Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

Hi sweetheart,
miss you as always!!! well summer is almost over I can not believe how fast time flies. I wonder how time is measured in heaven? I am always thinking like that
since you've been gone. I can not wait until the day that we are together again.
I hope you will show me around and introduce me to all the friends you have made up there! We have lost some true heros and I am sure they will be some of
your closest friends. I love you so much!!!
Bryce and Micky are doing great as always. They start school this month.
Micky has been playing excellent ball this summer. I know you have been watching and enjoying all the games. I think she is going to play fall ball
if they can get enough girls together, Your sister and parents came this weekend to see her play. They took first place ! I know your parents and Carmen enjoyed themselves! Bryce hase been working hard as always so could not come see them this weekend. He is though very supportive.
we have been doing a few projects in the house this summer trying to be produtive like you always were. It is however not as much fun without you!
We feel that way daily, but we are keeping our heads up because we know that it will make you proud!!! You are still and always will be our EVERYTHING
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

August 14, 2007

I luvv u dad so much & i really missed you at my tournament in benicia this weekend. I was hitting & fielding so well & all i could think about was what a huge smile would hav been on your face if you were here & i know you had a smile on your face up there but its just not the same. I hit like 4 doubles & 2 triples in 4 games. I am so thankful you taught me how to play softball when i was little because i don't know what i would be doing without it, & everytime i pick up a softball i think of you & how proud you would be because i have really improved since you last watched me play down here. Now when i make a mistake i don't have you to come to the dugout & tell me what i did wrong, now i just figure it out by myself & i know i got mad but now i REALLY wish you could come to the dugout every single play i make for the rest of my life. I guess that won't work huh?
Well ive had my license for about a month now & i wish i could drive with you, I remember when u first tried to teach me in sonora in the trooper haha i of course killed it & got it stuck in a puddle of water.I don't do that anymore haha im a superb driver. I luvv u & miss u more than anything & thank you for being THE BEST dad EVER!! i wish every girl could have half the dad i did.
<3 u Daddy!

Mikaela
dauhgter

August 13, 2007

Hi Howie, You have been on my mind alot lately. Have spoken to Kath recently and only wish you could see how great she is doing ......you would be so proud of her. She has alot on her plate right now with her mom but but continues to stay soooooo cool.She tells me Miki is one responsible driver. Kath can actually close her eyes and relax with Mik in the drivers seat. I'm not very good at this typing thing but want you to know not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts and prayers. You are our quiet hero.

Barbara Olson
family

August 5, 2007

Howie,

I can't believe Mick is driving. She has grown up and my kids aren't far behind. Kalani will be in the 8th grade and graduating this year. Michael is in 5th grade and doing good. It just doesn't seem like they should be that old yet. Makes me older too, yet I can remember having my 30th birthday like it was yesterday. Miss you lots!

Shawnna Yotsuya
CPD

August 4, 2007

Talked to Kathy the other day and she is so proud of Miki and her driving! She actually rested her head back, closed her eyes and relaxed as she would do while you were driving. Kath says she is a great driver. Of course they know you are watching over them.

Barbara Olson
family

August 4, 2007

Thinking of you brother!!!! Your memory never fades.....

Annonymous

July 31, 2007

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human (believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that "you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of Solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blonde boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is "I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works "around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. "Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" (that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, "he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, "he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is "only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan "At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, "I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Originally Posted By:
Officer Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

July 27, 2007

Hey Howie, Just stoped by to say hi.Love Kalani

Kalani Yotsuya
Friend

July 24, 2007

Good friends are like Great memories
They dont fade with the passage of time...

July 24, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones as I know how each day is a struggle for them to get through. If they could save all their tears they could have a pond to sit beside and think of the many happy memories they have of you. Continue to keep watch over them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 23, 2007

True HERO. Thank you Sgt. Stevenson for everything you have given.

