Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mr. Stevenson and family:
Your dedication to the cause of this community cannot be understated. On this day, you will be spoken of in every one of my classes for the service you have given us all. I will also be sure to thank any brother of yours I see in black and white. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thank you again.

Chris Oneth, Teacher
Blaker-Kinser Jr. H.S. Ceres

January 9, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother Stevenson

Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

January 9, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, January 9, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Sergeant Howie Stevenson who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Sgt. Stevenson’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

January 9, 2006

Sergeant Stevenson..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers on the 1 yr. anniversary of your tragic death..continue to watch over those who knew & loved you & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi

January 9, 2006

uncle howie.it is january 8, 2006 6:30. amazes me that it has already been a year since you were taken from us all. i remeber that whole night. me and elise i think got an hour of sleep that night.i remeber getting the phone call and going to the hospital and seeing mik.i sat on her lap and cried with her.i cant imagine how she was feeling.or bryce or aunty kathy.i know you are in heaven though.watching down on everyone who loves and cares about you.i think about you all the time. aunty kathy and mik and bryce are always in my thoughts as well.i looove you all so much. i miss you uncle howie. cant wait to see you again someday.love you. Forever in my heart.
<3,sov

sovauhna Niece

January 8, 2006

Hi sweetheart, Today is Sunday the 8th and almost a year ago everything changed for us and so many other people that new you. I live one day at a time now. If I think about not having you here for the rest of my life, I cry and get depressed. I know you are safe and that I will see you again! I am going with Kim to take Mom to a specisl wound hospital tonight and I will not be back until late afternoon tomorrow. I think it will be a good distraction. I hope we see our friends and family at the dinner. Everyone loves you and are glad Sammy is doing TERRIFIC! I know you are proud to call him FRIEND. He is quite strong you know. Support has been the key to keep on going. I love you so much and miss you, but I do feel you near me. Thank you, love you soul mate

kathy wife

January 8, 2006

Howie, I can't believe how this year has flown. I have checked this site many times over the year, read people's remembrances of you, and shed more than a few tears. Life has continued on for all of us, sometimes smoothly, sometimes with bumps in the road, but always forward. When that dreadful night happened, I was so moved by Kathy's strength and her spirit. I always hoped I would be able to have similar strength if my husband were to die in the line of duty. I have found that strength to help me through my own challenge, having been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have had many tests, a couple of surgeries, and have started chemo. On the 9th, my husband and I will be shaving our heads to have some small bit of control over all that cancer and the treatments cause. I wish I were going to be with everyone to celebrate you and the rest of the CPD family, but I will be having my chemo first thing the next morning. I will be there in spirit.

Virginia Hansen, MICP
AMR

January 8, 2006

Howard,
Just four short days and it's the one year anniversary of your heroic day. It still feels like yesterday.
I remember the last time I saw you-December 11, 2004, 2300ish hour on Hatch Road. I had spent the day in SF (now it's almost like Sam and my second home) with a girlfriend and I was coming back from her house in Hughson. I pulled up beside you, you looked up, said HEY and gave me "that" smile. When I said, "whatcha doing", your reply (so Howard-like), WORKING. That was it, but that short little encounter put me back on the road with a smile.
I now try to find a positive about everything. And while most people would think what possible positive thing could there be about January 9, 2005, there is---my positive thing is that Kathy and I have re-connected; but you know that, and that we even drag Sam and Mick into it! Thank goodness you're looking down on us and see what we're up to....I'd hate to put it in writing here and have witnesses!
We see Bryce on occasion, but that kid is a busy young man...school, work, and his woman! I was really worried about him. He'd smile, but I'd still see the sadness in his eyes....now, there are times when I actually see laughter in his eyes too.
Rest in peace, Howard.
Until we meet again,

