Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May your soul rest in peace. Thank you Detective Stepnowski! I regret never getting the chance to meet you. You and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Hamid
Decatur Police Department

July 6, 2006

I was in attendance at your funeral as a member of the motor escort. I was awe struck by the turnout of citizens and police officers from all over the country. You were truely loved and admired by all for your friendship, love and camaradrie. I am sorry that we never met. God takes care of his own and heaven holds a special place for the peacekeepers. Thank you for your sacrifice Det. Stepnowski.
God Bless you, your family and co-workers.

Cpl. C.H. Spurlin
Gwinnett County, Ga Police Dept

July 6, 2006

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. As survivors, we all share in their grief. Thank you for protecting and serving. Thanks to you, there is one less bad guy in the world. I am sorry it cost you your life and your family a loved one. "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" Matt. 5:9. Rest in peace.

Brandy Mapp
family of Chuck Haist HCPD EOW 2/16/05

July 6, 2006

Rest in peace brother.

Officer Stan Speaks Badge 2164
City Of Columbus Div Of Police

July 6, 2006

We once again have lost a part of the brotherhood of law enforcement. These times are difficult and the family and department has a long road of recovery ahead of them. The staff of Cops Evangelist Ministries would like you to know that we are and will continue to pray for you in this time of sorrow. Remember that God will not give you more then you can handle. Philippians 4:13 says…I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.

Joe Taylor
Founder / Cops Evangelist Ministries

Joe Taylor (Former Florida LEO)

July 6, 2006

I don't know this man but I know one of his fellow officers. I know how heartbreaking this is must be and I wanted to extend my sympathies to the family and fellow officers, be proud of the work he did and know that you'll see him again one day.

Tammy Schrader
Friend of Steps fellow officer

July 6, 2006

Step, yesterday was my first day back to the gym we used to hang at. Every corner of the place had a memory of you. Those were some of my happiest days. Yeah, you were a big, strong tough guy, but you also were a tad shy, kind of funny, and had a sweet spirit.

I will never make the mistake again, of thinking that we always have tomorrow, to say the things to those we love today.

P.E. Pressley
friend

July 6, 2006

our condolences to the family. we are sorry for your loss. we still remember dennis when he was our neighbor in rotterdam jct. may you rest in peace.

Ron
ex-neighbor and father-in-law of a police officer

July 6, 2006

I just wanted to express my condolences to Detective Stepnowski's family and co workers and know that the entire Law Enforcement community mourns the loss of this fine officer. Dekalb County was fortunate to have "Step", and he will not be forgotten. God Bless and be safe.

Deputy Robert W. Miller
Anderson County Sheriff's Office, SC

July 6, 2006

I am used to seeing him in a gym almost every single day. Denis has never said much but you can tell he was one of the most passionate, commeted, and respeted man.He used to do funny things in the gym, he would first find a chair then we would put about 1000lbs on the weight machine.He would left a the heavy weight then he would pull his little chair to sit down. He loved his little chair. He was one of a kind.I will never forget Denis Carmen Stepnowsk. He still and will always be my hero. He will be missed.

