Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The Hero in the Night"

Next time a cop stops you because you are driving too fast,
Remember he saved you from that day being your last.

When you think he’s picking on someone,
Why not think of what they could have done?

Next time you call him a name,
Would he have called you the same?

How would you feel to see a child beaten black and blue?
And knowing there is not much you can really do.

You can arrest them and hope they stay in jail,
But, too many times it doesn’t work that well.

To see the face of someone right before they die,
When he can’t but all he wants to do is cry.

To break up a fight, knowing later it will be worse,
And from his help, all that came was him being cursed.

To know that people don’t respect what he chose to do,
But day after day, he’s out there to protect people like you.

To see drugs sold to a child younger than his own,
Makes his heart ache and long for his home.

The job has no glamour, doesn’t even pay well,
He does it because he cares for more than himself.

He cares for you and he cares for me,
He’s out there hoping we will all see.

He took a path not many would take,
And he chose it for our sake.

He’s a remarkable soul, a Hero in the Night,
When all is well, he’s not in sight.

But, if you ever need him, he’ll be right there,
Not just because he’s a cop but because he cares.

May 25, 2007

They walk a beat of concrete and stone,
They drive through the city in a car, alone.
They swallow their pride, their prejudice, their grief,
They deal with all kinds, from preacher to theif.

Sometimes they get weary, from fighting this fight,
To punish the wrong and defend the right.
Defending a sacred creed and code,
Of freedom and justice, they bear the full load.

You don't ever see them for what's deep inside,
The pain, the anger, or many tears they've cried.
For you, for me, and others in fear,
Seldom a "Thank You", do they ever hear.

If you could look at their heart, just once,
You would see,
Their own life is the gift given to you and me.

May 22, 2007

Howie

It's been a long time since I've been back to Ceres. When I heard of your tragedy I was living in Texas. Now that I made it back to Ceres I had to go by George's and sit there for a little while to reflect on what happened that night. We both knew this place all too well and I remember sitting in that very parking lot discussing war stories. I was overcome by grief and sadness and wondered what it must have been like that evening. I've seen the video and have listened to the interviews with Sam, I couldn't ever imagine what must have been going through Sam's mind when all this hit the fan. I remember conversations we had about the way things were changing in Ceres, heck, I remember as a teen riding out with Brian Weber and Sam and a couple other officers in the department, I would have NEVER thought something like this could have ever happened in Ceres worse, it woudnt even register in my thought process that it would happen to you. I do miss you my brother and I know you are doing a fine job on patrol with the BIG commander upstairs. We will keep things safe down here and keep an eye out for the family to make sure they are safe as well. God Speed Howie...10-7 10-42

Deputy C M
SCSO

May 20, 2007

Howie,

Ron was just out for a week. I haven't seen him since your funeral. It was great to have him here in Oklahoma. Anyway, he brought the DVD to Police Week in DC. I am in awe!

I am flying back to Cali. for Mt. Madness next week! I can't wait. Haven't been in 10 years. I think of you, your family, and the folks at the PD often.

Jeremy

Jeremy Gatlin
Ceres PD Retired

May 18, 2007

A Million Times

A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could've saved you,
You would have never died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

Former Camden, NJ Resident

May 18, 2007

Hi Sweetheart,
Missing you as always!!! Can't wait to see you again, time is flying bye but not fast enough for me. The kids are doing great and they keep me happy. Micky as you know is back in ball. She is looking forward to travel ball this summer. She is playing great, really hitting well this year!
Bryce is staying busy working every weekend. He reminds me of you so much. He even sounds like you at times. We know you are watching over us and are proud of the way we are
living our lives! We talk often about you and the good times we had when you were here!!! We see your mom, dad and Carmen as often as we can. I know how proud you are of them as well. They did a great job raising you and Carmen!
We could not have got through your death without the love and support of so many!!! You made some wonderful friends
when you were here. We still see many of them frequently.
Though nothing is ever going to be as it was when you were here with us, we know there will be great memories made in
the days ahead. We bring you with us each day in everything
we do. Thank You for being such a great inspriation to us!!

love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

May 17, 2007

Hey dad,
Well tonights game was good we won by like 20 & i hit a triple. & I have a REALLY funny story even though you were watching. So i pitched one inning tonight. hahaha it was Sooo funny kuz who would give ME a ball & tell me to pitch win there are girls in the way of that ball hahaha of course you know that i hit a girl but it was bound to happen especially since i have not pitched since i was like 10 yrs old. She got so mad & threw her helmet on the ground & was cussing at everybody then she ran away crying. She got kicked out of the game & off her team. But in the end i pitched really good for not pitching in 5 yrs. I struck one girl out, walked one, then hit one haha jk. well i luv u soo soo much & i wish you could have been there to see the great show haha. <3

Mikaela

May 12, 2007

"A Letter From Heaven"
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you! ALWAYS,ALWAYS.

