Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family. It is obvious from the reflections that Officer Linen was a wonderful man.

Kristi, My heart breaks for you. I too disagree about it getting easier with time. It does hurt so bad and for such a long time. But that goes to show how special that person was in the first place.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

My Dear Steve,
I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I miss you.......still!!!!!! Life just isn't the same without you. I hung the Christmas ornament, the one I never got to give you, on my tree, a CHP car. It reminds me of our happy times, your great smile and beautiful blue eyes.
You are still in my heart!! I love you!!

Love, Kristi (Steve's girlfriend)
Christmas 2003

Kristi Robinson
Survivor 2001

December 21, 2003

When God Made Peace Officers




When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into His sixth day of overtime. An angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of idling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order? A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform. He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day at a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvas the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day. He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands....no way!"

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes the officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, Sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job) Another pair here in the side of his head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "You'll be alright, Ma'am....when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord, " said the angel, touching his sleeve. Rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't", said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet", said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in its sleep, detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and it still keeps its sense of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily newspaper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."

"What's a tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there," He said, "It comes with the job."

Patrol Officer Mike Thomas
Orting Police Department

October 20, 2003

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace, My Brother

September 29, 2003

Kristi, I was reading this page and I hurt so badly for you. I am so sorry that you are going through this horrible pain. As the girlfirend of a trooper, my biggest fear is that dreaded phone call. However, I often tell myself that if he should die, I hope it is doing what he lives for, protecting others. Steve died doing what he loved and and probably lived for. My heart goes out to you and I hope one day you will find happiness again.

God bless you

Anonymous

September 24, 2003

Kristi, My heart is heavy for you today as I read about Steve. I know that it has been hard on you. Because today is 9-11-03, I'm taking some time to look at the memorial page. Know that I am proud of you for your support of Steve and the rest of us. May God Bless You. Agent Jason Guseman Johnston Co. Sheriff's Office. Smithfield, N.C.

Agent Jason Guseman
Johnston Co. Sheriffs Office N.C.

September 11, 2003

Dear Kristi,
I can see that it has been hard for you for the past couple of years and sometimes the worst casualties of an incident like this are the survivors. When something like this first happens I guess the emotional shock just doesn't let it sink in but in time reality sets in and it can be really painful. There are days that you think you are not going to be able to breathe because it hurts so much and there are days that you think you will be alright. You will never forget this special officer but please do know that it will get easier in time. God bless you for your dedication to this fine officer and it is my personal prayer that you have peace in your heart soon.

Captain Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department, NC

8/12/03
Dear Steve,
It has been 2 yrs ago TODAY that I got the phone call I prayed I'd never get. THAT WAS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!!! Life just isn't the same without you. I am SO lonely, my heart hurts. Some days it hurts so bad it feels like I just lost you yesterday. I don't think the hole in my heart from losing you will ever heal!! If only I could just tell you one last time how much I truely love you, still!! I wish I could look into your amazingly beautiful blue eyes, eyes so full of life!! We had so many plans. Steve, I will ALWAYS hold you close to my heart, that is where you belong!!!
I met a few people from the CHP the other day that worked with you. We had a good time talking about you and sharing memories. You made a BIG impact on many people.
Please continue to watch over me, and your brothers and sisters in blue who are now doing your job.
I love you dearly honey, and I always will!!
Love, Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's Girlfriend

This is such a senseless loss. I was sorry to hear about your loss. I recently read another persons reflection, and saw a note written from Kristi. That is what sent me Officer Linen's memorial.

Kristi- I hope you keep your memories close, and find a way to live a life full of new and old memories. The last two years have probably seemed like an eternity for you. I'm sure he thinks the same without you. Good luck to you.

Jessica

jessica

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!!!!
Today you would have been 33. I think back to the big party we had for you two years ago at my brothers, what a fun day we had!! I never thought this is how it would be two years later, me writing on your memorial page.
I still think of you daily, I don't think that will EVER change. You left a BIG impression on my heart that will never go away. I went bowling the other night, and I can still picture seeing you for the first time and wondering who that good looking guy was a few lanes down. I just had to meet you. I never imagined that we would meet and end up dating. I could picture you there, if only you could have BEEN there.
I wish I could hold your hand, that is what I miss. I also miss your hugs, you always gave me GREAT hugs. I remember how good it felt just to have you hold me. Boy do I miss that!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
Love, Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

Although your tour of duty is over, you will never be forgotten! May God bless you, your family and your co-workers. Rest in peace my brother.