fire fighter sabel Tesfaye
friend

July 5, 2006

Many moons ago when I was a 17 year old high school student, living in Atlanta but in DeKalb County, I thought I was in love with a young lady. She and I were parked on what I thought was a deserted, narrow road in south DeKalb, not far from where I attended school. It was very dark and I was very proud of the GTO that I had convinced my Dad that he and I needed to drive to work and school. I had great parents and a grandmother who lived with us and pratically raised my brother and me due to my parents working all the time to try to give us something. Great parents and Grandparents make great police officers. Mine taught me justice long before I attended my first police academy course. I didn't hear the car drive up and I didn't see anyone walking outside the car due to the steamy windows. But, I did hear the metallic clink of the flashlight on the rear window by a DeKalb County PD officer. Long story short, after a "prayer session" the officer and his partner decided that maybe it would be a good idea to read me a riot act and make me promise not to be caught in that position again. I couldn't thank them enough for giving me that break. I didn't fear the Atlanta or DeKalb police growing up, but I greatly feared going home to my parents and telling them I had been caught doing something wrong...their punishment was far worse than anything the police or the courts could do to me. I had always felt I wanted to be a police officer. I vividly remember seeing a Great-Uncle using the call-box near the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Flat Shoals Avenue in East Atlanta when I was about 5 or 6 years old. He was an Atlanta Police Officer and I thought he was a very great man. I remember my father telling me how proud he was of Uncle Carlton. After my teenage discussion with the DKPD officers I knew that my adult life would be serving as a DeKalb County cop. After I graduated from high school I went to the DeKalb County merit system and the person I talked to there was just out of college and wanted me to become a fireman. I have all the respect in the world for firemen and EMT's, but I knew in my heart I had to be a DKPD officer. Fate is a funny thing. Fate put me on the Georgia State Patrol a few weeks later and that led to my 30+ year career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I never lived my dream of being a DKPD officer, but my big brother was one and his wife was a great DKPD female officer. I lived my dream through them and through all of the great DKPD officers that I worked undercover narcotics with over the years. I joined a group of DKPD officers, I believe they are all probably retired by now, that were known around these towns as "Bad Company." I have the words on my body via tattoo that will make me a blood brother to those DKPD officers forever, or at least as I told my mother after she told me that I had ruined her baby's body, that it may come off six months after I die. I never thought that I would live to work 34 years in state law enforcement. I figured that some dope dealer would get a little jumpy with a 6-3 250+ narc attempting to puchase their illicit drugs. Either that or some good ole Dixie Mafia boy putting me down while working major crimes. But...I made it. Along the way I met a sweet young thing from the country that came to the city and wanted to buy dope undercover. She and I have been partners for 31+ years. She has always been my "Pooh" and I have always been her "Col. Wally - Bad Company." All of the above is leading to this....God Blessed our police marriage and gave us four wonderful sons over the years. If our boys grow up to be a smidgin like "Step" we will die proud and happy parents! I didn't know this young man personally, but his forerunners at DKPD were great men...just like he quite obviously was. Now, there are many great men and women at DKPD. And, they are all hurting just like Pooh and I are that this tragedy had to happen. Many of the folks I grew up with in law enforcement, like I, have been shot at, had knives pulled on us, told by perps that they were going to burn our house down and kill our family. I wish I could have been with Step that night. Sounds like he had a good officer with him and I salute that officer for doing his job. Don't give up because Step wouldn't want it and where would the citizens of DeKalb County be if it wasn't for great officers like you and Step? Hang in there! In my heart of hearts, I know we'll all be togther again one day. To Step's wife and family, Pooh, our sons and I want you to know how terribly sorry we are for his passing. He was doing what all us cops do best....doing our jobs. I'm a member of DeKalb FOP because of a lifetime of friendship with many officers there. I sincerely hope that Pooh and I will be able to meet you at an FOP function sometime in the future. Have courage and be strong because that is what Step would want us to do I feel sure. God Bless your family.
Love, Walt & Len Brooks, and sons, Jimmy, Christopher, Patrick & Nicholas
Love, Ben & Celia Brooks, and children, Jeremy, Cecil and Ellie

Special Agent in Charge Walton G. Brooks
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

July 5, 2006

A SWAT Brother, A NARC brother, and a Law Enforcement brother I will remember his family in my prayers. He died loving the job, doing what he does, GOD has him close and warm. Sorry for your loss.

Inv. Greg Meagher
Richmond County S.O. (Georgia)

July 5, 2006

YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY AND TODAY IS A GIFT.

DETECTIVE STEPNOWSKI, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

THOSE CLOSE TO THIS HERO, PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS ACROSS THIS LAND, GRIEVE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

July 5, 2006

I was on patrol last week, the day after Det. Stepnowski's was killed. A business owner asked me "Why do you have that black band around your badge?" I said "Unfortunately, we lost a brother last night".

My eyes filled with tears as I left the business. It always hurts to know a brother or sister has been taken in such a violent manner. We're supposed to retire and grow old, complaining about bad knees, backs and on-the-job injuries.

