Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Stevens,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Canton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 23, 2023

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 23, 2020

Lew, it's been years since I've visited your memorial page here, and for that, I'm regretful. Your guidance & quiet leadership still inspire me. Looking back, you're still one of the very select few that I've respected on the job. You were a true champion for our brotherhood. I miss you, Lew. May God continue to bless Mrs. Stevens, for her loss of you must still cause unimaginable pain.

Police Officer

March 12, 2017

Lew was one of the most carring officers I've known. He called me one early morning (approx 2am) to come and talk to a Viet Nam vet that was drunk and had problems. I went and met them where Lew had pulled him over on a traffic stop. After talking with this vet I dx him with PTSD and had him admitted to the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center for treatment. Lew was a roll model for others to follow....I think of him often and miss him.
It was one of the hardest funeral services to hold due to all that happen to this GREAT officer. I will never forget him and his service to others.

Chaplain E. Wayne Byrum
Chaplain, Canton Police Dept

July 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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. I pray for the solace of those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 24, 2010

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 20, 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

November 13, 2007

Uncle Lew is sadly missed by my two children. To them he was not a man who could have used a badge and position to intimidate others. They remember the loving, caring, and sharing person he was. Because of this they respect officers and all people who serve the community for its good. I am lucky and proud to have had Lew as a friend and a golf partner. There are not many times I tee up the golf ball without thinking about my friend. His future that had been mapped out with retirement around the corner at a young age was taken much too soon. I am sure he would want all of us to enjoy the time we have been given on earth as much as he did. The love and respect he had for his wife is something I always admired about Lew. I am assured he is looking upon her courage, accomplishments and is proud as ever of her. I have not forgotten that I owe the next dinner tab from our last side bet at golf and promise to fulfill when the time is right. Your friend, Chris Tynan

golf partner / friend

July 23, 2007

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

March 25, 2007

I was with Lew from the beginning of the police department. He was one of the original officers hired to form the foundation of a great organization. He was one of the best, wanted to know everything about the job, learned fast, did it well, and then taught others. Lew never worn emotion on his shoulder, was a quiet, confident cop. One of the very best. I am proud to have been part of his police career. He was the epitome of a great officer. Just weeks away from retirement, then disaster. He earned a long and peaceful retirement, not a violent end.

Larry Stewart, Ret.Lt
Canton PD

October 5, 2006

In loving memory of P.O. Lew
Stevens: You were a credit to your
profession and our hats are off to
you for your wonderful dedication to
such a difficult and dangerous job.
My heart goes out to your wife who
lost the love of her life 2 years ago
today. Our hearts grieve for your loss
and are with all those who will miss
your husband forever.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 23, 2005

Officer Stevens,

I offer my condolences to your family and to the Canton P.D. who work very hard to keep this Township safe. You were certainly and intregal part of making Canton Twp. a safe place to live.

Rest in peace.

Officer Frank Finch
Federal Bureau of Prisons

May 13, 2005

Although I worked with you for only a short time Lew, you were one of the best Police Officers I ever had the privilege of knowing. An accomplished Detective, a hard-working officer, you never complained about your job, you did it with pride. You reported each day at 15:00 hours for duty with a smile on your face. I only wish I would have gotten to work with you longer.

May God bless your family and each and every member of the Canton Police and Fire departments, and each and every Public Safety Officer that is out there each day putting thier lives on the line.

"Echo fifty-one is two-thirty six"

"Clear"

Dustin Miller

March 23, 2005

I will never forget you Lew.

Police Officer
Kentwood

February 22, 2005

How sad my heart is today to have learned of Lew's death. I grew up w/ Lew's wife and sister-in-law...and thus went to his wedding and knew Lew. My father was a police officer in Detroit...and Lew's interest turned to law enforcement w/him joining shortly after he and K got married. I remember my father telling him that perhaps it was better to work outside Detroit in the suburbs if he was choosing it as his profession. I hadn't seen Lew in years, but saw K at my mother's funeral and knew Lew was still an officer out in Canton. Thought of him and K often in the last few years wondering if he was close to retirement. Got an Xmas note from Lew's SIL and the news just shocked me! Lew was a very cool guy that was perfect for K. My heart is deeply saddened to think of K alone after 30 years of marriage. Lew was doing what he loved and it's not just his family and friends that lost a great guy...it's the Canton community.
Love to K and Lew's dad and sister.

Kelley Herrick Arasim
Family Friend

December 16, 2004

What a tragedy it is to lose one of god's special people. My fiance was in the backseat of the car that killed officer Stevens and was critically injured because of someones negligence. On behalf of him and our entire families we deeply regret what has happened and there isn't a day that goes by that he and his family are not in our thoughts and our prayers. We are truly and deeply sorry for your loss. He was truly a great man.


Leah Maphis
Radcliff, Kentucky

August 25, 2004

Lew-You were in an elite class of true gentlemen on this job. Your positive attitude and work ethic was an inspiration to many of your coworkers. You probably were a bigger influence on me and my career than you knew.
YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

February 27, 2004

I am thankful that I got to talk to Officer Stevens as much as I did. I can vouch for what everyone is saying, how good of a person he was. I am sorry that I never rode with him though. I wish I had. Officer Stevens, you can now walk heaven's beat and watch the rest of the thin blue line from above.

Police Explorer
Canton PD, Mi

August 28, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out ot the family and coworkers of Officer Stevens.

Although I did not have the privilege to have known you personally, I grieve for your loss my friend. Rest in peace knowing that those of us left behind will proudly cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Stevens, deepest sympathy for your loss.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

August 19, 2003

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD - 44 PCT

To Officer Stevens friends and family,

We are so sad for your lose. We also feel that deep lose you have, we lost my nephew Officer Ryan Cappelletty to gun fire two months ago in VA. EOW 5/28/2003

There are no words to console you for what you are feeling right now. Just know that you have a wonderful support system in your family and friends and the brotherhood of officers that surround you at this time. Lean on them and let them hold you strong to get through this sad time.

Know that he didn't die in vein but for the great cause of freedom. He loved his job and believed in what he was doing. Protecting all of us.

It has been two months for our family and it still feels like yesterday that it happened.
We grieve deeply for our lose and we will grieve for your lose also and pray for strengh for you and your loved ones to get through this to find peace some where in the future. We are still looking for that peace also.

Know now that you have a precious angel in heaven that walks the streets on watch for the Lord and he waits for us to come and join him.

Rest now Lew, Your watch on earth is over. Now is your turn to watch over the earth from above.

Tearfully,

Teri Whitney
Clymer NY

May God assign you to be our guardian angel as we continue to fight the good fight. Rest in peace.... May your family, friends, and we, your fellow officers, find comfort and peace in this most difficult time. Your sacrifice and dediction will never be forgotten.

Sgt Mark Schultz
Canton PD

Lew was a wonderful man and a great officer. We will always remember you for that big beautiful smile that you possessed. Your co-workers, family and friends will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that you gave for your community. You are our special angel up in heaven.

Wife of Canton Officer
Canton Twp.

Rest in peace my brother—You will not be forgotten. You have done your duty.

You, your family, and all those that have been affected by your passing are in my family’s prayers.

See you some day my brother.

CPL Jodie L. Warren
Prince George County Police Department, Virginia