Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Howie~~
as we passed through another Thanksgiving, our photo of you,Kathy,Bryce, n Miki,still remains on the 'fridge. We think of you so often. I told your story to a new guy at work that shared some bad experiences with Arizona police last month. I was bragging about you and the family. He calmed down after I spoke of you and your inspiration to Marc. He does well because of his hero.........you. Every day when he opens his wallet your photo is right there. Every time he opens his binder... there again is your photo. You are keeping Marc on the right path to be an excellent officer like you. You still touch all of us every day. I daily reqret all the times missed getting together and how all of our scheduals suck our passions of gathering with friends and family right out of you. I hate that life is like that. We watched a cooking show (Dan shares in your cooking passion) and the BBQ'd oysters. That is our Howie.
~~~~~ thinking of you everyday~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~feeling your spirit through Marc , everyday!~~~~
thank you Howie!

JOYCE FREEMAN
FAMILY FREIND

November 30, 2007

KATHY,
YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR HUSBAND IS OBVIOUSLY SO GREAT THAT ITS INDESCRIBABLE. I SEE THAT HE WAS A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER....HE WAS A TERRIBLE LOSS, BUT ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD...NO MATTER HOW BAD THEY MIGHT SEEM AT THE TIME. IM NOT SURE WHAT MADE ME LOOK UP YOUR HUSBAND ON THIS WEBSITE....I REMEMBER HEARING ABOUT HIS DEATH WHEN IT OCCURED, AND TONIGHT SOMETHING....MAYBE GOD, TOLD ME TO GO TO HIS PAGE AND READ HIS REFLECTIONS. IN DOING SO I FEEL DEEPLY SADDENED ABOUT YOUR LOSS, HOWEVER YET I REJOICE IN KNOWING THAT YOUR LOVE FOR HIM IS SO GREAT AND THAT HIS LIFE ON EARTH WAS CHERISHED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. KATHY, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH PEACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE FACT THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM IN THE PRESENCE OF A GREAT GOD AND OUR LORD JESUS.

SGT. LAMBERT
OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPT.

November 24, 2007

Heyy daddy!!
Happy thanksgiving..actually i think its already the 23 now..haha o well.
I went to merced and had turkey dinner with the cousins and uncle garys family, and had a great time..and I DROVE THERE MYSELF...well i followed aunt krisy but...by myself!! haha yayyyy..then came home later at like 9 and hung out with aunt carmen and grandma the rest of the night.
I love you soooo much and i miss you more and more everyday you aren't here but I keep on living and loving life like you would want me to be! i can smile and laugh everyday because i know i will see you again and you are in the best place you could possibly be!
As you know i got to ride out with tonya and travis and i had a blast..almost as much fun as i did when i rode with you. There were just some crazy funny calls we went on!
Love you daddy! aha ya big bozo...remember!!

Mikaela
Daughter

November 23, 2007

Howie, Just wanted to say we are thinking of you. I know you are watching over us each and everyday, but we miss you a lot. I cannot believe it's almost the end of November. Times flies by and the kids are getting so big. I cannot Micky is driving and Kalani is graduating from 8th grade. Well, I could go on and on but mainly I just wanted to stop by and say hi.

Shawnna Yotsuya
Ceres PD

November 20, 2007

HONOR,LOYALTY,COURAGE,VALOR. NOT JUST WORD TO THIS MAN

MPO III RICK DIETZ
HIGH POINT N.C. POLICE DEPARTMENT

November 17, 2007

Hi sweetheart,
thought I would drop you a line to tell you how much we miss you and can't wait to see you, so we can shower you with hugs and kisses!!! That thought keeps us going as we push on without you here. The holidays are coming up again and
well you know...please stay close in spirit because they can be hard, though I think everyday is hard. Our kids are doing great though and are making each day count, like you did!!! Your mom and Carmen are going to spend Thanksgiving with us. We are looking forward and know we will have much to be Thankful for.
Your dad is hunting with friends as you know, it sounds like his hunts have been hard but fun! He called to check on us the other night and he sounds good. I know you are watching over him while he is away so we won't worry!
