Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just stopped by to read some reflections and leave another one.

You've been gone for over a year, but people still talk about you like you're still here. You gave so many of us so many great memories. You truly are a legend, not just in DeKalb, but all over.

You did so much for so many of us, either by showing up out of nowhere when the situation got really bad, or passing on your knowledge, experience, and expertise. So many of us have you to thank for saving our butts.

Friend
DKPD

November 11, 2007

J & I miss you all the time.

Cops don't get better that Step.

Sgt. B.
Friend

November 1, 2007

There hasn't been a day go by that I haven't thought about you. I miss you, Step.

Det. DKPD
Friend

October 22, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

saw a bunch of the guys loading up the other day and it always gets to me when you're not there in the middle of things...just not right
miss ya bro

anonymous

October 5, 2007

Missing you so much. Had a wonderful day for your golf tournament. We all felt you there - giving us such a beautiful day. Always in my heart.

M.T.

October 4, 2007

i wish you were here to talk to him, he is going through so much now and needs your advice, we talked of you the other day and think of you everyday! things have changed so much. give him the strength to do what he needs to do now! miss you bro!

friend

October 1, 2007

Was just thinking about ya! Miss you Step!

MPO KD Howard
Dekalb Police

September 16, 2007

step we miss you!

mpo
dkpd

September 10, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss, Step was a good man and will be missed. To his wife,family & friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss and just remember that he will be watching over you all!

Athena

Athena
Friend

September 10, 2007

You are always in my heart, Step....

Animal Crackers

September 5, 2007

Step,
Well, a lot of changes going on around here but nothing that would suprise you. We miss you so much brother. Take care.

MPO
DKPD/UNIFORM

August 15, 2007

Today is one of those days when I seem to miss you more than ever.. I love you..

Kellie Stepnowski

July 25, 2007

I could use a Step bear hug. Things have been rough. I miss you more and more every day. Please know you're still in my heart. I'll never forget you.

BB
friend

July 4, 2007

Step-

You never forget what you were doing on the night your life takes a drastic turn. It's been a rough year for all of us. We remember you tonight for what you gave us in life and not how you died. You will always be honored and remembered as a hero which IS how you lived. I know you will continue to watch over everyone. We miss you not just today but everyday.

SWAT wife

June 29, 2007

wow its hard to believe its been a year. i've been thinking about you everyday and today has been rough. i all miss and love you step!

friend
dkpd

June 29, 2007

6/29/07
5:20pm
At this hour last Summer, you were doing what you loved to do, and by early evening you had been taken from us, far too young. The heat of Summer gave way to the falling of leaves. The bare trees of Winter, gave way to the signs of Spring's rebirth. Now Summer is upon us again, as is that fateful evening. You have been remembered through the seasons, as you always will.

P.E.P.
Friend

June 29, 2007

It's been a year and it's still just as hard to believe you're gone. Everyone misses you. People still talk about you. You left us all with so many great memories.

Friend
DKPD

June 29, 2007

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN STEP!!!!! I BET HEAVEN IS A
WHOLE LOT HAPPIER SINCE YOU GOT THERE!! I BET YOU KEEP
GOD AND THE REST OF THE ANGELS LAUGHING!!!

June 29, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY DETECTIVE. WE CONTINUE OUR PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY. KEEP WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY AND ALL OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS PROUDLY SERVING.

DETECTIVE STEPNOWSKI, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

June 29, 2007

Where do I even start.. It was a Thursday a year ago when I got the call.. I was sitting on the bed.. I had just talked to you at 6 pm.. The last words you ever said to me were I love you and I will call you when we are done.. I never got to hear your voice again.. Some days it feels like years have passed and somedays it feels like I just talked to you yesterday.. My heart aches and breaks every day wishng you were here. I know you had a greater purpose. You touched more lives than you and I could have ever imagined.. You are amazing.. Last Sunday we had a party for you.. It was great to see so many of the guys come out and smile.. To laugh... We are all going to the grave tomorrow.. I know you we be with us.. You are forever in my heart.. I love you Steppie... Kel Bel..

Kellie Stepnowski
Wife

June 28, 2007

A year has passed since your were called away from duty and I know not a day has gone by during that time that someone who loves you dearly has thought about you. For some that year has gone by quickly, but for others it has felt like a lifetime since they saw your smile, heard you laught and felt your warm touch. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, also let them feel your presence so that they know you are near watching over them. Remember to keep a special watch over those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

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

June 28, 2007

It is so hard to believe it has been a year since you were taken from us. Sometimes its like we all expect you to ride up with that grin and leave us laughing about some joke you heard. It's been a tough year. You are still in our hearts and always will be. June 29th was one of the worst days. Seeing it all on the news and hearing it was true that you were gone, it redefined pain and hurt.
Rest well Bro, see ya one day again.

Friend

June 28, 2007

You are not forgotten.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview Station

June 28, 2007

I can't believe it will be a year this Friday. June 29th at DeKalb Medical Center was the worst time of my career. It seems like yesterday you were in a unit doing your thing. I miss you a lot and you are on my mind every single day.

friend
DKPD

June 27, 2007