 | |  | Police Officer Albert Steward
Philadelphia Police Department
Pennsylvania
Saturday, October 24, 1925 |
Rest in peace as we will always remember you. Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-10-24
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service. VanDenBerghe
NH
2007-10-19
"Albert Steward was my grandfather. He died in the line of duty in a gunfight when my father, the youngest of seven, was five years old. I was told many times during my upbringing of his bravery and dedication to public service. I hope my own work in law enforcement and emergency services reflects well upon his spirit. I only wish I could have met him." ~~Richard Steward, Senior Investigator
Massachusetts Attorney General
I'm quite sure your grandfather would be very proud of you! Donna
Philadelphia citizen
2005-10-24
Godspeed Officer Steward
The Final Inspection
The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"
Author Unknown Donna
Philadelphia citizen
2005-10-24
Albert Steward was my grandfather. He died in the line of duty in a gunfight when my father, the youngest of seven, was five years old. I was told many times during my upbringing of his bravery and dedication to public service. I hope my own work in law enforcement and emergency services reflects well upon his spirit. I only wish I could have met him. Richard Steward, Senior Investigator
Massachusetts Attorney General
2005-04-15
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