July 20, 2007

Howie,
Just thought I would jot down a message that you are thought of everyday. You touched everyone you came in contact with. Dan and I mention you and Kathy daily. I saw pics of you this a.m. from Mikeala. ;) I tear up every time. Bryce looks like you so much. It looks like he is like you in everyway.. outdoorsman. I was just thinking.. did you ever go in? :) I miss you and thank God your legacy has left behind unexplainable strength in a lot of us..
I was just thinking of ya and the family enough to tell you this a.m. , how much your missed..
Our macho nacho!!
Love to Kathy n the kids!
Joyce.....

Joyce
family friend

July 12, 2007

"He Answered The Call"


Today in the sun, I bid him farewell
A man, a hero, I never knew well

Like many before him, who answered the call
Wearing a badge, he was destined to fall

Though by choice a long life and a happy old age
Would he have chosen, had he written the page

But the office he chose never promised long life
Just half of his salary, for his child and his wife

He went without fear, into the darkness of night
Bringing comfort to some, to some others light

Easing their pain and calming their fears
He did his duty, never asking for cheers

A husband, a cop, he answered the call
We bid him farewell for he gave his all

July 7, 2007

Hi sweetheart,
missing you always!!! we made it through another holiday without you. I prayed
for all the heroes still left to fight and protect. The war is going badly and we are losing so many young men and women. This Forth of July was extra hard because we lost Joash in December. I know his mom is hurting so bad. All
I can do is ask our Lord to comfort her as he as us...we are pushing forward
as is so many others left behind. I look foward to the day that we are all together again! I thank you often for leaving us with such great memories. I will always be able to remember your sweet smile and your warm ways. I can still remember everything about you! That is what keeps me going! our kids
remind me so much of you, they are just as smart and just as good looking. I know you are as proud as I am! Who would have thought this would be the way things are now? I know you prepared us though I know I never really thought this could happen. Eachday I hope for this to be a bad dream and wake up. That is not going to happen of course but somehow for a second it gives me something? We love you so very much, you make us proud always and forever greatful to know you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

July 6, 2007

Hey Sgt. I don’t really know where to start. After I heard about your death the anger built up inside me and I wanted so desperately to help in the search for your killer. I know the Police wouldn’t let me get involved so I just stayed home and cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. I remember SWAT training with you, hanging out at the P.D., seeing you smile would make everything right in the world. One memory I cherish was when I was riding out with Officer Carrico during the swing shift. Officer Viramontes was at the 7-11 on Herdon road for a crazy person call. Myself and Carrico were with you right down the street at the Chevron on Hatch and Herndon remember? We decided we would all go check on him since we haven’t heard anything from him. We pull up and Officer Viramontes is in a 415 (fight) with the subject. We all get out of the car and it was all we could do just to hold this guy down until back-up arrived. I miss you so much Sgt. Thank you for your service and God bless our brothers and sisters of the thin blue line! R.I.P.

-Former CPD Police Explorer Captain Kevin Pollard

Friend

June 26, 2007

This is dedicated to Sgt. Howard K. Stevenson, the Ceres Police Department, and all Law Enforcement Officers and agencies world wide who tirelessly protect and serve and keep us safe. Thank you. God Speed.


“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec 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 their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have 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 the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an 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 they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ 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 they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work 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 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 elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They 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 paper 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 the 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, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

June 22, 2007

When I Get Where I'm Going"
(feat. Dolly Parton)

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

[Repeat chorus]

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears.

You will never ever be forgotten.

June 22, 2007

Happy Father's Day Sweetheart,
We miss you so much!!! I sat this morning thinking of our passed Father's Days with you. Each memory made me smile. You loved your family so well and showed us each and everyday. It is so easy to love you. Our kids are doing great because of the GREAT dad that you were to them. I see
you in them so much these days. Bryce as you know turned
21 on Friday. He is a good man just like you! Micky turned 16 on the 8th and is making each day count! She is playing
travel ball again this summer and is going to be trying
her skills in pitching. I know she will be great. I wish
you could be here to catch her fast pitches because I am
afraid of getting hit. Gretchen has been the brave one and we are glad to have her. Bryce is leaving for Mountain
Madness on Thursday and he can't wait! Your dad is going again this year with Leroy. They are going up early to do some fishing I think. Watch over all of them. Ron said,
there are a lot of guys going from the CPD; a lot of newbees! I'm sure they will have a great time.
I love you so very much and can not wait until we are together again !
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

