Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Sanders,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ripon. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 28, 2022

I will never forget you Grandpa, i was 8 yrs old when you left us and 46 years later i still think of you all the time . I love you Grandpa

Grandson Keith Stevens

January 28, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 28, 2018

Thank you for your service. We DO remember you!

Sparky-

Lt. Steve Merchant
Ripon Police Department

January 30, 2017

Just wanted you to still know that we still think of you and I know your hand is and always will be on my shoulder!!!!

Sgt. James Stevens, (ret)
Son

November 14, 2015

Just wanted you to know that we think of you everyday,
you were and still are my inspiration.

sgt. James Stevens (Ret)
Son

March 18, 2013

You are remembered and honored today on this 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. .

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain an pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 28, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Stevens. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

Sarge: Your son brought some of your personal items to the PD today. We are putting them in one of our new display cases. Guess after it's all said & done we know we won't make any money in this job, and we won't make many friends either. The only thing we can hope for is to not be forgotten. You will not be forgotten. Sparky-

Sgt Steve Merchant
Ripon PD

April 16, 2008

No fellow California law enforcement personnel killed in the line-of-duty, should be forgotten.

Sergeant Stevens, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

January 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATED YEARS OF SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 25, 2008

"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

December 5, 2007

34 years after the fact, our father has recieved the tributes due to him. It has given closeure to our family and friends. He died as he worked, dedicated to serving the citizens of his community. We will always be proud of him.

James Stevens, (Sgt. Retired)
Son

May 30, 2006

I had the honor of facilitating the Stevens family at the California Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony this year. They were so proud to see Sgt. Stevens name on the Monument after such a long delay. It took almost thirty-five years to make right what was left undone. Sgt. Stevens name will remain a constant reminder to those who see it, as a man who laid down his life to make his community a safer place to live.

Tom Simonds Ret. Motor Officer
San Diego Police Department

May 17, 2006

Sgt. Stevens died in the line of duty trying to arrest a suspect who had warrants, and who was in possession of drugs. Sgt. Stevens was a small town hero who died doing the job he loved. No one at the PD will ever forget the "Sarge." His legacy lives on in every officer, in every state. Duty, Honor Country.

Sgt. Steve Merchant
Ripon Police Department

June 15, 2005

The FBI Agents Association salutes the service of Sgt. Stevens.

SA Darin L. Paul
FBI Agents Association

February 15, 2005

Sgt. Stevens no officer here should have a blank reflections page. It took over 30 years, but now you will be forever remembered here at ODMP. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Res. Ofcr J. Connell
Atwater Police Dept.

February 12, 2005

Sgt. Stevens,
It took 32 years but you are finally being honored. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Ripon.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

February 2, 2005

No officer goes without a reflection. May you rest in peace, you fought the good fight.

Lt. Peter B. Salzberg
Walpole Police Department

February 2, 2005

Let those who give the ultimate sacrifice not be forgotten. Rest in peace, brother.

Patrolman
Franklin Police Dept, IN

February 2, 2005