Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. You will not be forgotten..We will see you in Elysium...

Jason Crociata
Police Officer in Illinois

February 13, 2005

It makes me just sick at heart when I read of yet another fine officer taken from his family and friends so unnecessarily. Gunfire - automatic weapons - - will it ever stop? You went out there to protect and serve and you were killed. What would we do in this world if there were not people like you that give their own lives to keep us safe? My son gave his life in 1998 - the answers to the why"s never come - as he, you were doing the job you loved and this was the ultimate price you paid. May God be with your family and may he give them comfort during this terrible time - watch over them Howard.

February 9, 2005

WE DEDICATED OUR MUSTER IN YOUR MEMORY. YOUR SERVICES AND SACRIFICES SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER...

DEPUTY PATRICK FRAZIER
ESCAMBIA COUNTY (FL) SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 9, 2005

A Policeman's Poem The policeman stood to face his God. Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, Policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other check?To my church have you been true? The policeman squared his shoulders, No Lord, I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk was tough, and sometimes I've violent. Becasue the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep. Though I've worked a lot of overtimewhen the bills got just too steep. And I never past a cry for help. Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me. I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They've never wnated me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, LordIt needed be so grand. I never expected or had too much but if you don't ... I'll understand. There was silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgement of his God. "Step forward now, Policeman, You've borne your burdens well. COME WALK A BEAT ON HEAVENS STREETS, YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL." May you rest in peace and God BLess your family. In hope there is Valor.

P.O> Christopher Welby
Bridgeton, Mo. PD

February 9, 2005

To the family and friends of Sergeant Stevenson,
This is such a sad and horrible tragedy. I wish I could say something magical here to make everything better, but if you can remember just one thing during all of this...YOU ARE NOT ALONE. My prayers are indeed with you during this difficult time.

Shani Lake, former DOC Officer and fianc

February 5, 2005

Thank you for giving your life to protect the people of Ceres. It is such a huge sacrifice considering that you never even met some of the people that you died protecting. You are a true HERO! May God bless your family and the other officers of Ceres.

Ceres Citizen

February 4, 2005

You did what all of us know could happen at any time. You gave your life so that the public you served could be safe. HERO, that is putting it too lightly. Your memory will live on forever. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, BROTHER!!!!

Officer Guy Johnson
Snohomish Police Department (WA)

February 2, 2005

From one Sergeant to another, I salute you!

Sgt. Steve Merchant
Ripon Police Department

February 2, 2005

Howie, may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family

Sergeant Mark Cricchio
Honolulu Police Department

January 30, 2005

You did what we all hope we'll do if our hour comes, protect those we serve and face the threat. Thanks for being a hero Officer Stevenson.

Officer Pete Gavitte
California Highway Patrol

January 28, 2005

HOWIE,

YOU WERE A GREAT BROTHER-IN-LAW AND YOU WILL BE MISSED. I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU FOR THE 20 PLUS YEARS YOU WERE IN MY LIFE. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR KATHY, MICKY AND BRYCE. THEY ALL LOVED YOU SOOOO MUCH.

KRISY SEXTON

January 27, 2005

You saved my son's life seven years ago. Without hesitation he would willingly have put his life on the line for you as well. The policemen's brotherhood is strong, firm and well established. I have witnessed first hand the dedication and loyalty that each of the officers have for one another. It is truly an inspiring and awesome revaluation. Howe, you are sorely missed. YOUR personality on the Ceres force can never be replaced. You were unique to the department. I, as a parent, pray daily for those you have left behind both on the force and at home. It will never be the same but we do have hope, hope that what you did will stand as a witness to the good and the bad elements in our community. May your example continue to illuminate, inspire and educate future generations.

Clair L. Johnson
Ceres Police Officer's Father

January 27, 2005

Howie-
Your neice is my best friend and she was devistated when she heard the news. I first learned about this when she called me crying and she told me that she loved you very very much and Im sure that she wishes that she could see you one las time before you passed. You were a very important man and again...job well done. We salute you #143!

