Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am a former resident of Stone Mountain. May the Lord take you by the hand and guide you home.

Rest In Peace brother.

#180
Wilmington Police Dept., Wilmington, MA

July 4, 2006

"Step"

You will be truly missed. You will always live on in my heart. You are a hero. You touched so many lives. I will never forget you and the great memories we made together.

"Dennis Stepnowski did not die a hero, he lived everyday as one”.

Kathy Chandler
Friend

July 4, 2006

Thanks for giving your all. I will keep your family in my prayers. The funeral service was very emotional for all. Even though we do not know each other we are all you big family.

PSO III
Kennesaw State University

July 4, 2006

Step was a one of a kind officer and a great asset to the Dekalb County Police Department.The way he died was the way he lived. Courageous and right out in front. Without a doubt,he will never be forgotten.

Martin Beatty, Capt (ret)
Dekalb County Police Department

July 4, 2006

PHOENIX PD, WILL MOURNS THE LOSS OF ONE MORE BROTHER.
SO LONG, BUT NEVER GOODBYE.

officer wing
phoenix

July 4, 2006

Brother -- Rest in Peace!! -- You gave Your all -- and now you watch over US...

ISP - MM
ISP

July 4, 2006

YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. I PRAY FOR YOUR DEPT. AND FAMILY. GOD SPEED BRO.

K. MCGEE
MPD,TX

July 4, 2006

Rest in peace, Blue Angel! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

July 4, 2006

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took God's hand when I heard the call.
I turned my back I left it all.

I could not stay another day
to laugh,to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that place at the close of day

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I'v savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don't lengthen it with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me-
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Patrol
Lincoln Park PD, MI

July 4, 2006

Rest in Peace
We are all one big Police family and our thoughts go across the waters

Sgt Kevin SINCLAIR
Metropolitan Police, England

July 4, 2006

as a south african, i have attended many funerals this year for murdered colleagues , and its always sad when a police member passes away in the line of duty

i try get consolation from this ...

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

so we honour your colleagues memory, and know that the world round ... we share your grief !

Cst Wade
South African Police Service

July 4, 2006

We will take it from here...Thank you for your dedication to society...Always remembered and loved...

Ofc. J. Sweeny
Daytona Beach Police Dept., Fl

July 4, 2006

Step,
It’s been my honor to know you. In twelve short years you forged a legendary career. We know that moments after entering Heaven’s Gate; Saint Michael proclaimed, “well done and welcome home warrior“. Your team members said it best, “ Dennis Stepnowski did not die a hero, he lived everyday as one”.
Sgt. King, Dekalb Police

Sgt. King
Dekalb County Police Department

July 3, 2006

I have been reading these reflections between tears. Wow, Step you really have a lot of people who care so much about you. Im not sure if I am worthy of leaving a reflection on your page or not. The poem that Rachal wrote was tremendous. I understand her pain and the realization of the clinched jaws of all the officers. It seems like just yesterday we here in Chillicothe, Ohio went thru the same pain.

Please know that God will watch over you and yours. He will help them to cope somehow.

Rest easy, Step, we have the watch from here sir. God speed.

Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department

July 3, 2006

Step,
Bro I can't express the sadness I've had the last few days. When I heard the news on Thursday evening it was like there was an emptiness in my soul. Officer Taylor said it all when he said that you lived a hero's life everyday...the word Hero truly does descibe you ...
I know that there were so many things that you've done that have touched so many people's lives. I remember the night you were there for Officer Johnson and the night you were there for Officer Collie....those are only a couple that I can recall. Your bravery was most commendable and You were always 125%. I truly am blessed to have had the opportunity to work and police with you. My heart goes out to your family. The bravest and most dedicated officer I've ever known....You will truly be missed...
Hawk

Det. Bryan Hawkins
DeKalb Police

July 3, 2006

Step: I forgot to add my name to the poem I wrote for you.

I am still emotional after standing in the cemetery today.

I'd like to say a special "Thank You" to Officer Franklin (DeKalb County) and Officer Washington (Gwinnett County).

What fine young men they are!

Their concern, compassion and friendliness will serve them well in their Law Enforcement careers.

God Bless You, Step. I look forward to meeting you when I Step Inside The Gate.

RLG

Rachal

July 3, 2006

RIP Brother my prayers to fellow brother's and your famliy and friends. Job well done.

