Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 2, 2006

My New Watch

I began my new watch today and everything’s going fine.
I just wanted to let you know that I would be checking in on you from time to time.

It’s really different here, but in a good way,
Although the change was sudden, rest assured there is nowhere else I’d rather stay.

I work with a crew of true heroes, who always do their best,
They always do their part, and watch over all the rest.

I can’t change what happened on that fateful night
But remember that I will forever continue to fight.

Please tell my family I love them and I’m with them all the time.
Help my wife when I can’t and give a kiss to that sweet child of mine.

I walk a new beat that seems so far away
But you can reach me, and I’ll back you up, you only have to pray.

I have to go now for there’s a rookie on the street.
I have to do my part, for it’s not his time to walk this special beat.

In memory of all our fallen brother’s and sisters of Law Enforcement

D/S T. Arnold 416


Deputy Tim K Arnold
Cherokee County Sheriff's Dept. GA

Deputy
Cherokee County S.O.

July 2, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the DeKalb County P.D

Fallen but never forgotten.

Officer Bryan Laurie #1251
Haltom City Police, Tx

July 2, 2006

May God bless the family of this fallen HERO. At this time there are no words or understanding for this awful tragedy. I did not know Offier Stepnowski but as soon as i learned of his passing that empty feeling immediately returned to my stomach. It was about a year and a half ago when I lost my cousin (Deputy H. Blake Gammill) in the line of duty. He was not only family but my best friend and a hero to everyone that knew him. Over the years we spoke many times about leaving law enforcement for something, "ANYTHING" different. It just seemed that the only thing that ever made sense to us was fighting crime. It was the one thing that we realized early on that you either love or hate. It is the type of life that you seemed to be called to live, if you get it in you it is hard to leave. We were both S.W.A.T. Operators for our departments so I do understand how you the family and fellow officers feel about your loss. I absolutely could not deal with loosing Blake and even left policing for about seven months after his death. I could not understand why one of the people that meant the most to me was gone at such a young age with such a bright future ahead. The comments that I have heard about Officer Stepnowski remind me so much of how dedicated Blake was to his job. I know that the following days, months and even years will be difficult but always remember that Blake and "Step" would have never done anything other than the job they loved. Coming to terms with that allows me to go forward each day with the faith that God has a special place for our fallen heros after a life of Hell on Earth. I hope that you will keep God close during this time and remember that he has a plan for each of us. This will never make sense to you but knowing that he was a WARRIOR until the end may bring comfort and a sense of pride to those who have known and loved him. Officer Stepnowski will be in my thoughts daily and the family will be in my prayers. I hope these words have comforted you the family and friends in some way, his work on Earth is done and the Kingdom of Heaven is his reward for a job well done. Rest in peace my brother...I know that you will be a Guardian Angel to those who still serve. My most sincere and deepest regrets.....

Patrolman S.E. Ward
Clayton County PD

July 2, 2006

Thanks for your service.

Special Agent
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

July 2, 2006

My prayers go out to you and your family. I was glad I knew you. God bless you and your family.

Axel Fiksman
DKPD

July 2, 2006

To Step's family and DKPD family, so many hearts are heavy for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of Step's family and all the lives he touch. Thank you Step! God Bless

GIRLFRIEND OF
CCPD OFFICER

July 2, 2006

Thank you so much for the ultimate sacrifice, so that my family can be in a safer world. Even though I did not know you personally, I want you, your family and lovely wife, and your police family to know, that your passing will not be in vain. You exemplify the true meaning of "laying one's life down for his brother". GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL, God has a good one.

Amy
CITIZEN IN GA

July 2, 2006

i remember when you first came to south precinct from north. i heard so much about you and your awesome ability to always find the perp. i modeled myself after you in hopes other officers would look at me the way i looked up to you. if there was a bad guy out there you would always find him. ill never forget our tour as swat officers for dekalb county. you were superman in my eyes and your name will never be forgotten ,i will make sure that when fellow officers gather around the water cooler and start telling storys that your name will always be mentioned and never forgotten. rest in peace STEP

cory begeal
ex-dekalb swat officer

July 2, 2006

Step,

Brother, you will be missed! You were a top notch officer and always remember you as a go get'er. My prayers are with you as you begin your journey into a much better place and with you wife and family who you leave behind for just awhile.

Fidel (formerly DKPD #2136)

Deputy Fidel Espinoza
Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's Office

July 2, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the DeKalb County Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Stepnowski deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Stepnowski is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

July 2, 2006

I am saddened to hear another brother has fallen. I am excited to hear that you shot and killed the suspect. Good job!!

