Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. with my nineteen year old son. We made it a point to visit the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial to pay our respects. While there I noticed a lone wreath set on top of the east wall. It was for Sergeant Kenner. A passerby asked if it was for someone I knew. I told him it was a brother. He seemed somewhat puzzled but didn't say anything else and walked away. We tend to get caught up in all the day-to-day "stuff" that surrounds us, but it's brief moments like this that serve as a reminder of the bond we share. My deepest sympathy goes out to Sergeant Kenner's family and friends. I will keep him in my prayers and I thank him for helping to refresh the spirit.

Lt. James Nenni
Town of Newburgh Police Department, Newburgh, New York

August 5, 2011

Steven Kenner my friend you will be missed by me and my family. You touched the lives of not only me as a friend, but my wife and children also. You were there for me and my wife when both our children were born. I will always remember the good times we had. Farwell my friend.

Detective Paul Olson
Bismarck Police and Friend

August 4, 2011

Sargent Kenner helped our family save a loved one from meth. He did what was right. I had the opportunity to thank him personally for his help. He chuckled and said "tell my Boss!." I did. I am so thankful that this man was a part of our life. My sorrow is deep.

To his family - I cannot hope to understand your loss. Be assured he will be remembered with the utmost repect. We truly know a hero.

Private Citizen
Reciepient of Services

July 27, 2011

To the family of Sgt. Steven Kenner, I offer my sincerest prayers up to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that you are comforted through these days of heart wrenching pain. I had a sergeant like Steven. One thing he taught me was ....there are "givers" and "takers" in this life, cherish the "givers" and the takers won't keep you up at night.
Clearly, Steven was a "giver." Thank you for enduring the hardships of being a "police family." Thank you for Steven. His life was so very meaningful to so many, many people.

Retired Police, DRS
Greendale, WI

July 20, 2011

Chief Strzelecki and the entire Niles Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Kenner. Godspeed.

Niles, Illinois Police Department

July 20, 2011

In Valor There Is Hope, Godspeed.

Paul J. Schettino, Lieutenant (Ret.)
City of Beacon, New York

July 17, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. Rest in Peace.

Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

July 17, 2011

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars. Folks came out of the restraunts, They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked,"What is all this for?" And they said,"Aw, JUST A COP."

Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear. Some people said,"It's stupid," "All these dumb policemen here."

"How come they're not out fightin' crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" "Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's JUST A COP." They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn , it's gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they're sure wastin' time, On someone who's JUST A COP."

Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes. The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads, "This service is a flop." "There's a lot of good words wasted, On someone who's JUST A COP."

Yeah, JUST A COP to most folks. Did his duty everyday. Tryin' to protect us, Till they took his life away.

And when he got to heaven. St. Peter put him at the top. An Angel asked him,"Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, JUST A COP."

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

Tim Heckelsmiller
citizen

July 17, 2011

God Bless

Trooper
Virginia State Police

July 16, 2011

As the father of a former Louisiana Deputy Sheriff and a current Louisiana Deputy Sheriff, I would like to extend my condolences to his brothers and sisters in blue. Thank you for your service- you are not forgotten.

Jim Mansfield

July 15, 2011

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS (Wendell Berry)
When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water and I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world and am free.

My prayers to family, friends and collegues of Officer Kenner.

Cindy Cunningham, Chief Agent, ESI/K9
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics

July 15, 2011

Rest in peace brother. We will keep the fight from here. I hope in time your family and agency finds peace in your passing.

Police Officer II Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

July 15, 2011

God be with the family, loved ones, and friends in this most difficult time. Rest easy my Brother in Law, as your watch on this earth is over.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County FL. Sheriffs Office

July 15, 2011

Sergent Steven Kenner ,
Kind Giant , kind man , kind to people , Great honor to know him .
and on TV Bismark police dept and the media -people gave him a great Honor to day . remember him . Best KGA,FUTUREVISIONARIESCOM

security officer FUTURE-KNIGHT SECURITY
Knew him .

July 15, 2011

RIP brother, we are here to take the watch.

