Bismarck Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch Friday, July 8, 2011
Reflections for Sergeant Steven Rickie Kenner
It was an honor to work with SGT Kenner during my time with the Burleigh County State's Attorneys Office and to have him appear in my Court over the past 15 years. He was always prepared and professional in every case I had the opportunity to work with him. My thoughts are with your family and your brothers and sisters at the BPD.
Judge Bruce A. Romanick
South Central Judicial District
July 11, 2011
Steve Kenner was a Man among Men. He helped us get justice for our daughter who was killed by a truck driver. He cared about people and about doing the right thing. Our family will never forget what he did for us. He will forever be in our hearts. Say Hi to our Cassi, she will know who you are.
Steve's family lived with a Hero in their midst; not many of us get that honor.
“A Hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
Thank you Steve.
Sonya R.
Friend
July 11, 2011
I knew Steve through my job at the fire dept and responded to many calls in my 22 years with him. He was always a professional and an asset on any type of call. We will all miss him he was the best of the best. John Wehmhoefer
John Wehmhoefer
Bismarck Fire dept. retired
July 11, 2011
To the family & co-workers of Sergeant Kenner,
We were so sad to hear about what happened to Sergeant Kenner. We have so much respect for our police force here in Bismarck, this should have never happened. We are thinking about all of you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marie A. Vogel & Sam Mitzel
Marie A. Vogel & Sam Mitzel
Bismarck Citizen
July 11, 2011
Steve was a fine officer and a great friend. I knew him for almost 25 years and worked with him both as a prosecutor and as a judge. His integrity was unquestioned. On a personal note, my family and I have been directly affected by the flooding here in Bismarck. Steve was incredible during the "panic time" of the flood - helping us and everyone else in our community well beyond his duty role, whether it be providing rides for those who needed them or making sure sandbags got to where they needed to be. Steve, and the rest of the BPD, did a job "above and beyond". I will miss him greatly and will pray for him, his family, and his fellow officers.
Bruce Haskell
District Court Judge and friend
July 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sgt. Kenner's family and friends, and to all the people at the Bismarck Police Department.
Special Agent Jeff Stickney (Retired)
Drug Enforcement Administration
July 11, 2011
On behalf of the Bowman North Dakota Police Department we would like to express our deepest sorrow to the family of Sgt. Steven Kenner. Words alone cannot provide solace in this time of passing of a blue knight, carrying out his sworn duty of protecting the weak from those who seek the harm of others. We shall always carry with us the name of Bismarck Police Officer Sgt. Steven Kenner and the ultimate sacrifice he had made with our law enforcement family. We shall never forget him nor his family and the extended family of the Bismarck Police Department
Chief Charles R. Headley
Bowman North Dakota Police
July 11, 2011
My heart aches today... for Sgt. Kenner's family.... for his fellow police officers/comrades...and for our city....
Way back when, when my husband and I were much younger, he used to worry that "Kenner" would be out there - wanting him to lower the height of his pick-up truck! I would secretly giggle about that, and I remember how glad I was that Sgt. Kenner was out there - keeping us ALL safe - and ensuring we all followed the orders mandated by law!
I had the privilege of Sgt. Kenner assisting in an accident I was involved in many years ago... I remember how nervous I was as this big man got out of his car... and how SAFE I felt after I realized what a kind, caring man he was!
To Sgt. Kenner's family... I am SO sorry.... to his fellow Bismarck Police Officers... I will be SO MUCH MORE AWARE of all of you now... THANK YOU for all you do EVERYDAY to keep our city safe.... to the City of Bismarck - I ache with all of you - our city will never be the same....
May God welcome you into His arms, Sgt. Kenner!!
Carol L.
Citizen & Sister to a retired BPD Officer
July 11, 2011
I remember when I was younger, Officer Kenner would catch us cruzin main and we always thought he was too hard on us kids!
Now when I think back to those days, he was just doing his job and doing it well. I am very happy to know that there are police out there who care about our safety and protection and thank all you law enforcement for all you do for all of us.
Sgt. Kenner, it is a sad day that this has happened to you. RIP and bless all he left behind.
Leyla
Citizen
July 11, 2011
Brother Kenner, your tour of duty has ended by having given the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your service to your Department, Community and our Country. You will not be forgotten by those whose lives you touched. Thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and your fellow officers as they mourn your untimely loss. Rest in Peace Brother Kenner †May God Bless You †
Sgt. Troy Karlberg
Burleigh County Sheriff's Dept. Bismarck, ND
July 11, 2011
Steve your unfortunate early departure from this world has left a large hole for many. Your shoes will never be filled.
Steve and I went through Officer Candidate School in the North Dakota National Guard together. We became running companion, as Steve with his large stature and me with my short legs, had trouble keeping up with the pack (or that is what Steve lead me to believe...not sure). If one of us fell out of formation while on a long run, the other would fall out and encourage the other to keep running.
We took alot of crap together, but we were together which kept us strong to both sucessfully complete the training.
I also had Steve conduct an accident investigation for us when my mother-in-law had an accident and was killed. He gave us peace of mind on what we knew was the cause of the accident.
To Steve's Family: My condolences! If you ever need anything call me, I would be proud to help his family in any way I can.
Chief Warrant Officer Four Kathy Mauch
North Dakota National Guard
July 11, 2011
When I was younger I lived across the street from a Bismarck Police Officer. I remember him coming home from work in his uniform and always taking the time to stop and talk to me. I remember thinking how how lucky he was to be able to wear such a uniform. I knew that one day that would be me.