Reserve Deputy/D.O Doug Crisp
Lyon County sheriff dept kansas

July 3, 2006

Rest easy, Brother. We'll take it from here.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

July 3, 2006

Dennis,
I did not know you personally, but today learned what kind of person you were. Many officers shared stories of your life. I reget not having the chance to meet you face to face. We will soon. You left a legacy with your department and must have touched the lives of so many. I recall coming off the interstate and seeing the hundereds of citizens lining the streets and saluting as we went by. I will pray for your family and hope they understand that you died doing what you loved. It is not easy, but we will all see you again. One of your fellow SWAT officers said that your job on the entry team was that of rear gaurd, and that you would have our backs in heaven. I just want to say thank you for what you have done here, and for "having our backs" in heaven.

Officer B.C. Moore
Cobb County PD

July 3, 2006

Job well done Detective. From the Officers of the BHPD, we salute your brave effort to take the criminal element off your streets to better protect the innocent. Help keep us safe on the streets and may the good Lord bless your family and fellow officers who will mourn you. Rest in peace brother and know that one day we will all be together.

Sgt. S. Onofre
Balcones Heights Police Department

July 3, 2006

I am so saddened - Please know that Officer "Step" is mourned by all of America. A Hero, that gave the ultimate price. My condolences to the family and to his fellow officers. With love from Texas -
An American Citizen - Cee

American Citizen - Cee
Texas Citizen

July 3, 2006

Step: As I stood by the casket and looked into your beautiful face, I thought I saw you smile. I almost expected you to open your eyes. I sensed you standing there.

Today I stood in the midst of hundreds of officers at the cemetery. I watched their faces, some were crying openly. Others clenched their jaws, their pain was evident to me.

It was like a replay of that day in January of 1999 when Robbie Bishop was taken from us.

Please say "Hello" to him for me. He was Captain of Villa Rica P.D. and just about The Best drug interdiction officer, in my not so humble opinion:).

I wrote "Called To Higher Duty" for him.

I wrote "Step Inside The Gate" for you.

The words aren't perfect, neither am I. They're just what I felt in my heart to say.

When you meet my husband (he'll introduce himself to you), tell him I love him.. "Always."


Step Inside The Gate

All of you know how I love to joke and play.

But when it comes to my job, I'm serious, just as I was last Thursday.

I was in pursuit when I heard the shots and knew a moment of alarm.

I shook my head as I fell, realizing I was hit, but felt no harm.

There was no pain, just a little sting, then a feeling of genuine peace.

I wasn't worried because you guys were there. I heard you say, "Hold on Step" and "Hang in there".. then came a strange release.

I have to admit it was a surprise when I opened my eyes and saw some guys I hadn't met before.

I got to my feet and looked around and saw uniformed officers standing all across the floor.

A Captain said, "Welcome home, Step right over here. We've been waiting for you."

If you can believe it, I was speechless for a minute or two!

I was shaking hands, introductions were made, there was joking all around.

Guys were talking about how they felt when each one of them had hit the ground.

I have to say it was a shock when I realized it was Heaven I was in.

I turned my head to look behind at the place where I had been.

I saw the tears, the broken hearts, the faces full of gloom.

I'm so sorry, I didn't know my time would be up so soon.

I had so many plans, things I wanted to do, about fifty years worth.. to be truthful with you.

I want you all to know, I would not have left you willingly.

A man doesn't think his earthly life will be over at the age of thirty-three.

I love you, you know that, I wish I'd had more time.

But don't worry about me, I'm settling in. Everything's going to be just fine.

When your time comes, I'll grin and say, "Step Inside The Gate."

Tho' now we're separated, you really don't have long to wait.

Please don't think I'm in the cemetery, beneath that old, cold sod.

The S.W.A.T. team here is escorting me, I'll soon be face to face with God.

RLG

July 3, 2006

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

July 3, 2006

Step, we will all miss you dearly. You were one of the sweetest, most kind people I've ever known. I couldn't believe the news when I heard it, and I'm still weeping today. I love you Step... will see you again on the other side. Heaven needs a good cop like you.

Much love and warm memories,
R.M.H.

R.H.
Friend

July 3, 2006

Rest easy warrior....the watch is ours...1*

Cpl. C. Farmer
Hall County Sheriffs Office SWAT

July 3, 2006