King County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch Saturday, December 2, 2006
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Steven E. Cox
Steve, I have been in shock since 305 saturday morning when I first heard the news. From the time I got to the hospital to now I still think back of all the time we spent Chasing bag guys. I am gald to have known you and called you my friend.
If there is onething that could be said about you is that you where a real COP. You believed in what you where doing and willing to go the extra mile to get it done. Hard wrok, detication and honor are qualties seldom seen these days but you had them all. Steve I will miss you. Rest in peace my friend and I will not forget you.
Schrimp
James R. Schrimpsher
King County Sheriff's Dept.
December 7, 2006
Death is the penalty we will all pay for the experience of life. Death is the end of life but it is not the end of our relationship with the family members who are with us in our hearts as we honor them at the funeral and every day here forward.
The way to inner peace in life is not to seek out the pleasures of sense. It is to learn to live with the invisible things, love, goodness, kindness, spirit, truth, and the like. When we look at life from that perspective we become fitted for a life that will survive the grave.
Grief is grief and each person's journey with it is individual. When a man has health, he has hope. When a man has hope he has everything. Hope ever tells us that tomorrow will be better. In the mourning process, hope will be the wind in our sails and time will be the assistant in the journey towards healing of hurt.
We begin to accept what our heads and brains know to be true. It is not as simple as turning a light switch off and on - that's why we say that grief is a process, not a single event. The memories of our departed still exist in all of our minds and hearts.
When someone dies their physical presence is taken from us. However, who they are and what they represented stays with us forever. Take a moment to reflect about those who are no longer living. Think about the stories that are often told about them. We have strong memories stored on our mental tablets. Time has given us the gift of accepting the loss and remembering the person.
In life's journey we learn from our parents and friends. When we lose a loved one, although their physical presence is taken from us, their life's lessons and core values remain a part of our individual makeup, our own DNA. So, in essence they are still with us.
I recently attended a promotion ceremony where two co-workers were promoted to Captain. Sheriff Rahr shared some profound thoughts regarding how she arrived at the decision on who to promote. She said that these two “got it”. They understood what making a difference in their work community really meant. They stepped out of their comfort zone and made a real contribution to the communities they serve. Although I never worked with Deputy Cox, I can appreciate the investment he made in his community. He "got it". It’s a shame that he was taken from us so soon. What a great example for all of us to strive for in our lives and careers.
Rest in peace, my brother.
Union 12
Union 12 KCSO
King County Sheriff Special Ops
December 7, 2006
Steve,
Watch over us my brother, your passion and drive will be the constant reminder of who you are and the what we all should strive for. Your in my prayers, you will not be forgotten.
Lord,
He was yours to give,
and yours to call home,
please stand by his brothers,
so they don't feel alone,
dry the tears of his family,
so they clearly see:
that he gave his all,
so all could have peace.
Blessed are they,
the children of God,
with heavy hearts,
and honor they trod,
to pay their respects,
to give their salute,
and to ask for your mercy,
on heroes in Blue.
Det. Mike Garske
KCSO/ATF
December 7, 2006
I met Steve 5 years ago while patroling in the West Seattle area (Whitecenter). In 2003 the SW Anti-Crime Team and a corps of SPD Detectives and Federal agents worked a joint task force with Steve in the Whitecenter/Roxbury cooridor stinging high traffic narcotic areas. Steve was often the only King County Deputy that work alongside with us from operation to operation. He represented his department with incredibly high class and professionalism. Steve was very humble and carried himself with such distinction. When Steve was in a room he was quiet but his presence was definitively known. There was a special aura that left an impression on me as I watched him operate and carry himself. I am proud to have known and served with Steve. Are brothers and sisters in the King County Sheriffs Department have lost a great man but his spirit, honor and love of the job is in all of us that he touched.
Rob Cierley
Seattle Police Department
December 7, 2006
"Where no mothers cry and no children weep, we will stand and guard though the angels sleep! Through all the ages, safely keep in the Mansions of the Lord."
Steve,
I know you are now standing watch over us all in the Mansions of the Lord. We will miss you!
