Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Steve your dedication and sacrifice is remembered and will not be forgotten. 25 years ago you gave your life in the line of duty to protect the citizens of the borough of Kane. God Bless you and your family.

Maryanne and Ron Peterson

March 4, 2024

Patrolman Jerman,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kane Borough. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 20, 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)

February 20, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

February 20, 2020

Remember Steve for going the extra mile for his love of his community. Students loved him and respected him as school DARE officer.
When replica Vietnam wall came to town, they needed 24-hour security. Steve used vacation time to volunteer to stay 24/7 in his camper at wall site.
Steve was the volunteer cook for breakfast during the annual police Memorial Day program in Kane.
He loved kane and Kane loves him still.

Ted lutz
Kane republican daily newspaper

January 20, 2018

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

February 20, 2015

Steve was my cousin. My mom had told me he got to hold me as a baby, but now I'm 14 and that was less than 13 years ago. My grandfather Chuck Kepler, does the memorial race for him. Steve, I know we really never met, but I miss you and every year when we have this race, I realize another year went by without you. We miss you.

Aubrie Shrubb
Cousin

October 17, 2012

I grew up and was raised outside the town where Steve lived and died. My father was the Game Protector in that area and used to love taking Steve German as a boy to the Hi La Sportsman's Club in Russell City. Steve also rode with him on occasion, and I'd love to believe that my father's love of justice and "right" is what helped Steve become a policeman. I had a lot of respect for Steve, both as a teenager and as a man. My condolences to his family and his friends. Kane, Pennsylvania lost a true hero that night in 1999.

Susan Williams-Russell
Friend

May 24, 2012

Steve was an icon growing up. Now that I am a law enforcement officer, not a day goes by that I don't think about you while putting my vest on. I am proud to call you a brother...rest easy sir.

Deputy Lance Schul
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office - Golden, CO

August 23, 2011

Patrolman Jerman, You are not forgotten. God bless you and your family.

sa ellen pierson
US DHS

March 8, 2011

What can one say except, We were friends...Rest in peace my brother. Job well done.

Asst. Chief 520 Tom Aiello Ret.
Kane Vol Fire Dept.

May 15, 2010

Steve was not only a member of our Police force, He was a great friend and neighbor. Miss his presence every day. he was a very humble man. His loss was a very sad opening of a lot of eyes. And how important any traffic stop is.

Dennis Kribbs
Kane Fire Dept ret.

February 14, 2010

To Patrolman Steven Michael Jerman, his loved ones, and his fellow patrolmen:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Steven. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Steve gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 20, 1999.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

February 20, 2009

RIP BROTHER

P.O.
RUTGERS PD

November 25, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND DEDICATION. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

CITY OF OLEAN POLICE, NEW YORK

June 20, 2008

Ironic that the punk that felled you was the same type you were trying to reach.
Sounds like you believed in what you did and excelled at it. You made a huge
impact and I hope you realized how deeply you were loved and admired. Thanks for your service and sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 9, 2008

I was fortunate to have met Steve when I was sent to Kane to build the Police department's radio system. I was to install 3 base units around the town, a remote unit in the hospital, 3 police cars and a couple public works mobile units. I thought that I was going to be there at least a week as I was working by myself. Steve would not let that happen, and He provided me with the towns Fire department ladder truck to install my antennas. He helped me pull cables in buldings and even helped to install all of the mobile units. All of the while we were together we developed a friendship. Fixing Police radios, you develop a little bit of an "attitude problem" in your relationship with the customers, i.e. the police, Steve changed the way that I thought about policemen and women from that point foreward. He was doing all of this help for me on his day off! I was finished in 2 long days instead of 5.
Kane was blessed to have this fine man as a citizen and a Police Officer. His tragic death in the line of duty is truly a loss for his Family, Friends, and the town of Kane.
I will always remember him with fond admiration and appreciation

John Rompala
Former Radio Tech, Syntonic Technology

March 23, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 15, 2008

Small town or big city, a cop is a cop, I remember seeing all those officers who paid tribute to you, god bless, your never forgotten.

CPL Mark Allio
Knox Borough Police Department

May 27, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten.Patrolman Jerman, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.Thank you for serving the citizens and children of your community.It takes a special person to be involved in the D.A.R.E. program, and based upon what I have read, you are one of those people.

SPO/D.A.R.E. Officer
Va

February 20, 2007

I remember when this tragedy occurred. I had been through Kane several times and it alway impressed me as being the typical small American town. I pass through every couple years to visit a friend of mine who is confined to a facility in Marienville. I remember seeing the memorial at the site, shortly after the incident and I was struck by the incredible waste of the whole thing. I think the pristine surroundings of Kane add to the tragedy. You would thinnk things like this only happened in our big cities. I remember talking to a female clerk at a convenience store and she said what a well-respected and loved person Steve was. The rest of us can only hope to attain that level of respect and courage. Rest well my brave brother. Mike

Lt. Michael Worczak (Ret)
Amherst NY Police Department

January 5, 2007

Reading all of your reflections left by colleagues and other law enforcement officers, it is obvious you were quite respected and admired. I would like to say thank you for your service and dedication and hope you always look out for your brother and sister officers from up there in Heaven.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 14, 2006

Officer Jerman,

I remember back when I was in grade school, your dedication to showing us young children the right path in life. I remember how great it was as a young child to hear all the great and exciting stories you have told and the fine education we have received from your presentations. I remember the pride you have taken in patrolling the streets of our small town. Officer Jerman, your time and dedication in the D.A.R.E program has made a difference in many lives including my own. Well Officer Jerman, the young child you once guided in life is now 24 years old.
I am currently working the evening shift patrolling the streets of Ocean City, Maryland as a Police Officer. I have worked the past 4 years serving the citizens of Ocean City. I will soon be transferring to Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria VA located just minutes from Washington D.C. I can't help but think that your guidance in my early life has brought me to this point. I thank you Officer Jerman for your sacrifice. Your dedication in life has proved to be a success.
I know that you'll be watching over me as I follow in your footsteps. Thank you, God Bless you and your family. I will always think of you when I patrol the streets. I will always serve my community with pride and dedication just as you did ours. Rest easy Officer Jerman. Someday we will meet again, and this time share our exciting stories.

OFC. Brad Cecchetti
Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City MD

July 6, 2004