Deputy Mark R Chrysler
Oneida County Sheriff's Office, NY

July 14, 2011

TO THE FAM



To the Family and the Department:

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May it help in some small way to know others care.

Kay D. Wood
Mother of Deputy Marshal Glen Denning DeVanie, E.O.W. 4/2/2003

July 14, 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

July 14, 2011

My thoughts are with you, your family and police family.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers
EOW 04-24-2006

Chris Chambers
Saint Louis Co Police Dept

July 14, 2011

I was devastated when I heard the news Sergeant Kenner had so needlessly been killed. He was my sergeant for a time when I worked for the Bismarck Police Department. He was the ultimate professional officer and was a friend. Our daughters played together. Though I moved over 7 years ago, I still hold deep feelings for the police department and for Steve.

Steve was a big man and it sometimes came in handy. Another officer and I were having difficulty getting a large man that we had arrested, into the squad car. A call to Sgt. Kenner is all it took. He walked up to the suspect and asked "what's up big guy?" The suspect wilted and willingly sat down in the squad without further incident. Steve's heart was just as big, willing to help out anyone. He was always there.

I lost my grandfather to an in the line of duty death and now we lost Steve. Two great men, with familes, doing the work they loved, needlessly killed.

I think we all know that Steve will be watching over us when we continue to do our jobs. I hope the gaurdian angle that watches over me is Steve. He will do a fine job when working for the Lord. Just like he did when he worked for the people of Bismarck.

Today was the funeral, where we say our goodbyes and pay our respects. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for paying the ultimate price. I hope that Deb, the family and the BPD will be able to cope with the loss, a little more each day. Our prayers are with you.

Sergeant Kenner's radio transmission, Headquarters, 40, was the last one over the police radio. He will be conversing with God and doing his work now.

You will always be an inspiration to me and to many of the lives and people you touched. You will always be remembered. Until we meet again in our heavenly inheritence, it was a privelage to know you, have you as a friend and you will always be a hero.

Rest in Peace

Conservation Officer, former BPD Officer
MN Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Enforcement

July 14, 2011

heartfully sorry for your your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you: brother of fallen officer Nicki Erfle

gerald

July 14, 2011

It is with very heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of a very unique man, husband, father, friend and officer. All of those titles describe him and many more can be offered as well. While I did not know him in his personal life, I have had the honor of working with him on issues with our business. He was always friendly and professional and very concerned for our situations. As late as May he came in to personally thank us for all the "leg work" we did to help solve a case. Now that is professional to be willing to share a job well done. We can never repay him for all the "jobs well done" but know that we certainly appreciated his hard work and dedication to the citizens of Bismarck. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Deb and your kids. Loss is hard enough with out the added senselessness of this tragic shooting. Know that the community along with all his brothers and sisters in law enforcement are here for you.

RW
Business Owner

July 14, 2011

Sgt. Kenner, Thank you for your service! Gods Speed Brother!

Deputy M. Chavez Jr.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office, California

July 14, 2011

Having served for nearly 30 years as a police officer in the United Kingdom, my thoughts go out to all the family of Sergeant Kenner. Albeit a sad loss to you all and a complete waste of a good life, keep remembering that he died doing what he obviously loved doing ... serving and protected his community.
May he rest in peace and never forgotten.

Glynn Jones
Retired Detective Sergean Uk police force

July 14, 2011

I'm not a resident of Bismarck, but spend a great deal of time there and am so saddened by the loss of someone who spent his life protecting and serving his community. I guess it takes a tragedy to bring people forth to express gratitude for what police officers do everyday for all of us. My heart aches for Sgt. Kenner's family and law enforcement family. Every time I pass an officer on the street, I wish I could tell them I feel for their loss. Hopefully the hundreds of condolences offered for Sgt. Kenner's passing will bring them some comfort and let them know they are truly appreciated, unfortunately they cannot bring Sgt. Kenner back.

J. Arbach
North Dakota citizen

July 14, 2011

Rest in peace Brother Steven.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

July 14, 2011