Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

OFFICER UNDERWOOD, AS I READ YOUR STORY I COULD NOT HELP BUT SHED TEARS. WE CANT UNDERSTAND WHY THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPENS, BUT SURELY GOD HAS A REASON. I LIKE TO THINK THAT YOU KNEW THE SUSPECT WOULD DO SOMETHING FAR WORSE AND YOU MADE A DEAL WITH GOD TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO SAVE INNOCENTS. REST IN PEACE. MY HEART GOES TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS AND LOVED ONES. MY FATHER HAS BEEN GONE FOR 16 YRS AND I HAVE READ MANY REFLECTIONS FOR MANY OFFICERS. YOURS WILL BE THE ONE THAT I WILL REMEMBER MOST. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I KNOW THAT YOUR LIFE WILL BE AN EXAMPLE TO SOMEONE. YOUR STORY AND LIFE WILL CHANGE HISTORY.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 7, 2007

Coming up on 6 years Steve... we'll see you in a few weeks as we gather again to celebrate the many wonderful ways you changed so many lives. We miss you and think of you daily.

DMPD Officer
Des Moines Police Department

February 14, 2007

I remember spending some of my high school days with you and the few days that we hsd spent together before you died I miss you so much I cry daily the pain runs so deep that I can't take it all I can remember is your smile and your laughter and the way that you taught me to live I learned to start over with you I learned to take responsibility for all of my actions good and bad you taught me well and you saved me when I was shot twice in the back and once the head life is always changing and it has doubly changed for me since you died I wish you were here so that I could tell you what I was thinking but the thing is you of all people would already know you could always read me like a book and you caught me when I fell I wanted to catch you that night but I couldn't get to you in time and I'm very sorry to everyone I will love you always I will remember the days when you first became an officer and how stunning you looked to me in your uniform being that I am lots younger than you I looked to you for guidnence and you gave me so much I know that some of the things that I did made you sad and angry at me so with all of my heart I am sorry for my own stupidity I made some mistakes and I regret them know I know how mad you really are at me for what I did to myself but sometimes you need alot of wrong answers to get to the right one and sometimes there really aren't any answers at all I've run out of them I am sort of wandering through life since you died Love ya much you'll always be my best buddy ever and I will always have fond memories of my high school days with you and I will always remember how much you cared about me and that through out my life you never left me alone you and your brothers have always been at my side

VMN
special friend

February 8, 2007

I remeber you arriving to assist me while I performed my security dutys many years ago you were very nice and kind. You had a big heart and I know to this day your watching over your fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement

LT PAIGE
SECURITY

December 10, 2006

I recently moved back to the area and find myself in Des Moines often again. I think of you, your family, what you taught me and what I try to teach because of you. You are remembered.

D. Lindsey
WA resident

September 13, 2006

Steve,

If your reading this, I was working that night when it all happened. It was horrifying !! Later, I attended your public service in Des Moines and participated in the police vehicle percession. God Bless you and all the other brave men and women law enforcement who place their lives on the line everyday for community peace.

Paul-4 #127
Pacific Security

July 21, 2006

I have a memorial bear that was issued in honor of Steve that sits on my desk at work. I never knew Steve, but have had the honor of meeting several Des Moines officers that worked with him and also have a childhood friend who had him (Steve) as a training officer at Des Moines.

June 1, 2006

I remember the night this happened, but didn't remember it was in 2001, the same year we lost
our own deputy, Matt Herzog. Now the two of you
have your names on two memorials, one national,
one in Olympia. The injustice and pain of losing
you will never be forgotten and time will not diminish
your sacrifice. My heart goes out to your co-workers,
family and friends.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 3, 2006

Steve - another lonely night reflecting and remembering. Looking at your pictures, the funeral, reading the stories and reflections... miss you buddy.

Ofc.
DMPD

April 10, 2006

Steve, I think of your family often, keep them in my prayers. Although I don't get by the cemetary as much as I used to, you're not forgotten. You ride with me daily. (little blue bear in my back window) Your memory lives on, not just on this the anniversary of your death, but everyday. I was very fortunate to have had the chance to know you. You touched my life as well as many others. Thanks.

