Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In my thoughts. Class 453

S. Berntsen
Bremerton

March 26, 2024

Rest in peace.

J.R.

March 7, 2023

Miss you every day buddy

Tim McClung

March 7, 2023

I caught shoplifters with Steve when we worked together at Bartell Drugs. He helped train me, and was friendly and generous. I enjoyed my time with him.

Chris Gray
Former Bartell Drugs L.P.

July 25, 2022

All of us at DMPD still miss Stevie and we try to make sure our community always remembers his ultimate sacrifice. I retired from DMPD in 2019 (after thirty years of service), and in 2021 I had a Memorial Bench installed at our Des Moines Beach Park to honor him and to make sure no one ever forgets. I have a photo of that if you would like to see it, I am very proud to have enabled his memory~

DMPD Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson
Des Moines Police Department

July 23, 2022

I had the privilege and honor of babysitting Steven for several years starting when he was 10 months old. We considered him a member of our family. He was deeply loved. It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since Steven passed.
I think of him often and say a prayer for his mother and those that loved him..

Linda Hanson
Friend

December 15, 2021

My name is Tami Michaels. While waiting for a prescription at Walgreens in Burien WA, I saw a bumper sticker with Officer Steve Underwood’s name as an officer who was lost in the line of duty. God bless his family and fellow officers for their loss. Thank you for posting his name on a car. While it breaks my heart to read about his life, I am grateful that this Thanksgiving I will pray that we all remember the sacrifice of Officer Steve Underwood. God bless you for sharing his name with me on the back of a car.

Tami Michaels
None

November 23, 2021

I had no idea there was a memorial park in Steve’s name.
I will never forget the day I came home from a work trip in Vancouver, Canada, I was half asleep in my bedroom with the news on in the background while unpacking. At one point I heard his name— & some news story about a police officer being shot to death— at first I thought “for sure I heard that name wrong” but, in the worst way— I knew. I called a friend, Brian, who would still see Steve from time-to-time and he confirmed it.
I spent a lot of time with Steve in the mid to late 80s & early 90s. At whatever point in our groups we all kinda grew apart/moved around as young people often do. I always figured I’d run into him someplace, someday so many mutual friends n all.
I went to his service with Brian and I must be honest, during the slideshow of old photos we laughed a little at a few of the teen- early twenties pix, we got some stink-eye for that— but I know Steve would have found the pix amusing too. Such great memories and the clothes & hair were so fantastic back then. I was one of the first cars to the cemetery— because we were late to the memorial. I parked and walked over to the location and then I just couldn’t. There were so many cars, so many many people coming in — so much fanfare for a person who was truly very quiet and somewhat shy— it was all suddenly overwhelming to me. We left. Brian and I went to Seattle and shared a special evening sharing stories and rehashing mutual memories. It was healing and emotional; all-the-emotions-came-out.
I never really knew Steve when he was a husband, father or a police officer, but I can tell you... He was amazing. He was always an amazing person — even when he was at an age (our teens can be so awkward right?) when most people haven’t sorted that all out yet.
I miss the opportunity to see your smile.

Kathy Kongelbak
Friend

June 6, 2020

Rest in peace Master Officer Underwood.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2019

Never forgotten. Never.

Terryann Dell 9211
Des Moines Police Department

March 7, 2019

A loss never to be forgotten. I won't let our community forget either.

Dave Kaplan

July 12, 2018

Miss you buddy

Tim McClung

April 8, 2018

Thinking of our Stevie today, we at DMPD still and will always miss him. Hugs and Prayers to his friends and family. Gone but never forgotten- SJU 9504

Officer Jan Magnuson
Des Moines Police Dept.

March 7, 2018

May you rest in peace, God will watch over you. Thank-You for your service.

Leald dispatcher
Klickitat County S.O.

March 8, 2017

Miss you buddy

Tim McClung
Noine

March 7, 2017

Thinking of you today buddy

Officer Berntsen
Bremerton Police-BLEA classmate

March 7, 2017

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be known as Children of God Matthew 5:9..This gives me peach in my heart Steve because I know you are with God watching over all of us as an Angel. You have earned a special place in heaven and we thank you.

Carolyn
mother of a fellow officer

February 10, 2016

We still, and always will, miss Steve at DMPD. He is often in our thoughts, and we all have wonderful memories of him when we worked with him. I wear his portable radio on my duty belt that he was wearing that fateful night, it makes me feel like I have an angel with me each day. God Bless his family and all those who cared for him, hugs to you Stevie.

MACO Jan Magnuson
Des Moines Police Department

December 25, 2015

We are holding a Blue Courage class in Everett, WA and Officer Underwood's name was given to us to research. Coincidentally, I attended his memorial in 2001, see his photo and memorial at BLEA when I visit and have his memorial coin in my office. It is hard to believe it has already been 14 years... but, it is comforting to know he is remembered and we greatly appreciate his service.

Rex Caldwell, Police Chief
Mukilteo Police Department

April 13, 2015

My names timothy cormier and i grew up in the seattle area im pretty sure that i be seeing officer underwood opps i mean i seen him before.Very nice young man and my condolences goes out to the family.

Timothy Cormier
US citizen

November 28, 2014

Steve I was explaining to my daughter the other day who you were and why I have this great big teddy bear with 9504 on it. I'm in Kansas and retired now however I still will never forget our good times. Miss ya buddy

retired
kcso

October 1, 2014

God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice that others may live in peace. No words can express the thanks we as a nation owe you.

Student
Reserve Police Academy

May 19, 2014

Sir, I walk by your picture everyday at BLEA and remember the sacrifice you paid. You are not forgotten.

Recruit Officer

April 20, 2013

Our community lost two police officers in the line of duty a couple days ago. They are being buried today, March 7, 2013. I couldn't help but think of you today, Steve. It's been 12 years now since we lost you. This day always brings memories of you and the impact you had on my life. Please know you will never be forgotten, and will always have a place in my thoughts.

Christine Jolley
Friend

March 7, 2013

I carry his radio on my gunbelt, he is my angel watching over me on the street- he was like my little brother, I miss him every day and especially on March 7 of each year.

AC Officer Jan Magnuson
Des Moines Police Department

March 7, 2013