Linda

January 5, 2006

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who unlocked your car after you accidentally locked the keys and your baby up at the WalMart.
I was the one who gave you a ride to the gas station when you ran out of gas on that back road.
I was the one who changed your tire because you couldn't figure out how to work the stupid scissor jack.
I was the one who directed you safely through that busy intersection when the traffic signals weren't working.
I was the one who gave you a jump-start after you left your lights on.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who found the item that identified the guy who raped your daughter.
I was the one who spent my days off in court to testify and help convict the man who beat your son so badly.
I was the one who located your grandmother in the almond orchard that night when it was 22 degrees and she had wandered away from the nursing home.
I was the one who loaned you the raincoat the night we stood and watched your house burn.
I was the one who talked with you for two hours about your son running away from home.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who held your hand, wiped the blood out of you eyes, and calmed you down while the Fire Department cut you out of what was left of your car.
I was the one who called you at 2 a.m. to come pick up your 16 year old daughter because she had been drinking too much.
I was the one who knocked on your door at 4 a.m. to let you know your 16 year old daughter would never be coming home again.
I was the one who did CPR on your 3 year old after you found him in the pool.
I was the one who helped deliver your new baby when you didn't quite make it to the ER.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who got that snake out of your bathroom around midnight.
I was the one who got my knees and elbows scraped up fighting with the shoplifter with your carton of cigarettes.
I was the one who took your son for a "ride-along" so he could see what it was really like.
I was the one who gave you the right directions so you wouldn't miss that business meeting.
I was the one who stopped you to let you know your right rear tire was going flat.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one watched over your place while you were on vacation.
I was the one who worked for you on Christmas Day so you could be off with your family.
I was the one who joked around with you after your truck got hit by a train and you walked away without a scratch.
I was the one was able to talk your husband into going into counseling with you.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who got shot when I pulled over a car for a traffic violation and the driver turned out to be an escaped convict who had sworn he would never go back to prison.
Oh, by the way, my memorial service is at 2 p.m.

Will you remember me now?

I will remember you!! RIP

January 4, 2006

Hey, Ward. I guess you've noticed that I finally finished reading my book. It helps me accept your unexpected departure. It also leaves me wanting to contact you, especially as we near the year-mark of your graduation from life. I will take your lead, but I must say that I do look forward to the moment I am once again blessed with your presence.

Lori

January 4, 2006

Howie,

It is getting close to January 9th. The memories of that night have come flooding back to me. It seems like it was just yesterday. Hell, it seems like it has remained January 9th 2005. I have tried, as I am sure that you know, to move on. Not to forget but to learn from that night and become a better Officer for it. I know that is what you would have wanted, for us all to learn from that night. Not that you or anyone else made any kind of mistake that night because you didn’t. I have read the reports, seen the video and talked with the many people involved. No, we need to understand that the streets are different now. They are more dangerous. We need to understand that there are people out there, even in the little town of Ceres that want to kill us and will ambush us to do it. My God that did not even seem conceivable on January 8th 2005. My friend, my brother, I will not forget. I promise you that.

You never know how much you love someone until they are gone. I took you for granted Howie. I figured you would always be there. I always that that you would be the one running our range training. I had hoped that I would draw you as my sergeant when I returned to patrol. I figured you would always be there to dance with my daughter during our dinners and gatherings. She really misses you. She tries to go out on the dance floor and dance without you, but I know that it is not the same to her. You were always so good to my family, my entire family and for that I am eternally grateful.

I catch Shawnna ever now and then. Sometimes she is just really quiet and other times she has a tear in her eye. I ask her what is wrong, but I already know the answer. She is thinking of you. She had a very special friendship with you. In many ways, you two were alike. Family and friends ranked high on both your lists. Getting them together as often as possible was equally as important. You two would conspire together and come up with some type of gathering. I miss those. Shawnna has tried to do it without you. I think they were half hearted attempt. I think it is just too hard for her to plan them without you.

We will gather on January 9th as a family. We will not gather to mourn you. We will gather to celebrate your life and offer support to Kathy and the kids as well as each other. We will also gather around Sammy and his family. Thank God for that. As hard as it was and is losing you, thank God we did not lose Sammy too. He has had a hard road but he is doing as well as can be expected. I never forget about Sammy or Melton or King when I think of that night. So many lives were affected by the cowardness of one person.

I miss you my brother and I will never forget you.

