Keokuk County Sheriff's Office, Iowa
End of Watch Monday, April 4, 2011
Reflections for Sergeant Eric John Stein
To the family and friends of Sgt. Eric Stein, his fellow deputies, and most especially to Eric:
We honor your service to your community as a law enforcement officer and you will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Eric was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.
May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To Eric's family, you are in my heart's embrace today. I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. Today was your family's first Christmas without you and we are also approaching your eow anniversary date. They are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Eric gave to his community and the citizens of Iowa, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 4, 2011
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 25, 2011
I will always remember the last time I spoke with you, Eric, just a week before you were taken from us. It was at the regional LEIN meeting and I remember how excited you were to go the next LEIN School and talking to you about it, sharing a laugh (or several) and having a cup of coffee. I will always wear my "In Honor of 54-3" bracelet proudly. Rest easy, brother. We got this.
Sergeant Mike Bailey #70-6
Muscatine County Sheriff's Office
December 15, 2011
Dear Eric,
I remember the first time I met you, you were so young, had little curls at the back of your neck and so shy, but your mom insisted you come meet our family, I miss her so much, she was my aunt for as long as I knew her, whether she married my uncle or not, she will always be Aunt Joan to me. At first, I had no idea anything had happened to you, my husband told me the day after about some police officer getting shot in Sigourney and I thought that sucks! I was in West Chester that day and I remember a State Trooper flying through town on Hwy 92, I thought maybe there had been an accident, but now that I know where he was headed, it chills me to the bone. When my husband finally spit out your name, it took me a minute, but I immediately started crying, I knew exactly who he was talking about. I want you to know, I've gotten to know Keri and I absolutely adore her, and Shelby is just like you, shy, but adorable and a total sweetheart. I promise you, I will always be there for them, were kinda far away, but we make time, I absolutely adore them...you are missed, and everyone loves you...thank you for being you. We will NEVER for get you 54-3, I will wear this pink bracelet on my wrist for the rest of my life.
Steffany Rawls
Family/Friend
December 13, 2011
Eric, I knew you for many years and I watched Shelby grow up as Abby and I babysat her. I remember I used to be nervous to get in your car and say something wrong because I know you were a police officer and that scared me to death. I used to use the line, "I hate cops, they're unfair." But ever since April 4th, I have never disrespected any authority because I realized that you guys do what you are trained to do, protect us. You protected us from someone that could have really hurt our little town. So thank you, so much, for that. I really appreciate it. -RIP Eric.
-Alec Glandon.
Alec Glandon
November 11, 2011
To The family of Sgt. Stein:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. The bravery and courage you displayed will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Sgt. Stein and Olav Hashalom.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 8, 2011
To Kari and family of Sgt. Stein,
I just want you all to know that I have walked in your shoes. It has been nearly 7 years since I lost my husband in the line of duty. We have a wonderful Guardian Angel now. There is a hole in your hearts that will never heal, no matter what they say about time healing all wounds, however, you need to know, that he is watching over you at all times!! It is a great comfort to have this feeling. Please talk and laugh about him, we do this daily!! As I said, it won't ever go away, but it does get easier.
We will continue to pray for you all!!
RIP Sgt Stein, your watch is over and others can take over now!!
Micki Bryant-Holterhaus
widow of Scott Bryant EOW 5/17/04
April 28, 2011
You will be missed. Rest in peace Eric. 183rd
Ofc Tony Stone
Clinton PD
April 18, 2011
Sgt. Stein,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Keokuk County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
USBP
April 17, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your brothers in law enforcement. Your service to your community was not in vain nor will it be forgotten. Your brothers will carry on in your place. Blessed are the peacekeepers for they shall be called the children of God. Rest well brother.
Special Agent Justin Hooper
Bureau of Indian Affairs
April 15, 2011
Please know that my office joins you in mourning the loss of Sergeant Stein. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Stephanie M. Rose
United States Attorney
Northern District of Iowa
Stephanie M. Rose
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
April 15, 2011
To The Family of Sgt. Stein:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. You will be missed by your family, friends and colleagues. The bravery and courage you displayed will never be forgotten. My dad was a policeman in New York City for almost 40 years with the 102 precinct. Rest in peace Sergeant Stein.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 15, 2011
May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotten and you Sergeant Eric Stein are a hero. I salute you. R.I.P. Brother
Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police, Australia
April 14, 2011
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Stein, especially to his fiancee. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for Eric, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Eric's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Eric's life was about so much more than the way he died. Eric will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Sergeant Stein, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
April 14, 2011
Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your family and your Dept.
Officer Bob Swope #5609
Olmsted Falls Police Dept.Ohio
April 13, 2011
RIP Sgt. Stein. You are gone but your actions that day to protect the citizen's of Keokuk County will never be forgetten. It was an honor to work with you.
Trooper Doug Rupe
Iowa State Patrol
April 13, 2011
gonna miss you brother. Rest easy, your in safe hands now. Gone but not forgotten!
CPL Velikaneye, Dan
United States Army
April 13, 2011
I salute you, Sir, for your bravery, duty, and ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with you family, friends and co-workers. May God comfort them one and all.
Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD
April 12, 2011
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Stein. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace. You are highly respected and we are all feeling your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with your family, friends and fellow officers.
Citizen
Central Iowa
April 12, 2011
Thankyou for your service, you are a hero for us to look up too. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family.
POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
April 12, 2011
Dear Family and Friends of Officer Stein,
I would like to say a thank-you for Office Stein's service and sacrifice. Our family knows where you are right now, as we lost a beloved member in the line of duty. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Don't be afraid to keep him alive in your conversations; laugh at times he would have laughed, even if you have to do it through your tears. It will bring you peace and comfort to share your precious memories. Every hour, every day, every month will pass and it will be different from today. You will never forget, it will still hurt, but honor his memory and do your best. He will always be watching and protecting you.
Take care
Terri Christenson
Sister-in-law of fellow Iowa Officer Scott Bryant EOW 5/17/04
April 12, 2011
Rest in Peace, Brave Warrior. We will now carry the burden for you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.
Dan Whidby
DOD Military Working Dog Breeding Program
April 11, 2011
Sacrifices like yours cannot and will not be forgotten. I hope and pray that you rest in peace and that your family feels comfort in the days and week and years to come.
Anonymous
April 11, 2011
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
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 silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
Author unknown
May God be with everyone
Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx
April 11, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace, Brother. You will never be forgotten!
Catina Ising
Glendale Police Department, Glendale Missouri
April 10, 2011
Rest in peace and in the knowledge that you did well protecting your fellow citizens. The world is a better place for your efforts.
Sergeant Tim Bedwell
North Las Vegas Police Department
April 10, 2011
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