April 30, 2007

Hi Sweetheart,
we just got back from a wonderful weekend with your parents and Carman. We know you were with us because everything went as planned! Micky and I were able to see
where you guys lived when your Dad was going to Standford.
I know you showed us a few years ago during our family slide show, but it was great to actually see everything in person! We all needed this because our memories of you
are so great! Thank you!!! You know how much we love you and how much we miss you,and that will NEVER change. It is
so great that we can feel you with each of us. I'm sure that is what is keeping each of us going. We also were able to see the Standford woman's sotfball game vs UA. Standford won! I think Micky enjoyed seeing
them play. We ate to much but loved every second of the trip.
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

April 29, 2007

We had a good time at the POA dinner. ANd it was really great seeing your Mom and Dad and Carmen. I was at a bbq the weekend before with Kathy and Mikayla and it was so nice to be able to visit and sit around a fire like the old times. I know some people probably wished they could've had some of your oysters, but you know me.....I would've complained about my stomach hurting and had to hear you teasing me again.(What else is new?) Miss you lots!

Shawnna, Your Dispatcher
Ceres PD

April 17, 2007

Howie, Kathy and family:

I just wanted to reiterate again that not a day goes by that I think of you guys. And here we go again, losing Dan Winget of Ripon PD. Another long time veteran as well. Show him the ropes, Howie.

Lawrence Borges
Modesto Bee carrier

April 13, 2007

You are missed by all and truly not forgotten, Howie...

Member of the CPD Family

April 12, 2007

Howie - Kath and I just got done talking and are saddened by the death of another officer - one so close to home. You must be so proud of her and the way she is taking charge of life and reaching out. She's taking the lead on going tomorrow and doing all we can to help his family - I was proud of her for this and know you are too. Not a day goes by that I don't think of John....and then right there you are in my thoughts - the two of you just go together now and I know someday Kath and I will be lucky enough to be with our "guys" again. The girls are getting so grown up you should have seen them at the POA dinner last week - dancing it up - it was nice to see them have fun. You and John keep watching over us all - it makes me feel more secure.

Kim (Family friend)

April 11, 2007

Happy Easter Sweetheart,
I know you understand the gift because you are with the one who gave it to all who believe! I love you so much and miss you more today than yesterday (if that is possible).
I can not hardly wait til the day that we are together again, in perfect love!!! I pray that I will finish my work
here, giving Christ all the Glory that is His! I will try to do as good a job as you did. You have always been our
Hero and will always remain our Hero. We were blessed to be
your family and will never let our memmories of you fade.
love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

April 8, 2007

I came across Sgt. Stevenson while visiting these pages in honor of a friend who lost his life in 2004. Tonight on Court TV, one of the episodes of "Most Shocking" was about the shootout in which Sgt. Stevenson died. As soon as they said his name, I remembered reading about him here. At the end of the episode, one of the police officers said that Sgt. Stevenson was the real hero that day. I couldn't agree more. With sympathy......

April 6, 2007

Howie, I wanted so badly to be a police officer. I had been seriously considering being a police officer when my mom told me that you died. I was so sad. I didn't know what I should do. I tried out for it anyway. I thought, "you know, it's a risky job, but somebody has to do it! Why not be me, someone who is really interested in 'protecting and serving'?" So, I tried out. I thought about you my whole way through the tough agility test that our local police dept. requires you to pass in 4 and a half minutes. I just wanted to pass. I thought about you because not only did you pass, but you did your job with all your heart. I failed my test. I did it in 4:38...took 8 seconds too long. That was in August 2005. I got pregnant in Sept. 05 and had a beautiful baby girl in June 2006. Just last week a local police officer died. He was shot in the back of the head while on stand-by at a residence where a woman was trying to get her child from her boyfriend's family. Officer Martinez has 5 children and a wife. He was only 33 years old. That event got me thinking, what makes me think I could actually be a police officer? My mom told me that she couldn't see me shooting someone and being able to live with myself, but I think if duty calls, you do what you have to do. On the other hand, I don't think I could deal with someone pulling a gun on me. Now that I have come to this realization, I don't think I could do a sufficient job as a law enforcement officer, but I want to tell you and your family that you were one strong and brave man, and I'm sure that everyone that knew you will agree that the people you protected were very lucky. I am very lucky to have known you. God Bless you Howie.