Motor Officer Don Cone
San Diego Police Department

Hi Honey,
Just wanted to tell you that I miss you and that I am thinking about you. Your birthday is coming up in a few months, I am going to visit you (if only I could tell you Happy Birthday face to face)! I started a picture album for you, it has all the pictures we took before you were taken from me and I am now adding all the pictures from the funeral and from all the memorials I went to. It is so hard to do, but I told you I would when I lost you, and I always keep my promises!!
Please watch over me, I miss you dearly and love you more.
Forever Yours,
Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's Girlfriend

My Dearest Steve,
Where do I start?
It's been a year and a half since I lost you. People keep saying, it gets easier with time. Well, I don't agree. IT STILL HURTS!!! I MISS YOU MORE AND MORE!!!! I see a CHP car and I cry, I hear the song I played for you at your funeral and I cry, I look at the pictures I have up in the house of you and me and I cry, and sometimes I just cry because my heart hurts SO BAD!!!! I talk to you ALL the time. I hope you hear me. I visit you at the cemetary. I hope you see me.
I still dream of us going to Hawaii, you and me, relaxing and having fun. Boy we would have had a blast, but now all I can do is dream. I have a shell necklace I hang around the rearview mirror in my truck. It's my way of having you with me every day.
My family misses you dearly. My nephew sees a cop and he always says "Steve was a great cop." We had a big BBQ at my brother's house on the year anniversary to celebrate your life. We planted a tree for you. Hope you like it. It is getting bigger.
I love you and I always will. Thank you for loving me.
Your girlfriend,
Kristi

To all other Law Enforcement Officers,
I pray each night that you all make it home to your families safely. Remember that Steve is watching over us all.
Thank you for doing what most wouldn't, that is choose to do a dangerous job to keep us all safe! I appreciate your sacrafices. May God keep you safe.

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

My friend,

I remember when we used to work third watch together and how we would always debate about science or reflect about our purpose in this life. It is difficult for me now to reflect on the imprint you have left in this life, however, I am comforted to know that in knowing you, I know that you are making a difference even now in my life and the lives of those who knew and loved you.

I remember the last time we spoke. Rich and I met you for breakfast one week prior. I remember how excited I was to sit down and speak with you again, because when you transferred to Oceanside, we did not get to meet and speak as often as we used to. It was great to catch up on old times and talk about new things.

Your quick wit was the same as always and we talked about some of the great times we had going out to dinner with Jackie, friends and whoever we could try to set you up with.

At your memorial service, a series of photographs were shown of your life and your friends. There was a photograph of you holding my youngest son, who will never remember you, but my oldest son remembers. We are having a daughter now, but I am sure you know that. My boys think of me as their hero, but I want all of my children to know that you are a true hero; you made the ultimate sacrifice.

I thought that waiting this long might have made it easier to write this reflection, but even know, as I write this, I am sad, because I still remember the fun times and I know that we will no longer have these times to sit around, have fun, and make fun of each other.

Steve I want you to know that we all miss you, but I am sure that you know that. I always wondered who my guardian angel was. I take comfort in knowing you now by name.

Officer John Alvarez
California Highway Patrol

Steve, you were a great friend and co-worker. I am glad I had the chance to work with you and see first hand your dedication to the job.

After all, you were my partner during my very first pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Unfortunately, the pursuit lasted less than 5 minutes since the suspect was able to get the jump on us. However, due to your persistence and determination to catch the suspect, we successfully identified the suspect. Well, it helped that the suspect left his driver's license when he abandoned the stolen vehicle. Ten hours past the end of our shift, we verified the identity of the suspect and also arrested the suspect's girlfriend for being under the influence of drugs. After all, somebody had to go to jail. Of course all this investigative work you were pushing and conducting caused me a lot of paperwork and a very complicated report indeed.