Best Friend Of The Neice Of A HUGE Hero

January 26, 2005

uncle howie...wow..i cant believe this all happened to you. You are a hero..a HUGE hero uncle howie. You did your job and you did it great. We all miss you soo much..exspecially aunt kathy your kids parents sister..we all do. But you died a hero..and we are soo honored to know you. Wow if you could see how many people loved you uncle howie..its amazing..the ceres pd wow i never realized how close you all were..gosh they love you..i hope you knew and you can see from heaven and see how loved you were. I wish we would have seen you more and we were closer family but i still love you the same and i cant wait to see you once again in heaven. You were amazing...job well done..i love you sooo much..your a hero uncle howie..xoxox
#143

the neice of a HUGE hero

January 25, 2005

Thank you for your ultimate courage and duty to your community. You may be lost, but not forgotten brother. Godspeed and good luck.


With love brother,
Patrol Officer Michael Cummins
Fort Hall Police Department.

Patrol Officer Michael Cummins
Fort Hall Police Department Id

January 25, 2005

I am proud to have worked with you, and I am honored to call you my brother. Farewell and Rest In Peace, Hero!

Jeremy, Retired Ceres PD
Ceres PD, Ceres, CA

January 25, 2005

My heart goes out to all of you during this painful time. I know the hurting you are going through as Birmingham lost 3 of our own in 2004. Bless you family and friends and may his soul watch over you all.

Deepest Sympathy - Wendy

Wendy Vickroy
wife of Birmingham Police Office (west)

January 24, 2005

My heart goes out to all of you during this painful time. I know the hurting you are going through as Birmingham lost 3 of our own in 2004. Bless you family and friends and may his soul watch over you all.

Deepest Sympathy - Wendy

Wendy Vickroy
wife of Birmingham Police Office (west)

January 24, 2005

Sergeant Stevenson, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers, Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. P. Sperandeo, Officer A. Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept.. LA

January 24, 2005

It is always a shock to hear that another brother is lost to the war on our own streets. You will always be remembered. You will always be missed. Not a day will go by where you will be thought of and reflected upon. To Sgt. Stevenson's family, you are in good hands. Though the pain will never end, you will keep going. Because your father, husband, friend, wants you to. We all know what the ultimate price is in this job but we all pray that it is never seen. God Speed Brother and while your up there walking your beat in heaven, say hello to my brother. Deputy Sheriff William Hunter EOW 7-26-2001, we all miss him.
Thank you Sgt. Stevenson.

Deputy Sheriff Kevin Hunter
Plumas Co. Sheriff (CA)

January 23, 2005

Having just suffered the lost of one of our correctional officers on January 10th, I know what your partners are going through. God bless you for your service as a peace officer. You paid the ultimate price for protecting the public. Rest in peace and God bless your family.

F. Quezada
California Department of Corrections

January 22, 2005

Howie, your memorial service was as grand as they get, as I'm sure you saw from above. By reading the reflections posted, it's obvious that people from around the globe have been saddened by your untimely departure. I praise the officers from Ceres PD, Modesto PD, Stanislaus Co. S/O and others that tracked down your killer and were able to end the ordeal without any other innocent people being harmed. The shifts worked together with you, the times fishing, hunting and Mt. Madness with you will never be forgotten. You and your family will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. Until we meet again.

Det./Cpl.
Gustine PD, formerly Ceres PD

January 22, 2005

Wow, Howie, I can't believe you're gone. Just like that you were taken from us. We love you and miss you so much. You did so many great things for Ceres. You were not only a wonderful Sergeant, but a Loving and caring father. You will always be remembered for your great work. Howie, you are a true hero. What you did that night will never be forgotten. I'm praying for you and your family. One day I know I will see you again. May you rest in peace Sergeant Howie Stevenson.
A PIECE OF AMERICA DIED
Somebody killed a Policeman today
and a piece of America died
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him... at his side
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
with counsel demanding his rights
while a young widowed mother must work for her kids
and spend many long, lonely nights
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too
just as if he had gone off to war
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half staff
to his name they will add a gold star
Yes, somebody killed a Policeman today
It happened in your town or mine
While we slept in comfort, behind our locked doors
a Cop laid his life on the line
Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street
and he stands at each new rookie's side
He answered the call, and gave us his all
and a piece of America died
RIP S143

Former Ceres Police Explorer

January 22, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother, Thank you for protecting us all.

Sergeant Kenneth J. Steward
California Department of Corrections

January 21, 2005

So sad to loose another HERO. Rest in peace brother in blue.
God Bless this officer's family and give them the strength to handle the days ahead.

Officer Amy Cole
CPD, Columbus, Ohio

January 21, 2005