DeKalb County Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Thursday, June 29, 2006
Reflections for Detective Dennis Carmen Stepnowski
Step,
I wish I had the Pleasure of meeting you Brother. I have read your story and hours worth of reflections left for you by family, friends and strangers. On May 9th, I'll be riding a bike from NJ to DC in honor of YOU with the Police Unity Tour. You are gone but never forgotten. I found a Bracelet that was made by your brothers at Dekalb PD with your portrait on it that I'll be wearing. You will be on the trip with me and hundreds of brother officers and "STEP" will be my inspiration to keep going!!
God Bless you Brother and all the ones left behind to honor your memory.
Ptl Anthony Maccario
Madison PD -New Jersey
May 2, 2007
Hey Step! I have to agree..Dad's retirement party would have been even better if you had been there!! A friend of his gave him a picture of you and he loved it.. of course I cried. I miss you so much and am glad you are around to talk to when I need someone. Your sister has given me someone to talk to also..she looks so much like you! Well keep watch over Sawyer now that he's in daycare. I can't believe he's one now! Everyone asks about my sticker on my car, which gives me the chance to tell them what a wonderful person you are! Well, we all miss you and cant wait to see you again one day. Keep watch over all of us and the guys still on the force! We love you!
Stephanie Mote
April 23, 2007
well Step, we had Stump's retirement party yesterday and the only thing that would have made it better was if you had been there..you were ...in everyone's heart....love ya Bro
friend
April 2, 2007
Man I sure do miss you. Seems like yesterday you and I were in Buckhead. The things was, was that you didn't drink - at all! I tried and tried,,But you wouldn't. You were driving me around from bar to bar..watching me get tore up, while keeping me safe. Thats just the kind of guy you were. It still seems like I'll run into you sooner or later. Seems like I'll hear you on the radio too. Man I miss you so much.
A Friend
March 11, 2007
"A Part of America Died"
Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that 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 battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.
Rest In Peace Brother
J.E. Ferrell#2166
Former DKPD
March 10, 2007
Thanks for your sacrafice, bro. I miss you every single day.
Detective
DKPD
February 6, 2007
We miss you so much, not a day goes by that we do not think about you. We will always love you.
Mike, Paula and the girls
Paula
January 31, 2007
AFTER READING ABOUT THIS WOUNDERFUL PERSON AND POLICE OFFICER AND FAMILY MEMBER BECAUSE ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOULD BE A FAMILY I PRAISY THE LORD THAT HE HAS HIM IN HIS HANDS AND HIS NOT AN OFFICER ANYMORE KNOW HIS AN ANGEL POLICE OFFICER TAKING CARE OF ALL OF US. TO HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS I KNOW THIS IS A VERY SAD TIME BUT REMEMBER HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND BE SAVE A FRIEND FROM MIAMI FL
DANNY FERRER
MIAMI DADE POLICE DEPT
DANNY FERRER PSC
MIAMI-DADE POLICE DEPT MIAMI FL
January 28, 2007
Step, it is a new year and we still miss you everyday. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of. We laugh at all the memories we had with you. He misses you even if he doesn't talk about it. His year was rough losing you and someone else colse to him. Keep him safe and watch over us. We love you and miss you! Thank you, thank you, and we wish you were here. We pray for you family, hope they are well. love us
friend
January 24, 2007
Dennis C. Stepnowski
As a child-
You were happy and inquisitive.
As a little boy-
You were clever, always on the move and liked to tease your little sister.
As a adolescent-
You were smart, caring, responsible and outgoing.
As a young man-
You were courageous, honorable and respected.
As a person-
You will always be remembered as one of the best.
Love always,
Uncle Paul
Uncle
January 15, 2007
Step,
Do you see these reflections? Do you (or did you) know how much you meant to others? Hero? Hell yes! You probably wouldn't agree, but that's you! I'll bet that there isn't anyone on this site who thinks there wasn't a bigger hero in their lives, though. It was all you, man.
We made plans! It was all fun and it was all good! Why the heck didn't we cash in when we had the time? (Dang overtime work on Saturday nights!) Life is precious, but we all take it for granted. The last one we would ever think to be gone was you. Yet, here I am reading posts about you, bawling my eyes out...and it's been six months since you left us.
Step, you taught me alot: left turns on red in Gwinnett stands out, you know. You also taught me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. I want to be a better person, because I realize how precious life can be and how quickly it can all be taken from us. So, Thank you! Oh, and you owe me a ride in the Vette, big guy. Until then, keep watch over those who honor you, just like you did while you were on this earth. (Don't think that I didn't notice how you constantly scanned the room, no matter where we were...thanks for that, too).
Rest in Peace, Step
Us
Friends (formerly from GA)
January 11, 2007
Step, I cannot say anything that has not already been said. I enjoyed working with you in DeKalb. You are truly missed, and an inspiration to anyone thats wears the badge.
