Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Always remembered.

Judge /Magistrate/SC Trooper Sheridan Ly
Judicial

July 16, 2023

Pvt. Stephenson,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 16, 2022

Rest easy brother.

Judge /Magistrate/SCTeooper Sheridan Lyn
Judicial

July 16, 2022

The person to shoot Stevenson he should stay in jail for the rest of his life… For someone to shoot a law-enforcement for protecting children is wrong in my book.

Victoria Blackwood and Kathy Lee hunt
He was a cop and he was looking out for kids and this person shut him

October 30, 2021

Rest in peace Private Stephenson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 16, 2020

God forbid he had handcuffed a student. How terribly sad that short minded individuals who have never in their lives done any kind of police work are allowed to dictate policy that, in this particular instance, caused your murder. The impression is given that now that the policy has been changed. We can only pray that is the case.

Private Stevenson, being a father, you know what it's like to raise kids and being a cop in a school system, you know that there are more good kids than bad, but the bad ones can be dangerous. You know it better than almost anyone.

At least you had the means to fight back. Some police officers are not afforded those tools which could potentially save their lives or the lives of others. I grant you, having a firearm that night didn't save you, but it may have saved the life of the custodian. Who knows if your murderer would have gone on to kill that person as well? How many lives will be lost before simple minded administrations wake up to the reality that, Police Officers should be armed.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, but a terrible tragic loss for the RCBE, your Brothers and Sisters in Blue, and especially for those who knew and loved you best.

On this 18th anniversary of your sacrifice, I honor you and know that God has Blessed you and hope and pray you are eternally at Rest, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 16, 2015

I knew Michael, who did so much with the youngsters.
I was privileged to have worked with him and his fellow
Officers.
He was a great person and Officer .

Private Richard Giroux (Retired)
Richmond County Marshals Office

January 29, 2013

Thank you for your heroism sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Private Stephenson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 3, 2012

MAN WE WERE STATION TO GATHER IN REPUBLIC OF KOREA, WE GAVE YOU PLAQUA OF APPRICIATION AT CAMP EDWARDS WEST OF THE DMZ,I CAME HOME HOME IN 1992 AN LOW IN BEHOLD YOU WAS IN YA POLICE CAR IN FRONT OF ME I LOOKED UP AND DAM WE GOT OUT OF THE CARS LIKE TO LONG LOST BROTHERS.I WILL NEVER FORGET THE MANY FOOTBALL FLAG GAMES WE PLAYED AND BASKET BALL AN OUR TALKS ABOUT LANEY & GLENN HILLS AND THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPION SHIP BEFORE I HAD TO ATTEND PLDC,MIKE COACH DUPREE LOVED YOU AS A FRAT AND A SON AND MAN I LOVE YOU AS MY YOUNG BROTHER SO R.I.P. MY BRO AND WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOME DAY ALSO YA SON WAS ON GLENN HILS FIRST BASKETBALL CHAMPION SHIP AND I SAW YOU IN HIM IN THE WINNS.........PEACE AND LOVE FOREVER MIKE ,,,,,,,JELLYROLL55 C\O 1984 LCL.

DARRICK D. PRICE \JELLYROLL SGT
U.S. ARMY\GA NAT

March 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirteenth 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 who was murdered in 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 16, 2010

Mike here thinking of you and reflecting on the good times. Good will always bless you, your wife, and your chidren. My prayers will always be with you. I think sometimes that I see you. That is because you spirit will always be with me. God bless you.

Manager
Norkfolk Southern Railroad

October 22, 2009

He was a great Officer and individual, who always enjoyed his work with the children.
And especially playing sports with them and helping the youngsters with their problems.
I also remember seeing his wife after the incident at their residents with other Officers from the RCBE Public Safety at the house.
While I was passing by to go knocking at someone's door down the street.
I was working with the Richmond County Marshals Office.
I was one of many that attended the Funeral Services.
But I'll always remember walking into the house, and seeing his wife crying with the other ladies.
These ladies all worked together at 911 Dispatch.
And they were so pleased to see me, at such a circumstance.
And I will always remember my experiences with the welcome I received.
Later that year in October, my family and I returned to Maine.
Where for six years I worked with the York County Sheriffs Department.
I am now retired with service connected back injuries.
I wished that I could of worked with Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety.
But I remember the times that I did work along side with the RCBE, and the experiences of the football games as well as the basketball games.
I'll always remember Michael and who he was connected to.
He will never be forgotten for what he stood for.
Sincerely,
Richard Giroux

