Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

it’s been 50 years….. I wish you were here. I wish I got to see and meet the wonderful man you were. I wonder how different my life would’ve been if you were alive. would I have been happier? would I have amazing memories around holidays? I wish you were alive so you could’ve seen what i’ve accomplished. would you be proud ? I hope i’m making you proud, I’m trying so hard. You would love my boyfriend Bryan, he works in law enforcement as well, he is such a gentleman and takes such good care of me. My mother told me to make sure I find a man like my father and I truly think I did. Do you see my dad? Is he just like you ? I have always wondered that….. only because i’m just like my dad …… and to know that he may be just like you helps me feel like in a way i’m just like you too grandpa…. I wish you were here to see my achievements. Your son ….. my father…. is an amazing man…. you would be so proud…. he is so smart, kind, funny, supportive, selfless, and the best dad In the entire world. I hope you see us…. I hope you’re proud. I always looked at your picture in my house growing up wondering about the man you were… never getting to hear stories because my dad was too young to remember anything about you….. seeing all of these stories about you from all the people who love you….. makes me realize we may be lot a like after all….. my dad and I get it from you ! I love you grandpa…. i hope you’re resting easy watching over me…. watch over my dad too…. send him signs….. make sure he knows you’re there… he needs you.

Katarina Stephenson
Granddaughter

December 14, 2024

Patrolman Stephenson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Richmond. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 13, 2024

It has been 50 years and you should know you are not forgotten. Your peers and the citizens of Richmond remember you and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest peacefully.

H. Penn Burke
Citizen of Richmond VA and Grandson of J. Harvey Burke EOW 7/28/1925

December 13, 2024

Patrolman Stephenson, you are not forgotten by the men and women of New England law enforcement. RIP

Retired Detective Michael Kane
Boston Police

June 16, 2024

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 13, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Stephenson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2019

Today I attended the Richmond Police Department Memorial Service for Officers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our city and our community. My grand father J. Harvey Burke gave his life in service in 1925 and I was there today to honor and remember his service While at today's service I had the pleasure of meeting your son. He is a fine young man and I could tell that he misses and honors you tremendously.

Thank you for your service and may God always watch over you and your family. R.I.P.

H. Penn Burke
Grandson of Sgt. J. Harvey Burke

May 12, 2015

Thinking about you partner and all the havoc on the bad streets we reaked. We had so much fun and made so many arrests. I miss you Steve, With brotherly love and utmost respect, I am, Jim Crotty

Special Agent, ATF (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police

May 7, 2015

It has been 40 yrs ago today since we lost my brother Stevie. I went to the newly opened Commonwealth Public Safety Memorial today to see his name on the wall to honor him on this solemn anniversary. It will never be enough to take the pain away, but it was a lovely gift that memorialized not only his sacrifice but all those in Virginia that lost their life in the line of duty. The loved ones will never forget, but now every one who takes the time to look at the names on the memorial will remember.

Kim Wade
Sister

December 13, 2014

Miss you Ray . . thanks for always remembering . .

Jim Crotty, former RPD Officer
ATF Special agent (Ret.)

November 23, 2013

Well Stevie it has been many years since You left this world. Not many days have passed that I have'nt thought of You and Lee. I along with my partner (Donnie Robinson .) served on the Task Force together with You and Lee. And were at a call at Richmond Memorial Hospital with You and Lee just prior to leaving to assist another brother officer. You and Lee were driving behind me and Donnie.When You and Lee wrecked we immediately turned around to give assist' Unfortenately we were not able to save You and Lee. I along with Donnie cried like young kids. Still think about you and Lee. I know you and Lee are in a much better place.

Patrolman Ray Walker
Richmond P.D, Friend

March 7, 2013

I am Stevie's little sister. I have to say, with tears running down my cheeks, how special this website is to me. I just found it today. Reading all the warm thoughts of my brother after all these years has reminded me that his loss did not only impact his immediate family. We are not the only ones who still love him & feel his absence everyday.

Even until my mothers dying day, she still saw him everytime she saw a Richmond City Police Officer in uniform. My parents are now buried next to him. I personally take comfort in that. A parent never gets over the loss of a child & I know my parents never did.

I passed most of the pictures of Stevie, from my parents home, on to Robbie & his children. I hope to someday be able to tell his grandchildren about their grandfather from a little sisters perspective. I'm very thankful that they now will get to read about him from friends & coworkers perspective as well.