I want to take the time to extend my colodences and say Thank You to Sgt Kenner and his family for all the sacrifices you have had to make and now for the ultimate sacrifice. May you find comfort in knowing that Sgt Kenner has touched many souls along his journey, mine included.
I also want to say Thank You to Bismarck Police Department for having such professional and kind hearted Officers serving the City of Bismarck.
Sgt Steven Kenner you will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace.
"We do not do this job for the fame and glory. We do it because no else dares."
MG
CCSO
July 11, 2011
Sgt. Kenner, thank you for your service and sacrifices you and your family have made for the Bismarck-Mandan area!
God bless all who are affected by your loss.
Never forgotten….
Thank you sir!
Captain Mitch Bitz
Mandan Fire Department
July 11, 2011
The officers and staff of the Grand Forks Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Steve Kenner and the Bismarck Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Captain Mike Kirby
Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks, ND
July 11, 2011
May time heal your pain and god guide Sergeant Kenner to his eternal resting place. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. To that I Thank you for serving and protecting my family.
Amanda Lund
Civilian
July 11, 2011
Thanks for the many conversations we had and teamwork during the many incidents we worked together. When I saw you on scene there was a calming and comfort knowing you were going to get things done. I feel so fortunate to have met you! Now you are "clear of the scene". Rest in peace my friend. Your friendship and genuine goodness will be remembered forever!
Assistant Chief, Retired
Bismarck Fire Department
July 11, 2011
The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Steven Kenner, and the Bismark P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Sergeant Kenner, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.
Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association
July 11, 2011
On behalf of the 6,105 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Sergeant Kenner’s family as well as the members of the Bismarck Police Department. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers
July 11, 2011
May God Bless You and Rest In Peace. Thank You, Terry Granato
Terry Granato
Border Agents Mom
July 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, blood and blue, of Sgt. Kenner during this time of loss. Once again, we are reminded that safety and security come with a high price. Sgt. Kenner, rest in peace now sir, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your example of what a true police officer should be remembered as, not only in loss, but in commitment to service and dedication.
To BPD and those affected by this tragedy, stand strong and keep holding the Thin Blue Line. Know that your fellow peace officers stand with you across that state and across the nation.
Officer T.F. Bateman
Stanley, ND Police Department
July 11, 2011
We met only once and we laughed. Your watch has ended brother..... now I'll cry those tears for you.
May god bless your family.
May god bless the BPD.
May you rest in peace Sgt. Kenner.
Sheriff Travis Paeper
Sargent Co So
July 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Steven Kenner. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your family as you go and touch the face of God.
Your service and sacrifice and bravery to the citizens of Bismarck North Dakota will not be forgotten. God Speed and God Bless. Rest in Peace Sir.
May the children of Sergeant Kenner, know that their Dad is a HERO who we will not forget and will forever be in his debt for all he has done for us. Sergeant Kenner. Thank You sir for your service and protection to us all, may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family.
VIPS 750 Jeff Claybern
Alexandria Kentucky Police Department
July 11, 2011
RIP Sergeant Kenner and all other fallen hero's!
Officer Matthew Moorhouse
Freeport Police Department
July 11, 2011
In this life, God grants us many blessings. First is life itself. Then there is our relationships, formed after the one who showed us love himself, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Steve and I go back 27 years. It seems but the blink of an eye. Our introduction came in a humorous way. Being a new three month trooper, I managed to peal the bumper off a passing bean wagon as I backed out of my driveway in my first unit. Didn't even scratch that old 79 Impala, but it sure did a number on that poor other dude. Steve was the consumate professional. He reassured me I would most likely remain employed, and a lasting friendship began. When our son Steven was born, Big Steve would come over and play "Sailor Bear" with him. We became Reconstructionists together for our respective agencies and attended Recon courses. We used each other as a sounding board for our theories and conclusions. But there was more. We grew to love each other as brothers. He had that sly grin and twinkle in his eye. He was building his future to include me in his and my retirement. I never felt as sharp as he, although he would chide and encourage me.
I have been blessed to have several fellow officers and friends that I deeply love and respect, many who have already posted a tribute or sympathy. In that regard, I am a very rich man, and am honored and privileged to be able to call Big Steve, one of the closest. I am feeling the pain today that I felt when my father passed away 17 years ago. But I also know that Steve would not want us to grieve for him. He would want us to hold our heads high, and to love and care for each other, as he did for all of us. He would tell us to Be Happy, and Have Fun in life.
Heaven has gained the ipitome of an angel. May you rest in Peace. And in the off chance that a couple golden chariots have a 10-50, I think I know a pretty good Recon they can call.
Till we all join together in that promised land, my eternal thanks and love to you my dearest Brother. The Shark sends...
Trooper Rick RICHARD
ND Highway Patrol
July 11, 2011
You were my mentor since the day I started. I will always miss our conversations we would have. Your big smile and even your silly jokes. You were the heart and soul of our shift. We all loved and respected you.
You and I spoke last week about when our career is done, what do we want people to say. You earned the respect and admiration of all those who served with you and the respect of the community you served and protected.
I will move forward and try to be the officer you always believed I could be. Rest in Peace, my friend, my brother and always my Sarge..
Officer Jason Bullis
Bismarck PD
July 11, 2011
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