Amanda Mantooth (Speck)

April 3, 2007

Think of you so often. Just out of the blue. Hoping to get Mick's baseball schedule and catch a game or two. We all miss you. Kath is very busy but know you are helping to guide her with the Bryce and Mick. You must be so proud of them. Take care my friend! Always in our thoughts and hearts.

As you can see I'm not much of a computer person. I lost the entire first part of my note.

0lson Barbara
family

April 3, 2007

Sergeant Stevenson,

It has taken me over two years to find the words to express my deepest condolences to you and yours, I mean nothing but respect. As a former Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt., I was beyond sick to learn of how you were killed and by who. I am proud to have served and even more to be a cop, the two go hand in hand and are a large part of my life. You know about sacrifice and so does your family, selfless hours spent protecting a community of people you hardly get the opportunity to meet, and countless nights without sleep wondering when you'll get home. Bless you for your strength and courage, I am absolutely sorry for everything.

SFPD

March 20, 2007

I hope Sergeant Stevenson is laughing at me for goofing up the last name. I should have read past King all the way to Stevenson to get the name right. My apologies for that one.

By reading all of the tributes, it looks like there is much love in Ceres and with the Stevenson family. My best to the Stevensons from the LAPD. You make all of us strong.

Police Officer III
Los Angeles Police Department

March 13, 2007

Sgt. Stevenson, I remember waking up to the news and crying because you were "one of our ours". So, thank you for your 20 years of service and the ultimate sacrifice you made to protect us, the citizens of Ceres. There is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of. Rest in peace, Sir!

Sincerely,
A grateful citizen of Ceres

Citizen of Ceres

March 8, 2007

Hi dad, softball has started & i'm super excited, except for the fact that I haven't played ball since august & i'm really out of shape for that kind of workout. I had practice on monday & i'm STILL in pain. I haven't ever hurt this bad at the first practice because you were always here to get me into shape.Well I know you will be watchin our team win 1st place this year haha .Luv ya dad.

Mikaela

March 7, 2007

To Sergeant King and his family. A brave man who came to the rescue. This incident makes each one of us more careful on the streets. Sergeant King and the Ceres Police Department are saving lives every day becuause of the bravery shown that day. Now we are all aware of how dangerous a situation can be. We train harder because of you. We are more aware because of you.

Our unending appreciation for your ultimate sacrifice. His love continues through his family. I believe one day we will all meet, and that will be a great honor.

Police Officer III
Los Angeles Police Department

March 5, 2007

A huge expression of thanks to all those that visit Howard on this site, and that post messages for him here.

We, his family, look upon this site everyday. We read what is written about our Howard and the other loved ones who reside here as well. Your words of love for our beloved fallen hero and warrior sustain us and keep us infused with strength. We wish to offer an open thank you; for remembering him, for keeping him alive for us, for honoring his life’s work and calling. May you all know our comfort and belief that our Angels in Blue protect us from above, always. Above all, be safe and return home each night to your families and loved ones.

With deepest gratitude,
The Stevenson Family

March 5, 2007

Hi Howard,
I was at work today when a car crashed through the video store across the driveway from us.
Everyone stood outside watching. I actually walked over to the scene to get a closer look. Everyone thought I was being nosey, I really just wanted to be near the police officers, hoping this would make me closer to you somehow. Well, it didn't work, in fact,I think the police probably didn't appreciate me being there, so I didn't stick around. It did get me thinking of you though and I wonder if you think of me too.I miss you . I'll see you. Debbie

debbie
cousin

February 24, 2007

Hi Sweetheart,
well the last few days have been rough, it took me by surprise...wish you could be here, you are so very much missed in every way! Hope you had a great birthday in
Heaven! We love you forever!!!
can't wait to see you again love you Soul Mate

kathy
wife

February 23, 2007