Thank you, with all my heart for this memorial. I will charish it always, along with all of you who have written on it. I am so thankful I found it & will tell my brother Terry & my sister Cindy as well. I will also put it on my Facebook for Robbie & Wanda. I'm sure they will be as touched as I am.

Kim Stephenson Wade
Sister

February 16, 2013

Hey Steve, 38 years ago today . . the world lost you . . I lost my best friend , and the City of Richmond lost a great warrior. I left you a nice memorial on Face Book buddy . . it says it all. Love ya buddy . . I'll be checking in . . your best friend in the world, Jim

ATF Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Policeman

December 13, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.


I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you. It is reassuring to know that the ties that bind partners such as those between yourself and Jim Crotty are timeless. Time never diminishes respect. You and Lee are both honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

Hello Steve, as Donna wrote, 37 years have come and gone . . without you and Lee . . everyone's loss, especially Wanda and your son, Robbie. There were so many others that loved you too, and I was one of them. You and I worked together, in the same selective unit, during the most violent and dangerous era in law enforcement history, the early to mid 1970s . . and in the most dangerous sections of what was at the time, one of the most violent and violent cities in the country . . . you and I defied that violence, and reeked havoc on street crime . . making drug arrests every night, bar none. I don't think any other 2 policemen have ever"clicked" like we did . . I was "you" and you were "me." You were awesome . . you made your mark Steve, you accomplished more in your brief stay, than many would in a career. . . you contributed so much . . gave so much of yourself, protected so many, who will never know you protected them . . you made Richmond, Virginia a safer place for all of us.

I was honored, and will be forever thankful to have been teamed with you . . I often wonder if it was by somebody's design . . you and me working the same unit . . seems too incredible to have been a coincidence.

If we weren't in a foot chase, a vehicle pursuit or arresting and fighting with "drones" . . we were working our vehicle drug profile . . successfully working our drug profile . . it was early drug interdiction buddy . . long before its time . . when you'd say "Jim, let's stop those guys" . . you never missed . . .damn you were good Steve.

It was after your death, that the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial (NLEOM) offered all survivors, very sharp blue metal band bracelets, with the fallen officers titles and names, their agencies, EOW dates, and the panel and line their name could be found on the memorial. I'd buy one, wear it out, get another, wear it out, again and again. Finally, I had a jeweler make one of sterling silver, and engrave it just as the NLEOM ones were engraved. I wore it every day for 20 years . . and earlier today, mailed it to Donna Armstrong, who is one of your most loyal supporters, saw the wreckage of your accident that night . . and less than an hour later, was there, with me, and mostly for me, as I learned what had happened to you and Lee.

Well Steve, I'll be dropping in on you and Lee, and everyone else, from time to time . . and you can rest assured that I'll be here December 13, 2012, talking to you again. Tell the others "Crotty loves them" . . take it easy Steve, I love you buddy. Until later, "Richmond, mark Unit 679 "10-7," 10-42."

ATF Special Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Best friend and Richmond Police partner of Steve's

December 13, 2011

I cannot believe it's been 37 years. Only yesterday I heard your laugh and saw that croooked little "guess what I just did" smile. Wanda and I have become close again and life is still hard for me. I hope you guys have caught up to my son Graig and I know you and Lee are on the "welcoming committee" up there as you patrol the streets of gold. Look down on us and keep us safe and I will be talking to you in the moonlight at 11:10 p.m. tomorrow night. LOVE YA!!!

Donna Armstrong, Patrolman
Richmond Bureau of Police, Retired, close friend

December 12, 2011

Steve, it's been 36 years, to the minute, since you and Lee were taken from us, that terrible night. Hey Steve . . did you and Lee hear me . . I was outside talking to you, just like the past 35 years . . at 11:10 p.m. When are you 2 going to give me that "sign?" Your name has been spoken and written more than EVER this past year . . everyone has computers . . and we all communicate with each, where ever we are. Dave Beverley has created a place where just retired Richmond Policemen, and their police friends can write to each other . . instant messages. We "talk" about you and Lee constantly. Because of it, there is a tremendous amount of good energy and love being sent to you and Lee tonight . . we've all been talking and sharing our thoughts and memories of you two friends and warriors.