I am still working out trying to shed these extra pounds I have put on. Boy it sure does'nt come off as easy as it used to. I have joined a "boot camp" and
It makes me think about the times you worked me out in the gym. I miss those times so much. I hope you are proud because the workouts are Hard. I am not going to quit so stay with me Okay! I love you so very very much you are always in my heart and my thoughts. I carry you with me in everything I do. You are the best part of me and I thank you so much for just being you!!!
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

November 16, 2007

Howie... you are truly missed each and every day by the others left behind at the PD...

I don't think there is a day that goes by that you aren't thought of...

Thank you for all that you did... and thank you for watching over everyone out on those streets...

Wife of Fellow Police Officer

November 12, 2007

Hi sweetheart,
missing you here with us today and everyday!!! Micky and I just got back from Lakeport. Carmen went with us to see your parents this last weekend.
We had a great time together and could feel you with us. Thank you! We had beautiful fall days the colors were bright with oranges, reds and yellows everywhere. The sun shined all weekend and the temp was perfect! We had peppersteak for dinner and boy did it hit the spot! Your mom made it so it was extra special. Bryce had to work so he did not get to go with us. He is doing much better and has found that there are plenty of fish in the sea. We know he is a great catch and is as good looking, as he is sweet (taking after you of course) . Keep watching over all of us and know we love you and can't wait to see you again! love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

October 23, 2007

WOW.
Thank YOU for leaving that AMAZING POEM, AND TRIBUTE TO AN AMAZING MAN AND A COPS' COP. Pure Heart and Soul. Worth every single tear. Be safe, always.

Forever grateful,
C. Stevenson and Family.

October 22, 2007

Well Ive made it through another day and Im stepping out of my patrol car
Ive been to the Camp, Darrah, the “King” and did a check at the local bars
Another day is done and I will finish up my reports
I’ll dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s” gettin’ it ready for court
I walk down stairs tired and alone with my duty bag in hand
I’ll get changed out soon, after I book the contraband
I open up my locker and its your face I see
You were a strong dedicated man that was the backbone of this agency
I take off my vest, a reminder of our days
I do it for the love and certainly not the pay
You taught me to work hard, be safe and to always to my best
To treat people with dignity when you take them under arrest
I get in my truck and head home to greet my wife
Im thankful to have her another day in my busy Policeman life
I am a cop full of courage, poise and integrity
I am a Policeman and proud to work for Ceres PD

Ceres PD

October 20, 2007

Hey Howie! As you know, I have started writing you a message over the past few months but can't ever get it finished. We have been very busy in my unit trying to wrap up our current investigation. Once it is completed, I will be rotated back out to patrol. It has been six years since I have pushed a black and white and I gotta tell you, I am a little aprehensive. Not of what I will encounter, you helped to train me well. No, I am a little concerned about the small things. The city has grown quite a bit and things have changed. I know that we have some good cops on the streets and you to help guide us, which is a comfort.

I think of you often as I go through my day. I remember things you taught me, not only about the job but about life. I know I am a better person for having had the honor of calling you my friend. I just want to tell you again, thank you.

Yots

Detective Greg Yotsuya
Ceres Police Department

October 19, 2007

Well Howie I wish you were here. I sure could use your steady hand and support. Whenever I am at work I have the our team picture to think back on and think of better times. I know Kathy and the kids miss you as do we all. Keep watching over them and us.

Mike Borges
Ceres PD

October 16, 2007

To Sergeant Stevenson and to all the Law Enforcement Officers, we salute your hard work and sacrifices. All of you are HEROES in our hearts.

October 16, 2007

As the years continue to pass, your legacy of bravery will continue to live. Thank you from a grateful citizen.

October 16, 2007

We will remember you Brother.

October 16, 2007

A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS.