Detective Greg Yotsuya
Ceres Police Department

January 2, 2006

Happy New Year How, well it is 2006. Thank You for being with us everyday! You have perfect love in heaven; yet you seem to still be with all of us too? God is great!! Everyday seems to bring "life", We do the best we can and that is all that is expected of us. You Lived your life just like that! Do your best, then you can never feel bad about yourself. Try Try Again, Rain or Shine...This Holiday Season has been sad, gloomy,hard and trying at times but there has also been laughter,smiles,memories of great times past and present. You knew to surround yourself with loving family and friends; sure always glad I am apart of it all. You are always in all my thoughts as well as so many others. Heaven is full of so much love. I can not wait till we can be together again! I am working hard to finish my work too! Thanks for being with me through the good times and the bad. You left us with the best memories! love you soulmate

kathy wife

January 1, 2006

I cant believe that its been a year since that dreadful day. Everyone misses you so much and wishes that you were here. You made such an impact on so many lives. I remember at my son in laws birthday party at your house, it was so much fun and I remember you telling my to try the oysters and I had never tried them before, and Greg telling me that no one can fix them like you! I will always remember your kindness to my granddaughter she loved you so very much and my grandson. We miss you, Susie

Susie, mother of shawnna

January 1, 2006

Oh how we miss you. My heart hurts so much, every single day. My eyes are always spilling over, and I have a constant headache because of the pressure from forever choking back tears. I keep swallowing the hard lump in my throat, and cling to happier thoughts, thoughts of you and our family. The weather matches our mood. When it rains, I feel like God is feeling OUR pain and loss too, and the rain is all the tears He sheds in honor of you, and to share in our grief. We know you are in the best place, but we miss you so much here. Life will never be the same for us, but I pray that the new year will be a much, much better one for all of us. Please keep the other officers safe. I love you so much., always.

December 30, 2005

Hi sweetheart, felt you with me all day! I saw this guy jogging down Hatch road canal today and he looked like you. His stride was just like yours. I could not take my eyes off him for along time, it made me think for just a moment that maybe this has been a terrible nightmare. I know you jog that same area. It was so strange. He had blue shorts, white running shoes, camo sweatshirt and a camo green face mask. His legs were like yours too. I even thought maybe it was you and only I could see you. I miss you so much it would not surprise me. So thank you for loving me so much! love you soulmate

kathy wife

December 29, 2005

Merry Christmas babe, we miss you always! Micky and I spent Christmas Eve with Sammy, Linda and Zack. We ate pizza, walked Christmas Tree Lane and played Yahtzee. Both Mick and I have been sick so it helpled to get out of the house. We took it easy. Bryce had to work as usual. This morning was hard because it was just us. You were in our hearts and with us in spirit, yet we knew it was not the same...We are going to go to Lakewood and put flowers and balloons at your gravesite. The weather is gloomy but it is fitting for our hearts. We love you so much as you know. I sat quietly this morning remembering all our past Christmas's and that helped because they were all fun and filled with love. I love thinking of days past. I would stay there always if that were possible. My Christmas present to you this year I hope will please you; though I know you are easy to please! with all my love til then soulmate Merry Christmas

kathy wife

December 25, 2005

Sgt. Stevenson. I never really had the chance to spend much time around the P.D. when my dad was alive, but the stories he would tell about the Mt. madness trips. I can truly say I would have enjoyed getting to know you and going on Mt. madness. My father thought very highly of you. I was at the cemetery the other day at my dads grave site and noticed your headstone is infront of my dads off to the left. I was reflecting on the times I spent on th estreets with my dad and how he would talk about you and the other guys and the fun you guys had on th streets. Howie, although I never really had the chance to meet you, but i could tell you must have been an awsome officer to work with. Howie, you patrol the streets of heavan now, find my father and you two can fight over who buys the coffee. Watch over us Sgt. Stevenson.

Security Officer Bryan Madewell
Emanuel Medical Center

December 21, 2005

Thank you for guiding me home safely. It’s always confirmation to me that indeed I made the right decision to stay over.
Grandpa used to say “I always have an angel on my shoulder, watching out for me, protecting me.” I used to envision that special angel just sitting serenely on his shoulder. I imagined what the angel looked like; was it a male or female angel? Did the angel sit on the left side or the right side? Was it always there or did it sometimes get called away to help others? Hmmm. It was intriguing to me, but of course I was very little when he started telling me this. I think about him, you. Now that I’m all grown up, my perception of ‘an angel on my shoulder’ has changed. Are you sitting on my shoulder too? Yes, I’m sure of it. (How do you both fit?!) And when you’re sitting on mine, you’re simultaneously sitting on all of those that love you too, I think, offering us your comfort and protection. Thank you. I love you. You are missed beyond words.

