Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Stephens,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oakland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 13, 2024

Never forgotten. Always honored. Forever missed by those who love him.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05er

November 13, 2022

Rest In Peace Brother. We honor you on the 33rd anniversary of your E.O.W. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 13, 2017

Just wanted to say what a great friend and person chuck was I remember as Teenagers we'd go up to Sequoia National Park and how much fun we had with his cousin Danny Stephens and Russell Stephens. I remember the sad time it was when Chuck's brother Brian died of cancer years ago. Chuck's sister Amber died a few months ago. I know all that knew Chuck we're all that did become better people who knew him.

Larry Dodson

Larry Dodson
Good Friend

July 8, 2016

Deputy Ron James, we worked together with Chuck at Fort Shafter. Please call me when you have a chance so we can reminisce about our good buddy Chuck. Thanks.

Ernie Morgan
US Army (Retired)

April 17, 2015

I remember the morning of November. We met for coffee after line-up and you spoke of Margaret and your baby on the way. You will never be forgotten, Chesley.

Vickie Darnell 7111P
former Oakland PD

February 20, 2015

On this, the 30 year anniversary of the passing of Officer Chesley A. Stephens, his influence and memory for me are as vivid as they ever were.

I first met Chuck while working security in San Bruno and putting myself through the academy. I was younger than Chuck, only 20 years old, but we became fast friends. Chuck was quick to take me under his wing and share his experiences in life and Law Enforcement. I took Chuck hunting and he took me on ride-alongs in Oakland. We shared some great times and I was blessed on occasion to spend time with Chuck in his home with his family.

The last time I spoke to Chuck was on the phone, Thursday, November 08, 1984, when we talked about my upcoming wedding as he was to be my Best Man; a testament of our friendship and my love for Chuck.

After 29 years of my own career I still reflect back on those ride-along days; the stories he told me, and the wisdom he passed on. Chuck was a good Police Officer who knew his business. He had the right blend of compassion and strength, and could be serious without losing his humor. Chuck never lost his humor!

Chesley “Chuck” A. Stephens will always be a part of who I am today, to which I am very grateful.

If any family member wishes to contact me, I can be reached at my office 707 263 3025.

Chief Deputy Dean A. Thornquist
Lake Co. Probation / Mendo Co SO - Retired

October 24, 2014

Chuck. Thanks for the good times at Shafter. You were a class act and a great patrol partner. My only regret is that I didn't get the chance to work with you longer.

Deputy Ron James
SMSO

July 20, 2012

Chuck, you were my first partner as a Military Policeman at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Thanks for all you taught me and for the friendship you and Margaret gave to Wanda and me. You will never be forgotten my friend.

Erne Morgan
US Army

May 17, 2012

Every year since 2009 I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.

A grateful citizen

February 24, 2012

Chuck,

Just returned fom a visit to Hawaii and visited the places where you and I worked together as members of the Military Police.

I remember being interviewed by Oakand PD background investigators prior to you becoming an Oakland Pollice Officer.

I remember visiting you and Margaret every year at your home in the bay area.

You were my best friend Chuck...and I still miss you alot.

God be with you my friend.

Curt

Sgt. Curt Cessna (ret)
Tucson Poice Dept

January 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Stephens. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 16, 2012

It was my pleasure working with you in Dist IV, and the many gatherings we had at my house. You are truly missed by many. Shannon or Chesley, Jr., if you have any questions about your father, please feel free to email me. I worked side by side with him for several years. Chuck and I were work buddies, as well as off duty friends. Vegasjack at AOL dot Com. Jack Lundquist OPD 1972-1993.

Officer Jack R. Lundquist, Jr
partner and friend

July 12, 2010

On the 25th anniversary of Officer Stephens' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Stephens is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

November 13, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Two days a memorial was held for your four brothers from Oakland. Our community is mourning their loss that happened on the darkest day in OPD history.

Rest In Peace.

Shannon, I hope to see you at one of our chapter meetings for the Northern California chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 29, 2009

Chuck, I always smile when I think of our growing up together days in Germany. THe stories we could tell if you were still with us! There is a profound sense of loss at your early departure Chuck. You were a good friend,and are missed - even after these many years. God bless my friend.

John Insani
friend

March 24, 2009

Thank you for your service. God bless you brother.

Sr. Patrolman Kevin Jones
Glynn County (GA) Police Dept.

September 21, 2008

I miss you dad...wish I was able to know you better before you left so soon. I know you are watching over us!

Shannon Stephens
Daughter of Chuck

May 2, 2008

Officer Stephens your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

April 17, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

November 28, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 20, 2007

Chesley was my friend. He was a good man, a good friend, a good father/husband and a good cop. God bless you Chuck.
John L.

Sgt. John Larsen
Retired Oakland / Clearlake / Willits

August 25, 2007

G-d Bless.

November 13, 2006

Gone but not forgotten...God Speed Warrior

Brother In Blue (Utah)

Anonymous

September 4, 2003