October 16, 2007

Hey just me again sweetheart,
Sorry my last note was so short but we got in at 3 o"clock in the morning and had spent 12hrs in the airport waiting to get home. I missed Bryce so much when we were gone. I think he missed us too. He waited up for us even though he had an early day. I was glad to finely be home. We miss you so very much and can't wait to see you!!! I know I started to tell you about our trip in my last note so I will continue...Mikaela and I truely had a nice time. The land and air are so clean in Walla Walla! Every person we talked to seemed very friendly. The town is very pretty ,we only saw one thing that had been spray painted with some writing. I didn't see any young people that looked like gang bangers. That was a surprise! I know Kim and Gary will be happy there. We got a chance to meet thier new friends and most of the people that are helping them get started. Micky and Elise got along great and were fun to be around!!! We rented a car that had a sun roof and the girls really enjoyed that. Good thing because we did a lot of driving. I love the area it is not stuffed with too many people like California. I think we are nicer to each other when we are not stuffed like sardines! Anyway we saw a lot of wineries
it reminded me of Napa Valley alittle. We had sunny days in the high sixties perfect if you ask me! Kim said they get just a few days of snow each year, how fun would that be! I can see Gary and David sleding down their long steep driveway. I wish we could have had a chance to see thier place together when you were here! Keep an eye on them for me if you can because they are gong to be a lot farther than I'm used to. I think Micky feels like everyone is leaving us. I hope we can visit them often so she wont feel that way. Bryce is doing okay, he and Gretchen are not a couple any more and he is sad of course. Wish You were here to help him. I am doing my best but sometimes you just need your Dad! Watch over him and keep his spirit up. I know he will be just fine in the long run but for now he is just really sad...I remind myself daily that God has his plan and that I just have to trust him! Well I know I have to get going even though I don't want to. I really really miss you howard and I we love you so so so much!!! love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

October 10, 2007

Good morning sweetheart,
well Micky and I just got home from our trip to Walla Walla. We had a great time with my sister Kim and Elise these past few days! We enjoyed seeing where they are going to start up their raw milk dairy. I know you would have loved the area.It is all high desert with lots of really nice people that live working hard for what they love. The town is beautiful and well taken care of . We had time to shop and eat, as well as time to meet so many nice people! We felt you everywhere as allways,,,I sometimes find it hard to not turn around and expect you to be right there with us. The veiw from their place is God given. They will be very happy living and working in the place God chose for them. I will have to visit often because I will miss them so much. However like you I will know they are in a great place. My eyes are getting tired so I will write to you more tomarrow. Love you so much Soul Mate

kathy
wife

October 9, 2007

you're felt by all of us in Iraq. thank you, hero. ALWAYS REMEMBERED, ALWAYS HAILED. TURE HERO, WARRRIOR, GUARDIAN. Thank you for your service. GODSPEED.

October 5, 2007

You will always be remembered as an hero...

October 3, 2007

Hey sweetheart,
just me again,,,well it is Sunday morning and it is quiet around here. Bryce is working and Micky is sleeping in. I finailly finsh the backyard with lots of help from our landscaper. The kids think I had to much rock put in but I know it will be easy to maintain and the dogs can't tear it up. We celebrated my mom's 70th
birthday on Friday. Everyone came over and stayed the night. She had all of her kids and grandkids together. Not an easy task because everyone is so busy these days. We sure missed you!!! I was in need of your GREAT BBQ skills for
sure. We did not sit down to eat until 9o'clock. Luckly I had lots of chips and dip to get them through! I still can not believe that my mom is 70. I never
thought she could make it, I am proud of her because she is so strong. She
slept in our bed and enjoyed waking up to see your big smiling face on our wall I laughed because she said "GOOD MORNING HOWARD" to your photo
and ate her breakfast in bed. It was a good birthday for her! I am so blessed
to have such a geat family. They too help me push forward eachday. I love you so much!!! We all do!!! Can't wait to see you..