December 20, 2005

Hi How, Micky and I attended a wonderful Rotary Luncheon today. They put a scholarship in your name for Ceres High students that wish to pursue Law enforcement. See they will never forget your sacrifice. We are always proud of you! Some reporters asked me how we were coping with you gone? I never know how to respond to that question. It makes me uncomfortable and I flounder for words. Sorry, I know we are coping well because we were a great family and even with you gone we know what you would expect of us. We try to make you as proud of us as we are of you. The family of the TPD officer that was shot this morning has been in all of our prayers. I am so thankful that he survived. I worry for all and put my worries into God's hands where they belong. We miss you so very much, mere words could never express. We know you are safe and are watching over all of us til our work is done. love you soulmate

kathy wife

December 16, 2005

Howie,

I just wanted to stop by and say Merry Christmas. I pray for you and your family during this holiday season. Last night we had a TPD Officer shot 3 times. Luckily he is expected to survive. Thank you for watching over him as you do for us every night we go out.

Kathy and Family,

May God bless you this holiday season. I can't imagine how difficult it is to carry on. Please know Howie's life and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He is forever in our hearts and minds.

Mery Christmas to everyone.

MGR
SCSD

December 16, 2005

Gone but not forgotten. We will never forget the sacrifice these hero's have made. We will be thinking of and praying for the families of all of the lost officers. God bless you all.

Wife and mother in law of LEO's

December 15, 2005

Hey Howie,
Well, I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by. More so, I cannot believe it has been almost a year that you were taken from us. I think back on those cold nights when you used to be able to run around in your short sleeve shirts. It's so funny to see the guys come in to dispatch and complain about how cold it is and stay in with us for awhile to warm up. They are wearing their long sleeve shirts night and day. But I am the smart one and get to stay inside with the warmth all the time. :-)
Christmas is right around the corner and I know our family picture is sitting on your fridge as it does every year.
On a different note, I finally got my stomach problem taken care of. I remember complaining sometimes about stomach aches and you used to laugh at me or joke around and say I was pregnant. Turns out I had gallstones for a couple years. I probably still wouldn't have had the surgery but insurance is changing at the beginning of the new year so I decided I'd better have it done. So I had my first surgery and they removed my gallbladder. It was scary going into an operating room and seeing all that. But I made it through and Kathy even brought me a little care basket. I love her soooo much. She is so strong.
As she mentioned, we are planning to all be together Jan 9th to support each other and help each other through the day. It's going to be rough, but we know you will be with us looking down. We love and miss you so much Howie.

Shawnna Yotsuya

December 14, 2005

Hi How, it's a gloomy cold day today. I am try to get some chores done but can't seem to be as productive as I'd like. Our home is warm and cozy and it feels like you are here. I might make some soup. We are planning a get together for Jan. 9th. We want to be together for support. Your CPD family are working hard as always, keeping our streets safe. I know they miss you too. Christmas will be here soon, we have not done any shopping yet. Micky wants to try this weekend. My mom is doing a little better I know you know. She is a great inspiration. This gloomy day reminds me too much of the 9th. Bryce went to school to take his math final; I'm sure he will ace it. I think about you with every thought, wondering what we would be doing different if you were still here? These days go by so quickly not like when the kids were young. Those days seem to last a life time. I think because we were all together playing, laughing, living. Something about this year seems to make time fly. Maybe because I tend to get lost in my memories, you left us with some great ones! Well I feel a bit better now so I will get back to my chores; you make me smile thanks! love you soulmate!

kathy wife

December 14, 2005

Thank you so much for your postings. Please, please, please don't let his death be in vain. Please don't forget his sacrifice, not matter how much time passes. You honor him by remembering.

December 13, 2005

Howard,
Jason is so right. Most days it feels like it could not possibly have been almost one whole year since you were gunned down. I too believe a lot of the officers in Ceres have become lax in "routine" traffic stops and wish they would approach every single call as if it were January 9th. Unfortunately, the powers that be probably don't read these reflections and aren't out on the street seeing how the officers are handling calls. Please continue to watch over everyone and I will continue to pray that Ceres will never have to experience another January 9th.

December 13, 2005