I pray you all know it . . hope you feel it . . Donna Armstrong's talking to you tonight too Steve. . . like me and so many countless others, she loved you (and it never stops). All of us still here, constantly communicating with each other, sharing stories of you and Lee . . constantly . . . keeps you alive in our hearts . . bigger than "life."

Two days after you and Lee were taken from us, Wanda gave me the extra bullet dump pouch you had on your duty belt that night. I've touched it every day since. . but on November 6, 2010, I gave it to Dave Martin who is the curator for the new Richmond Police Museum . . it will be displayed there, with your picture and story, for all to see and appreciate. Hope that's okay with you (if not, well, send me a sign:-) !!

We're all celebrating your life Steve, short as it was, and we're celebrating Lee's life, too short also. But we had you the years that we did . . and you were loved, respected and admired, by all . . but nobody to the degree of your best friend buddy! I'll check in with you from time to time, and next December 13, 2011, around 11:10 p.m., I'll be talking to you... be listening. Rest easy Steve . . know you're loved and admired, by all friends and police that know you, and all that will come to know of you. Don't want to let go, feeling close . . . but I've got to check in with Lee. "679, 10-7, 10-42" for now.

Your best friend ever, & Richmond Police Task Force Partner, Jim

Jim Crotty
Best Friend/Task Force Partner

December 13, 2010

The Richmond Police Department was a second home to my family over the years, having my grandfather, 2 great uncles, 1 uncle, 2 cousins and my father on serving on the RPD. The loss of a RPD officer for me is like loosing a family member. In 1974 you were only 2 years older than I was. It is with great Respect and Gratitude that I say Thank You for your dedication to the City of RIchmond, the RPD and ultimately your greatest sacrifice protecting us all.

Vanessa Duling-St.Clair

Anonymous

December 13, 2010

May God bless you and your family Steve. You are not forgotten.

Kyle E. Barnette, DHS/ICE/SSA (Retired)

December 13, 2010

No anniversary Steve, no event . . . just thinking about you, Lee, Harry, Alan, Vernon and all the others . .I told somebody special about you today . . spoke your name. You were the best . . I miss you. Wanda and Robbie are fine . . rest easy. Tell Lee I miss that Boston accent and that our Red Sox are looking good (tell him to give me a "sign" at Fenway in October . . I'll be looking)!

Steve's best friend

July 24, 2010

Steve, you've been gone 35 years, this date. I'll speak your name until my EOW, then I'll look for you. Rest easy Steve. Your best friend always, Jim

Special Agent Jim Crotty (Ret.)
Bureau of ATF

December 13, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Patrolman Stephenson.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 22, 2008

I was seven going on eight years old when Steve died. I lived on Repp st. Fairlawn in Highland Springs. Steve and Wanda were neighbors. Wanda used to babysit me often. This was during her pregnancy and shortly after their son was born. I wanted to be a policeman, like alot of kids, and Steve was my hero. When he was home in the evenings often he would call or visit and ask if I wanted to watch Police Story with him. I always did and looked forward to when we had the chance. Steve would patiently explain the show as only a policeman could to a seven year old. He truly was my hero. I remember the night he died vividly. It was the first time I experienced loss on that level. For a while afterwards I would look out my window, waiting for Steve to pull up by some miracle and give me the salute we always passed between us. But he never did. Wanda gave me one of his Police Cadet shirts, grey with a yellow shoulder patch, which I treasured for a long time. We moved about five years later and my life turned into a living hell. So bad in fact that now at forty one years old Im only beginning to be able to talk about it. Steve was the first of many good and decent people to disappear from my life. I came across this website by accident on google and just seeing my old heros face brought back some of the few good memories I had. I only wish that he didnt have to go when he did. Rest in Peace Steve. P.S That damn hippie degenerate Kenny Hayden wasnt my biological father after all. Thank the Good Lord for that.

Steven Hayden
friend

May 27, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 7, 2008

Steve,

Another year come and gone . . . another year without what should have been . . . you with Wanda and you son Robbie, looking forward to Christmas and a happy new year. Christmas has never been the same to me Steve . . . you and Lee have missed 32 of them . . soon to be 33. It's all so unfair. At 2305 hours I'll go in my back yard and talk to you guys . . be listening. I love you Steve . . . you were my best friend in the world and Task Force partner . . . God did we have a ball!

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, Virginia Police Officer and best friends with E.H. Stephenson . . . a great man, father and warrior.)

Special Agent Jim Crotty
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (Ret.)

December 13, 2007