June 17, 2007

Hi Sweethart,
just me again...gosh I miss you so much! the days keep coming, and our beautiful children are growing up so fast...Bryce will be turning 21yrs old and you daughter is turning 16 & she is just too hot for her ownself. We miss you everyday
and know you are with us, yet it is still hard to not be able to hold you and see you!
Kim & Elise are going with Mikaela & I to Carmel for a day of shopping and relaxing on the beach on Mick's Birthday. We will see you there...there in the wind, the sound of the ocean,
and the smell of the air, the taste of our lunch and the beautiful sites that we are sure to see. We survive because we know you are always with us. Thank you!!!
We are not sure what adventures there will be on Bryce's birthday..
Your Mom, Dad and Carmen are coming Saturday for Howard Stevenson Memorial Day set by the City of Ceres in honor of you!!! Can't wait to see them. We will be celebrating
You, and the kid's birthdays together. I love your family
they are a comfort to me! We have walked such a long and HARD road without you here on Earth and have managed to
continue to be productive. So many friends you made while
you were here! They miss you so much as well. They will be helping to clean up your Wildlife grove on Saturday as will be those who just want to honor you and your
fellow brothers', because they are thankful.
Love you Soul Mate always and forever!!

wife
kathy

June 8, 2007

To Howie, Kathy and family,

I also saw the Court TV Under Fire program and taped it. It was a strange feeling coming over me as I watched the clip again knowing what would happen next and what the outcome would be. If only one could go back in time and change things. Nevertheless I had a hard time sleeping that night and was pretty choked up for the rest of the following day. I, too, will never forget that fateful day when Howie was taken from us. Sammy and the rest did a great job of narrating the clip. This version I had never seen before. I hope every thing is going well for all of you. I can hardly wait for River Bluff Park to be completed so I can visit Howie's Memorial. It will be a day to remember for sure.

Lawrence Borges
Modesto Bee carrier

June 7, 2007

Hey Howie me again. Just thought you might want to know that im almost in 8th grade!!! Im so happy and I know you would be to. Michael is almost in 5th grade too. He was in the newspaper for fairness and we are all happy for him. I miss you so much!!!!! Love, Kalani Yotsuya

Kalani Yotsuya
Friend

June 7, 2007

I was watching Court TV last night and learned of Sgt. Stevenson and found him here. I wanted to express my admiration for this fine officer and his loving family. To his wife-God Bless you as you keep your husbands memory alive for your children so they will know their Dad and how he was a hero. I am so sorry you have to sacrifice not having him in your life. I can't ease your pain but please know that many of us appreciate and recognize the road you walk each day.

Detective Jonathon Snyder
Tilton PD (NH)

June 6, 2007

Hi Sweetheart,
we miss you so much, Micky had her wisdom teeth extracted
Friday and it is now Monday and she still is feeling bad.
I wish you were here! It is extra hard to not have my partner here with me when one of our kids is not feeling well. You always helped me and them get through anything.
I know I sound like I'm whining and maybe I am, but I think
you understand. Please stay close to us and I know we will
be fine. We love you so much and that's why it is so hard
not to wish you were still here!
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

May 28, 2007

Howie.. here it is again.. Memorial Day. Although I think of lots of family and friends that passed.. your passing has effected me the most. Thank God for Kathy and the kids. You have impacted so many Howie and there isnt One Day that
we do NOT think of you! Marc is following your footsteps. He is going to be an officer! He is still carrying your photo in his wallet and is proud to say he knows you. I miss the Torii's get togethers when you and Kathy shared "support-hose". You will forever be in our lives Howie... ("macho-nacho") Thank you for so many things.. you will always be our inspiration!! We love you!
Joyce and family...........

Joyce Freeman
friend

May 27, 2007