Who are they?

Cpl. Arlie Jones

Jones was killed Saturday night in west Odessa. Jones joined the Odessa Police Department in March 1985. In June 2006 he spoke with the OA about the Teddy Bear Patrol.

At the time he said he had been an OPD employee for 21 years and was among the first to pass out the bears.

“All I know is that when I give (the bears) to ’em when something serious happens, their eyes get real big, and you can see the joy in their eyes,” Jones said at the time.

Cpl. J. Scott Gardner

Gardner was killed Saturday night in west Odessa. Gardner served as an animal control officer before joining the police force. He was sworn in as a police officer in April 2003.

At the time, Gardner told the OA he had been interested in law enforcement for quite some time.

“I was in animal control before, and I wanted to promote up and do something different,” Gardner said. “I like being able to be out there helping the public.”

Cpl. Abel Marquez

Marquez was listed in critical condition as of press time Saturday night. Marquez, from Odessa, joined his two brothers in the Odessa Police Department in February 2001.

At the time, he told the OA he wanted to join the force to be around people — something his previous job as a jailer at the Ector County Detention Center did not offer.

“I wanted to be out on patrol and be around people,” Marquez said. “I’m looking forward to all of it. I welcome anything that comes my way.”