Off. Hanes
Oklahoma City PD

July 2, 2006

Dear Officer Stepnowski,
I didn't know you, but still you are my brother in blue.
I am so sorry to hear of your passing, but know that you gave your life to save other's. You will aways be remembered as a brave hero who fought the good fight.
Rest in peace my brother.

Preston Ellis Traffic Unit
Kinston Police Department

July 2, 2006

My prayers and condolences to Officer Stepnowski's wife, family and friends, and Police Family. To Officer Stepnowski, you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN and will be in my daily prayers. Thank you for your dedication and hard work and the sacrifice you made in protecting the citizens of DeKalb County. God Bless you as you sleep in God's Love and Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO

Kathi Halligan
Phila., PA>

July 2, 2006

"Step" you done good son, now Rest In Peace we got your back! You are missed!

Sgt. RE Gaither
DKPD

July 2, 2006

Step,
I was, and am, shocked to hear the news. Let me tell you something, bro. You did this job the way it always should be done. I learned how to do the job right by watching and listening to you. Nobody can ever fill your shoes or your place in our hearts, but we will do our best to honor you by keeping your wonderful example in mind.

Rest in peace brother. See you there.

Scott
DKPD #1923

July 2, 2006

Step, I will always cherish the good times we had at Hardbodies. You were tough to hang with, when it came to the heavy weights, but it was fun trying. I will always remember that grin you always sported, and relish the memory of that firm, honest handshake. You always were humble and gracious, completely void of ego or attitude. Truly, a pleasure to be around.

A true warrior yes, but one with a heart of gold, and a gentle spirit. An honest cop and a man's man. This world lost one of the good guys. A true defender of the young, the old, and the innocent. I was proud to know you, and will miss your muchly.

Paul Pressley
Friend

July 2, 2006

Dennis,

Just a few short days ago I came across your MySpace page. We had some classes together in high school and I have always remembered you for being one of the few people that never seemed to judge anyone. You were such a wonderful person with a big heart. My intent was to send you an email that day to see how your life was going....I didn't do it. Three days later I got an email from a fellow classmate about your passing. I was devastated.

You will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to your family and the rest of the DeKalb P.D. My father, retired DeKalb Co. Sherriffs Sargent Micheal G. English passed away almost two years ago and the outpouring of sympathy from the DeKalb County P.D. was overwhelming. I have no doubt they will be there for your family to do whatever they can to help out, and I have no doubt that my father and those fallen before you were standing there waiting for you with open arms.

Rest in Peace Step, we'll catch you on the other side.

Tracy English/Civilian
High School Classmate

July 2, 2006

May God be with the family, friends and sibling officers of Officer Stepnowski during this terribly trying time. Know that He will care for those who care for the welfare of others. Rest in peace our brother!

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

July 2, 2006

Rest in peace officer

Jayson Mills

July 2, 2006

REST IN PEACE BROTHER YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE OFFICER DENNIS STEPNOWSKI. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR WIFE, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT. MAY GOD GIVE THEM STRENGTH DURING THEIR TIME OF GRIEF. YOU MAY BE GONE BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

July 2, 2006

Another lost officer in the fight against crime...but you didn't die in vain and your memory will live on.

R. Nicholson
Met Police - London

PC 760MD Nicholson
Met Police - London

July 2, 2006

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathys to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Dennis Carmen Stepnowski. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, CNY

July 2, 2006

“FALLEN COMRADE”
-Author unknown

Taking cover….shots fired,
Then you hear that sound.
The unmistakable crackle of the radio,
Those feared words, “Officer Down.”

One more fallen comrade,
The number continues to grow.
Sorrow fills one’s heart,
Trying not to let the anger show.

Waging a daily battle,
Out there tryin to win the war.
Never knowing what you’ll encounter,
On this stop or from behind the next door.

One more fallen comrade,
Is gone and out of our sight.
Yet guiding us from up above,
Always riding on our right.

Fellow Officer
Gallup PD

July 2, 2006

"THE RISK"

It could have been you
It could have been me
It could have been any of us just lying there

We wonder why this has happened
We wonder why the people are against us
We wonder of a lot of things
and yet we know there will never be an answer

The bagpipes are playing
The sash is on the pin
The black tape is on the car
and the flags are flying half mast

The precession is starting
The lines of blue are forming
The blue lights are shining
and the radios remain silent.

The citizens are mourning
The suspect is running
The investigation is beginning
and JUSTICE IS COMING!!!!


Rest now, you are our HERO. The watch is ours and we will patrol the streets here while you patrol them with our other fallen brothers and sisters. God bless you and your family.

Fellow Officer
Gallup Police Department

July 2, 2006