Ofc. Dale Haney Badge 120
Lawrenceville PD; formerly DKPD 2218
January 5, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR DENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2007
Well D the year is almost over and a new one to begin. The heart ach and pain still goes on, Mom Dad and I miss you so much!! Sometimes I sit here and just cry, I need my big brother. There is so much going on in my life right now and I need you to watch over me a guide me in the right path. Please help me make the right desions. I miss your phone calls. Sometimes I sit and actually wonder why you haven't called me, Then reality sets in and I realize that you are not at work, you are not here. You are in heaven. Your friends have been wonderful to Mom, Dad and I. Everyone has been so kind. Mom and Dad are really having a hard time. (you know with what) Please watch over them and let the right desions and choices be made. I wish I could help but as you know it is out of my hands. I miss you so much, I know I have to be strong, one day at a time I keep reminding myself, one day at a time. Please continue to be the wind beneth my wings, I know your watching. I love you and you will ALWAYS be my big brother!!
Brandy
Little Sister
December 29, 2006
We are almost through this rough year. Be extra watchful over us these last days of 06. And by the way things are going we will need your more and more in 07 Merry Christmas Big D we miss you so much
friend
DKPD
December 24, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS DENNIS !!!!!!!!!!!
December 24, 2006
Step,
Merry Christmas Bro....we miss you and we love you..
friend
dekalb
December 22, 2006
Step,
Merry Christmas Bro....we miss you and we love you..
friend
dekalb
December 22, 2006
Hey Bro, It's been a few months now and I still can't believe that you are gone. Thank you for your friendship and the kind of memories that will last a lifetime. You were a thousand watts of light in a hundred watt world. Keep them laughing up there brother.
Grateful friend
December 16, 2006
I did not know you on a personal level, but we both where the badge of blue. I have read some of your reflections and I felt I had to take the second we all think we don't have to tell you, Thank you brother. You have have given the ultimate sacriface, and I hope you may rest in peace.
Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department
December 14, 2006
Step,
I feel guilty everyday that I wasnt here to honor you. I hope you cleared a path for all of us up there. Some of us may need your help when we get there. I miss you brother, keep shining your light down on all who serve for the greater good. I can think of no better guardian angel.
S.R. Malette 2133
Friend
November 30, 2006
In 1995, when I first started w/DKPD, you were a "veteran" probably all of a year more than me but I saw you as an Officer that was seasoned. I remember your aggressiveness, in a very positive way, and your desire to show others the ropes. As the years passed, you continued to be someone I saw frequently, someone that I knew to be the consummate professional, the go getter, the exemplary Officer.
A few years ago, I was on call when you and another well respected DKPD Officer pulled over a major fraud suspect. He was so in to fraud that some well known Hollywood actors were victims of this perp. I was out w/friends but answered your page and relayed specific directions w/regard to the evidence and the suspect. Anyway, I was not in the office the following day but things came together such that our unit had to work all day that Saturday looking for this guy who had already made bail. You were worried that I was mad at you b/c of the way things turned out. You were so thoughtful to come to me the next time we saw each other and ask if you had gotten me into trouble. I told you absolutely not. You had so much concern that I couldn't believe you thought to even address that.
You were a great Officer and a great person, you did what you could do, and you made differences where you could. Your life was created for a reason and your family and the people that were blessed to know you will never forget the giant, but gentle soul that you were. RIP Dennis and may God bless your family and friends. CLK
CL Kendrick
Former DKPD #1753
November 29, 2006
In 1995, when I first started w/DKPD, you were a "veteran" probably all of a year more than me but I saw you as an Officer that was seasoned. I remember your aggressiveness, in a very positive way, and your desire to show others the ropes. As the years passed, you continued to be someone I saw frequently, someone that I knew to be the consummate professional, the go getter, the exemplary Officer.
A few years ago, I was on call when you and another well respected DKPD Officer pulled over a major fraud suspect. He was so in to fraud that some well known Hollywood actors were victims of this perp. I was out w/friends but answered your page and relayed specific directions w/regard to the evidence and the suspect. Anyway, I was not in the office the following day but things came together such that our unit had to work all day that Saturday looking for this guy who had already made bail. You were worried that I was mad at you b/c of the way things turned out. You were so thoughtful to come to me the next time we saw each other and ask if you had gotten me into trouble. I told you absolutely not. You had so much concern that I couldn't believe you thought to even address that.
You were a great Officer and a great person, you did what you could do, and you made differences where you could. Your life was created for a reason and your family and the people that were blessed to know you will never forget the giant, but gentle soul that you were. RIP Dennis and may God bless your family and friends. CLK
CL Kendrick
Former DKPD #1753
November 29, 2006
REST IN PEACE BROTHER........
TROOPER
PA STATE POLICE
November 27, 2006
On this Thanksgiving day, we are thankful for the time we had with you. We pray for your wife and family as they go through this very difficult time of year. We will be with them as you would want. Happy Thanksgiving Step! I know you are watching over all of us and are with us always.
We love and miss you very much!
friend
November 23, 2006
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