I talked to your Mom,Dad and Carmen last week. Everyone is doing fine. They of course miss you like crazy but like us they are pushing forward as well. I know you are proud of them too. We have not been able to get up to your parents' home this summer. We miss going up there! We remmber all the fun times we had together playing with you in the water and shooting up in the
canyon. Your parents home was like a beautiful resort. We always had a Great
time with them. I am comforted by the fact that they too have great memories
of you up at thier place. I know you loved to go up there as often as you could. Your dad told me that Ron and his friend went up there to go fishing
a couple of week ago. I know even our friends love to go to your parents home. GREAT PLACE!!! thats all I can say. I hope the kids and I can make it up there soon. I think your dad has some hunting trips planed for this fall. I am sure you will be watching over him during each hunt. I hope your parents will duck hunt down here sometime in the fall so we can see them, I know Leroy will most likely invite them for a hunt or two . We still have your boat on the
sideyard though we have not taken it out on the water. I remember your last duck hunt with your dad and Leroy...you were so happy! I like that memory!
Your boat reminds me how much you enjoyed your life down here. I miss the
days when you came home from hunting and even if you did'nt shoot anything you still "beamed " with joy just because you were out in nature.
Your smile warmed my heart everytime. Gosh it seems like yesterday that
you were here. Thank you for such wonderful memories! They help us so
much as you know...Well it would be easy for me to spend my day writing to you here but I should try to get some work done around the house. I had it all
pretty for the party but as you know with all of us here it got alittle messed
up. Not bad though. I just need to sweep and mop the floors again and clean
the bathrooms. Nothing I can't handle. I would bet there is no dirt in heaven
so you have plenty of time to play so go have fun!!! waiting for the day I can join you love you Sole Mate forever

kathy
wife

September 9, 2007

To Howie and all that read his reflections... time still seems to stand still. We think of you everyday and treasure all memories and photos of you. I hear Nickelback and think of you and Kathy. "Photograph" totally makes me think of you. I shared your passion of photographs and everyday I look at my beach photos in the bathroom, I hear your voice saying, " I have taken those same-exact photos,good shots". Then, looking at all the photos of Kathy, you and the kids ( all little) .. just tears me up. Then I'll hear Nickelback the "yeah-yeah song" .. and remember singing it across the table from you at Torii's. I laughed cuz we all knew the song.. except Gayle... We should have all been camping this year. I would have had a beer ( maybe) :) and smoked a cigar with you and Kathy.
The kids are great! I watch them grow on Myspace and just see YOU and Kathy in each of them. They have innherited your adventurous spirit with nature. I talk to Kathy as much as we can play phone tag. What a strong woman.. she is my hero too.
You touched everyone and your family carries all of our strength. You are shining on them... on us.
Miss you .. with still heavy hearts.. we will all "camp" again soon........
with daily memories...... Joyce

joyce freeman
family friend

September 3, 2007

HI sweetheart,
missing you so much can't wait to see you! We are doing fine and the kids are
keeping me going. Time has not healed my heart and I do not think it can! When you were here life seemed so easy. You made us so happy!!! I am trying to stay
busy and live with a light heart, It is not easy though. Some days I do better and
some not so better. I know if you were able you would give me great advice, I
try to think about what you would say, and then try to continue on. I know God
says "do not worry I am with you" so I am sure you would say that too. I long for the past when things were right! I miss doing everything I know the kids miss going on trips and everyday things like having dinner together and watching movies. You always pick the great ones,remember? I still can't do that. I hope you can see how wonderful Bryce and Micky are turning out.
They are truely apart of you! I started walking again and am swimming
after to try and loose the extra weight I have put on this year. Wish I had your self motivation. Linda is keeping me in check for now. I bet there is no over weight people in heaven. Can't wait....
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

September 2, 2007

Hey. I was just thinking of you. I miss you so much. I really wish you were around to be my guide as I move further into adulthood. I try to do everything you taught me but I still have so many questions and I get more everyday. I won second place in the trap shoot at mountain madness. I shot better than I had in awhile. I'm still a security gaurd at mjc though I don't think I want to do that for very much longer. I'm still unsure of what I want to do with my life, it kind of bothers me. I'm going to school full time and trying out different classes to find my nitch. I hope that I make you proud. I know I'm proud of you. I love you. Bryce.

Bryce
Son

August 25, 2007

"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

August 20, 2007