I will also miss all the times that we hung out together, including the trips to Laughlin, Vegas, Hoover Dam with your funky hat, etc. What a lot of people do not realize was that underneath that tough exterior, you were a kind and caring person, especially to your family. You are going to be missed. Rest in peace my friend.

Rich Mendez
CHP San Diego

Officer Rich Mendez
CHP - San Diego

Steve, you are missed my friend. It is true that life does go on for the rest of us, but it is not the same without you. I am thankful for knowing you, working with you, and for being able to count you as one of my good friends. I will carry your memory in my heart forever and will always be thankful for you. Rest in God's peace bro. I hope to see you again one day.

Officer Rob Tracy
California Highway Patrol

Steve aka Juan Muy Grande:

You were the best friend a gal could ever wish for, little brother. Thank you for all the memories, the laughter, the fun times....Vegas, Laughlin, bowling, and yes..even the scary movies. I only wish we had had a few more months together....Hawaii would have been beautiful in September!

For those of you who did not know Officer Linen, he was truly a hero....not only in the way he died, but in the way he lived his life.

Steve's life messages to me......Love and cherish your family and friends. Spend time with those you love. Laugh when you have the chance. Stand up for what you believe in.

I know that he is still with us in spirit, still laughing with us (sometimes (OK..most times) at us!), but most of all he's out there watching over my husband, friends, and extended law enforcement family, still trying to keep the roads safe for you and me.

I thank God for the time we did have, it was a privelege to be called his friend. He will remain in my heart forever.

Aloha...God Bless! Your fellow "Luau Pig"!

Lolita

Steven, all I can say is that I will always remember the sacrafice you have given to this world. You,your family and loved ones are in my prayers daily. God bless you. Tom

Officer Tom Venable
Escondido PD

My sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Stephen Linen.

Take comfort in the belief that he is among many courageous peace officers who have gone before him. He also has the best sergeant the California Highway Patrol ever had looking after him. Sergeant Gary Wagers, EOW 3/15/01.

Linda Wagers, widow
CHP Sergeant Gary Wagers

I never had the honor of meeting or knowing you and yet I feel like I have lost, we have lost a member of our family. In law enforcement we are all family, and now part of our family is gone, part of america has died. To Stephen's family, friends, and co-workers, my heart goes out to all of you for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers and may the memory of Stephen Michael Linen Jr. Live on forever.

Jailer B. Rankin
Claremont Police Department

As I read these reflections and the account of your death in the line of duty I am preparing to go to work at a DUI checklane. I will be thinking of you and your family as I do my best to detect those who can kill. I echo the thoughts of the other officers....all of us in law enforcement can use this tragedy as inspiration to hunt the DUI's down and make our roadways safer. For you the family and friends of a fallen trooper I lift my prayers up to Heaven. Michael, from one Trooper to another..I salute you and thank you for a job well done. God Bless and keep you.

Trooper Chris Bauer K52
Kansas Highway Patrol

Trooper
Kansas Highway Patrol

Law enforcement is saddened by yet another loss of one of our own. My condolences to the family of Officer Stephen Linen.

Deputy Randy Rosenberger
Monroe County Sheriff-Michigan

I drive the roadways of California every single day; because of your sacrifice, I remained safe. How can I begin to thank you for paying such a price? God bless and keep you by his side.

Anonymous

Another brave officer dies while serving his community. My thoughts and best wishes go to his family and fellow officers. Stephen will be remembered for his bravery, sacrifice and the way he lived his life.

Senior Constable Craig Elliott
New South Wales Police Service (Highway Patrol) Australia

All of us within the Chaves County Sheriff's Department wish to express our condolences and deepest sympathy in the death of Officer Stephen M. Linen.

Whether it is in the line of duty or from other causes, the death of an officer, friend and loved one is not easy to accept. I hope that knowing that your department and the family of your officer will be remembered in our prayers will be of some comfort in the days to follow.

Sheriff Patrick R. Jennings
Chaves County Sheriff's Dept.