Gerry Melody
24 Pct.
Good Cop back in the Seventies. Lost contact after leaving the 24.RIP MARCUS.
RIP gentle soul. God has a spot for you. Jeff Baynon 24 Pct.
Deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest In Peace Brother. Al Torrado 24Pct
May he Rest in Peace. Prayers for his family! Roy Alberti 24 Pct.
Marcus my friend, you were a Cops Cop, may your loving and gentle soul, be at peace.
Marcus, you were a great cop and solid brother..I had so many laughs and adventures with you..wonderful memories..RIP my brother..Mike Sheehan
It was a privilege to have known and worked with Marcus, One of the guys who made the 24 Pct a great place.. He will be missed.
Gene Calligaris 24 anti-crime
Marcus, RIP, although we never worked together while in the 24 I remember you well and always had deep respect for you. Jerry Zandman
Marcus had a soft voice when he spoke, but one tough cop. May you rest in peace
Marcus was a true friend, always a gentleman, and kind hearted. May he rest in eternal peace.
Marcus was not only a friend and one of my partners for 4 years in the 24 Anti Crime but the apitomy of what a NYPD Police Officer was all about. RIP my brother
RIP BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
He was my inspiration growing up on the corner of 100 Street and Douglas project to become a Police Officer. He had many conversations with the kids on the corner, even attempted to get us into tennis. I’m now retired and had a wonderful career. Thank you Marcus for that. The The community in the 24 pct loved and respected Marcus. RIP my brother!
Hector Santiago
Marcus was a great person who loved the job. Always had a smile. Rest is Peace brother. Condolences to his family. Joe Stainkamp 24pct, retired
Marcus, yes it’s so much one can say about a man who served his country and served his community with honor and respect. Marcus always managed to have a kind word followed with a smile no matter what the situation was. Rest in Peace. Condolences to his family.
Marcus always took care of the rookies when they got transferred into the precinct, what a gentleman. Marcus you will be missed, my condolences to the family and the 24 family
Marcus always had a smile on his face and a good word say. He was a good cop and a good man. RIP. ED BRADLEY 24 Pct.
Hector Camacho 24Rip
Marcus may the Lord be with you and may you find peace. RIP my brother
God bless
Good man, good COP, Rest In Peace.