My deepest sympathies to all of you who knew and loved this fine officer. I'm sure he will watch over us all. I can only hope he'll have my back someday.

Rest in peace brother.....

Cpl. M.L. Roberts
FCPD

Cpl. M.L. Roberts
Fulton County Police

July 5, 2006

Step,
I can't beleive you gone. I remember all the times we have shared over the years ever since we started working together when you were fresh out of the academy. I just don't know what to say. You did it right. You are a cop's cop. The best of the best. A true hero right to the core. I will miss hearing the nickname you had for me.

Good bye my brother.

Lt Doug Wilson (former DKPD SWAT)
Dekalb Co Police

July 5, 2006

You, your family, and your department are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

July 5, 2006

Dennis, We were friends a long time ago. You had a heart of gold and I am so glad you did all that you set out to do. I remember in our many conversations how you told me what you would do in life and dear friend you did them. Time and life separated us but I will always be so grateful for the opportunity to know and care for you. You protected so many and you have earned your rest. Kellie I am so sorry it came so soon. I pray that you find peace in all of this. He was one of the good guys! Rest now my friend you will protect us from above. You will be missed, I hope to see that endless smile again one day.

April McLean
Friend

July 5, 2006

When getting my orders to report to North prct after the acedemy, my FTO said thats the guy you want training you. She said thats STEP, he is my friend and a dam good officer. I still work at North 6-years later, and have had the pleasure of knowing STEP due to all his part time work in the North prct. I spoke to him that early morning on 6/29/06. I told him I appreciated him backing me up on a call, even though he was headed home, and not even on the clock. STEP you trained my friends here at the Department and I want you to know you will be greatly missed, and never forgotten. So just incase I get that wierd feeling in my stomach on my calls sometimes, I know you'll be right there saying it's cool man I got your back. Thank you for all your wisdom and your hard charging attitude (go get um). Peace brother, Rest in peace. See you there one day.

DKPD North Precinct

July 5, 2006

Step's service was the first police officer funeral I have attended and it was a powerfull thing to see. I drove a unit in the 8 mile long caravan of police cars that followed Ofc Stepnowski to his final resting place and to see all of the people who came out was just amazing. I am glad to know that we truly are a family. Godspeed my brother and may he watch over your family.

Ofc Eli Cohen
Georgia State University Police Department

July 5, 2006

As a resident of Dekalb County and former law enforcement officer thank you for protecting and serving the citizens of Dekalb County you will be surely missed by your family and law enforcement family but not forgotten rest in peace brother job well done.

Former D/S M.A.Sidwell
Rockdale County Sheriffs Dept

July 5, 2006

Step-

This is my 14th attempt to write you a message. How could I possibly write all my feelings down so you know how I feel. I tried to tell you "thank you" over and over again as I stood in front of your casket but thank you just won't ever be enough. That night you two didn't have a choice (I know that). It's not your nature to let someone get away. You both did what you had to do. You had his back and I forever will be grateful. Because of you, I have my husband. Because of you, my son still has his father. Please don't think I take that lightly. "The little guy" as you called him will one day know the hero you are and will always be. You will not be forgotten. Your courage and bravery will live with me forever. THANK YOU STEP! I will miss you.

DKPD SWAT wife

July 5, 2006

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Shaun McCready
Altoona (PA) Police Department

July 5, 2006

Our daughter is also an officer for Dekalb Country Police and I know she will miss her friend Step. She said he was a wonderful person and officer. May he rest in peace and know that he is missed. We will continue to pray for all of these officers as they preform their job.
Chrles & Pat Howard

Patricia Howard
Parent of another Dekalb County Officer

July 5, 2006

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Det. Dennis Stepnowski and to the entrire DeKalb County Police Department. Thank you Det. Stepnowski for your years of service, dedication, and ultimate sacarafice you have made to your community. Rest In Peace.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District

July 5, 2006

Rest easy brave warrior.
Job well done.
You vanquished evil, your bravery is unequalled.
Keep watch over you fellow officers from up there, you will always be remembered. God bless you.

Retired Police Officer.

July 5, 2006