Johnny Hart
Administrative Specialist
December 7, 2006
Deputy Cox I remember going to back you and trying to figure out where your foot chase ended about three blocks into Seattle, when you came to back me and made me feel safer, the times I would be near the store front and people would coming running up to my car thinking I was Deputy Cox, the many people who would say “Deputy Cox knows me…” or the time this guy ran up in the middle of a stop you and I were on, he was so angry at you I thought he was going to try assaulting us and after talking to you, he thanked you, shook your hand and walked away with a smile. You were amazing. I know that Ida-41 will always be by my side backing me up whenever I am in the King 1.
You are an inspiration to what it means to wear this badge. I’ll never forget your words of advice, support and encouragement. Thank you for all you have done and you will be missed by all. God Speed.
Deputy David Mendez
King County Sheriff's Dept.
December 7, 2006
Deputy Cox,
Please know that my prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for being such a positive force for good in this world. It is apparent that your selfless works will be felt and passed on by many for a very long time to come. God Bless~
Evidence Specialist
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
I just want to let you know that you will be greatly missed. I will miss you being there watching over my shoulder as I made an arrest. I will miss our "coffee" breaks discussing matters that needed attention in the community. I want to Thank You for all the enlightenment you provided me....and I want to thank you for your companionship that met so much to me. Rest now my brother, and let your brothers and sisters carry your heavy sword.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend,
Eddie
Det. Ed Draper
King Co Sheriff
December 7, 2006
Steve and The Cox Family,
Steve, I first met you over 10 years ago when you were a DPA at Renton District Court. You were as passionate then about your work as were on December 2nd. I admire your unselfish dedication to the citizen's of Washington State. You were more than a Law Enforcement Officer, you are and will always be remembered as a HERO.
May you be at peace, and I hope you and all of our fallen brothers and sisters will continue to watch over us and guide us.
You touched my life and my work....you will always be Ida-41
Detective Dena Saario
King County Sheriffs Office
December 7, 2006
As a Sheriff’s Deputy, I knew I was never going to change the world. Each day, I just try and make my corner of it a little better because I stopped by. Steve – your corner was huge and the work you did will make it better forever. For some, you really did change the world.
Today, my brother, I shed a tear for you and yours. Tomorrow, I will carry on in honor of your memory.
Deputy Rodney Chinnick
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
Steve, Rest in peace my brother. You are now in the hands of God. Your hardwork and energy are an inspiration to us all to continue to "fight the fight" against injustice. Godspeed.
Det. William Butterfield
KCSO-MARR Unit
December 7, 2006
This is never easy when a brother or sister falls. Thank You for your dedication and service. My agency has lost two officers this year, and I can relate to the pain your community, department, family and friends are going through. Thank you for your sacrafice and you will always be remembered. Thanks brother
Detective Alvarez
Colorado Springs, Co PD
December 7, 2006
My prayers go out to the family of Steve Cox, the department, and everyone that knew him. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to all.
Evidence Specialist Serena Stephenson
King County Sheriff Department
December 7, 2006
Steve, rest in peace my brother. You are now in the hands of GOD. You're tireless hard work and energy is an inspiration for all of us to continue to "fight the fight" against injustice. Godspeed
Det. William Butterfield
KCSO-MARR Unit
December 7, 2006
To Steve, his family, his department and his community:
I never met Deputy Cox, but in many ways I feel like I knew him very well. Like Steve, I am an attorney by education who decided to become a law enforcement officer. Although not full-time, I have offered up my time serving the community because I, like Steve, truly believe that it is my way to make a difference in this world. Steve, thanks for doing your part. By your example, I now know that one officer can make a difference. Although your family, your department and the community you serve will miss you terribly, in your death I'm certain that many, like me, have been inspired to stand and be accounted as those who do what is right because it is the right thing to do. I know that I will do my best to carry on your spirit in my own small ways.
God speed you home Deputy Cox, and may He forever keep you and your family in his good graces.
Officer M. Wiggins
Des Moines, Washington P.D.