Richard P. Giroux
I was a friend with the RCMD

March 22, 2009

"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

October 10, 2007

It's been ten (10) years brother and it's all still fresh in my mind. The call from Scott that morning; the search; the service; it is all clear as if it were yesterday. Many things have changed but much has remained the same. I am ashamed I did not keep in touch with Sonya and the boys.
I know this is a "reflections" page and I will leave one at closing. To all who knew Mike we know a great future was taken away and for those who did not know, you missed out on a great person. I did not take the opportunity to speak of you in depth at the funeral because I wished to take care of another matter but allow me now to say a few words.
I remember you and I in the Academy together. Taking our PT together. Riding togther and next to each other on our beats. Our remember the bet you, Scott and I made and how Terry ended up on the losing end. I remember you leaving the department and looking for a better future. It's a shame that duty calls for all to be given from time to time, but it does and it's officers like you that give us all a good image to uphold.
I miss you brother as I know all do. God speed until we meet again.
With love and respect,
Your partner and friend,
Richard "Tricky Dick" Dixon

A great song from Annie Lennox:

Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping

What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass

Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say: «We have come now to the end»
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping

And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West

Richard Dixon, Training Manager
Georgia Public Safety Training Center

July 13, 2007

When I was in the 8th grade at Glenn Hills Middle School, he was the officer there..I remember him telling me and my friend. "YA'll go to class". Everyday he told us the same thing..He was a great person and not only was he a officer but a FRIEND!! Thanks FOR the memories. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY!! RIP Officer Stephenson!!

Altavia "Hightower" Boyd
Friend

August 3, 2006

When people ask me today why I became a police officer, the best one word answer I can think of is "children."

You worked everyday to protect and safeguard children and in my opinion there is no greater responsibility.

God bless you Michael! You have earned your place in heaven.

Officer
Phoenix PD

September 21, 2005

RESPONDED TO A BURGLARY, FOUND SOMEONE ON THE PROPERTY, AN 18 YEAR OLD "ADULT", ARRESTED THIS "ADULT", AND COULDN'T CUFF HIM BECAUSE WE SHOULDN'T UPSET HIS PARENTS. WERE HIS PARENTS UPSET HE WAS OUT AT THAT HOUR? I DOUBT IT. AND THIS FINE OFFICER LOST HIS LIFE BECAUSE HE COULDN'T DO HIS JOB PROPERLY. WHAT A TRAGEDY!
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

August 23, 2005

Michael,

Let us hope that your tragic loss has served to make your fellow officers safe. Your loss, due in large measure to a preposterous policy regarding criminal suspects, should serve to demonstrate the foolishness of being overly sensitive and politically correct when lives are on the line.

To your family and co-workers I send out my deepest sympathy. God be with you til you meet Michael again!!

Former Police Officer and Attorney
Tacoma, WA

February 25, 2005

I'll be happy to see the day when children, minors, etc. are treated as they act. If a child or adolescent is suspected of a crime, or perpetrates a crime of adult magnitude, they should be treated accordingly.

~~~To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 23, 2005

05/30/04

I hope the Board of Education has since changed its unbelieveable policy. We need to think about saving lives instead of possibly "upsetting" someone. You died a hero sir. Rest in piece.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 30, 2004

This is a terrible tragedy. It angers me to think that your employer would have a policy that prohibits the handcuffing of a burglary suspect. There is no doubt in my mind that this policy played a major role in this terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Look down upon us from up there and watch us. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace brother.

Texas Peace Officer

May 21, 2004

How sad. Rest in peace sir. God Bless

Shannon
private citizen

February 24, 2004

You will not be forgotten. I wish you could have seen the outpouring of support during your funeral. You would have been proud to see the assortment of uniforms and the support from agencies all over the southern U.S. May God bless your family and be with you.

Lt. Andy Shedd
Columbia Co. S.O. (GA)