Dana Fowler
local resident

March 7, 2006

Remembering you and honoring your memory and bravery this day five years ago. I was a Reserve Officer at the time, and remember the shock and outrage over hearing of the incident.

We can never predict who we stop may pull a gun or what they will do. You were so brave that night, being proactive and protecting the citizens of Des Moines. You have a lot to be proud of and served the citizens of this state well.

Your bravery, courage, and honor is not forgotten. Your memory and legacy live on in the lives of the many people you knew, and even those you never knew. Rest peacefully.

Retired WA State Reserve Officer

March 7, 2006

To Master Police Officer Steven Underwood and his loved ones:

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

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Steven, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

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, Officer Underwood.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Steven gave to his community and the citizens of Washington, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 7,2001.

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

March 7, 2006

Steve,
I'll never forget what a wonderful father you were. May you rest in peace knowing that you can be proud of your boy. We'll never forget you.

Catherine
family friend

March 7, 2006

3/7/06

Your loved ones will be in my thoughts today, as they remember the day, five years ago, that forever changed their lives.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian A. Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

March 7, 2006

It's been 5 years and I still remember you and your sacrifice. I can only hope that I can be a great police officer like, I hear you were, one day. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God bless you.

D.M.

March 6, 2006

Hey Stevie, what words can describe the loss...I think of you often. I see your name on the Memorial Park everyday. I remember your excitement and compassion on the job. I'm proud to have worked with you and to have known you...We'll see ya again.

Retired Officer
DMPD

December 30, 2005

Merry Christmas 2005, Steve... We miss you and are thinking of you.

Your family

DMPD Officer
Des Moines Police

December 25, 2005

I dont know Officer Underwood very well but i did know many des moines police officers that i have riden with before his death. I really hope for the best that your family will recover well from this tragedy. Thank you for your ultimate sacrafice. May God be with u and your family.simon

Simon Laulu
Tukwila Police Department

December 7, 2005

Steve, I still miss you and your stupid grin. things have changed some what here, new cheif, new faces, ECT. your locker is still here and it reminds me about you and what were up against every day.Last time I saw your mom, dad, wife and son, all was good. watch over us my bother I will not forget.

officer
DMPD

October 4, 2005

Well Steve I see they paved over your spot on Pacific Hwy. Atleast they put a Memorial Plaque up for you on one of the light posts. We all miss you Steve! I had ODMP add that we named a ball park after you! It is called the Steven J. Underwood Memorial Ball Park! My son and I had a chance to go throw ball at the field, and it is a very nice field! We are all proud you served our city! Well I will let you go back to your beat on Heavens streets! We miss you Steve!

Delano
Spokane County(Former DM resident)

August 3, 2005

Every day, every shift, every night, every sunrise... You are carried with us, thought of, missed, loved, and cherished. The dull ache of your loss surfaces daily. We who wear the DMPD blue have not, will not, forget. It's impossible, you see, for the mix of love and loss is forever a woven thread in our hearts. Another day, my friend, together in spirit.

DMPD Officer
Des Moines Police

July 9, 2005

I still remember. I will always remeber. You were special. Thanks to all who take the risks and make the sacrifices as well as the families who deal with it daily.

Dana F.
local resident

April 6, 2005

Hey Steve,

It's been four years since you were taken away from the people who loved you best, and they still miss you like crazy bro.

I don't know, it might just be me but 3 hots and a cot for 34 years for the punk that did this to you just doesn't seem like a fair trade to me at all.

You deserved a lot better than to lose your life because of someone like him. Una Stamus bro.

Officer
State of Washington

March 18, 2005

Four years ago today Master Police Officer Steven J. Underwood lost his life in the service of his country and community. All of our shifts today are dedicated to the memory and service of this special hero. To all of his family, friends and colleagues we extend our thoughts and prayers to you hoping that comfort and peace will be your daily fare.

OMY/COP/WPD
3/7/05

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

March 7, 2005

It's 2:07am on 03/07 of 05. I'm not one to remember dates, however 03/07/01 is etched into my mind. I've said it numerous times on here, i never knew you. You give me courage and inspiration to keep on pursuing my dream. You are not forgotten.

March 7, 2005