December 7, 2006
I41, I am honored to have been the last dispatcher you talked to in your amazing & powerful career with our department. Your unmistakable voice will forever echo in my mind, whether it be from asking to run a bunch of names or yelling that you were in foot pursuit. I have always had a deep respect for your passionionate work ethic, and will forever be proud of you and what you have done for our department and the community you served. To your family, may I offer my deepest condolences. I know you are hurting, and please know that your extended family hurts right along side you. That night my worst nightmare came true, I had a deputy lose his life while I was on the air. I will miss you deeply, I will never forget you or your voice, and I ask that you watch over your brothers and sisters in the department and in all of law enforcement. Rest in peace I41-you are loved!!
Tracy Nill, Dispatcher
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
You have walked the path of a Warrior, a Healer, a Husband and a Father. Rest now my friend in the arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Rest in peace knowing all will be well. May we all strive to image ourselves after your example. This week we will all gather to morn your departure. We will all equally rejoice again, together one day. I hope, if I prove worthy, to see your smiling face just beyond the gates of Heaven, where we all will celebrate our reunion with you and all of those we have loved.
Detective Mike Klokow
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
Steve dedicated a large portion of his energy and life into White Center. It seemed at times that he was single handedly changing this often terrible neighborhood into a better place. He cared about this more than anyone else I have known in the job. Because Steve cared and gave his life, I will care for his neighborhood. I will keep the fight for him and ask that my brothers and sisters do the same. We cannot quit and must stand tall to keep White Center for Deputy Steve Cox. Let him rest in peace.
Detective
King County Sheriff
December 7, 2006
You gave so much to your community and in the end you paid the ultimate price. As brothers we shall meet again one day, rest in peace.
DA Investigator
C. Mininger #3156
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Investigator Chad Mininger
District Attorney's Office
December 7, 2006
Steve,
I still cannot believe you are gone. I first met Steve while I was a detective in the Special Assault Unit. He called me three or for times about two in the morning about a terrible rape case involving an unknown suspect.
Using all his sources he was zeroing in on a suspect. He found the suspect and I met up with him. The end result was a rape suspect pleading guilty to Rape 1 and getting about 10 years in prison.
It didn't matter to him that the victim was a prostitute. He worked this case 110 percent, even though it wasn't his case. It was my case. When the case was set for trial he tracked down witnesses who were for the most part homeless and impossible to find.
What ever it would take to get things done, he would do it. He just did things. No talk, no BS, no excuses, no whining.
That was just one of thousands of examples of his hard work and relentless pursuit of evil.
I-41, we will miss you.
Sgt. Jake Zimnisky
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
Steve,
I always called you Steve "One Man Army" Cox because of your tremendous motivation and impact on the street. When you were recognized as Deputy of the Year, you truly deserved it. I can't remember how many crooks I ID'ed who replied "Deputy Cox knows me". I was channel hopping once and saw you testifying in front of the County Council in order to get White Center in the SOAP and SODA ordinance. You did it all! The change in the neighborhood as a result of your work was amazing. Steve, you will always be remembered!
Deputy F. Spence
King County Sheriff
December 7, 2006
Steve,
We will miss you, brother. I has been an honor to have met and worked with you. For you, we will continue the fight. Rest well, my friend.
Det. T. Do
King County Sheriff's Office
December 7, 2006
I just found out two days ago that Steve's mom was one of my teachers in high school and also that a co-worker went to high school with him. It is sad that it has taken his death to realize how small of a world it is.
He will be very missed by a lot of people.
Citizen
Washington State
December 7, 2006
Deputy Cox, rest easy, my brother. Those of us who strive to be like you now have the watch. As you attend the Last Roll Call, you need fear no more, for the Lord is holding it and will hold you safe. May God hold your loved ones and brother deputies in His comforting arms in this time of sorrow. Godspeed.
Deputy Mark Wilde
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Colorado
December 7, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your loved ones. I only met you once and wish i could have gotten to know you, to truley understand how great of a person and officer everyone says you were. Rest in Peace brother.
December 7, 2006
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past