Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God Bless you Brave Warrior.

Sergeant Kevin Waters
Indiana State Police

April 24, 2024

Hard to believe it has been two years since the accident. Times passes so quick. You are very missed by friends and family. We honor you today for making the ultimate sacrifice. Rest Easy Bo.

Classmate 75th Recruit Academy
State Trooper

October 11, 2021

Missing you extra today! I love you! Hope we are making you proud.

Jessica
Wife

June 3, 2021

Trooper Stephan,

I remember when I seen this awful headline flash over the early morning news station. It had said an Indiana State Trooper had died in a vehicle accident. My heart sank! It always sinks when Law Enforcement Officers are killed, but there's an even worse feeling when it happens closer to home. When I found out you served the post next to ours, the feeling grew more. Then to find out you were from Kokomo, my new city! I was stunned!

My mother and I watched people speak at your funeral. So many different people from all over the nations vast police agencies came for you and your loved ones. Nebraska State Troopers, All sorts of Indiana presence, even a California Highway Patrol group was there.

We waited for hours and drove towards Russiaville until your motorcade would pass by. Finally on IN-26, everyone came. KPD zoomed by and so many Indiana Troopers. It was very beautiful to see, but it was nothing compared to the real line up of everyone that would lie ahead. Eventually tons of Police cars and motorcycles from all over paraded by. It was very bittersweet to see everyone. Some waved, some were talking to their groups in the cars, some laughed and smiled, others had a sad, blank stare. I waited and stood for probably an hour watching this motorcade then the hearse and limos came by. I seen your parents, it broke my heart. Then I literally had everything sucked from me energetically when I seen your hearse. I couldn't move! It was so somber and just a shock.

I remember buying a bunch of blue ribbon and cutting pieces for me and my mom. We wore them for you during our respects. I still have mine and I plan on framing it with your bio on here when I find a place to hang it.

Ron Shelnutt of IMPD made a lovely video of your funeral and burial and dedicated it to your daughter harper. It was very beautiful, but incredibly sad. Your wife did your final call and that must've been terrible. Overall though you were loved and I hope that you can rest easy in the afterlife.

My mom and I have even visited your grave earlier this year. It was after Christmas I think and people leave stuff often. There were drawings from harper and a massive Christmas, pine branch assortment.

Although I didn't know you, I feel for you and everyone you knew. We all lost a hero in Indiana and I think of your sacrifice often. It changed me and really made me think. Seeing your funeral motorcade, was something of greatness and experience. It really made me appreciate life and my choices. As I hope for all great legacies and human beings... MAY WE MEET IN ANOTHER WORLD! I wish all people rushed in to help others like you always did.

God bless and rest in peace!

Ryan J. Curry - Kokomo, Indiana
(Future Police Officer & Current EMT basic student)

July 9, 2020

Rest in Peace brother!

SGT Sylvia
U.S Army Lafayette Recruitment office

April 16, 2020

Bo was a good man I was fortunate enough to know for a short while, and serve with in a volunteer capacity. RIP sir, and thank you for your service to the community.

Officer Lloyd
Howard Co. EMA Police Dept./HCSD

January 27, 2020

THE FINAL INSPECTION:

The Policeman stood and faced his God.
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining bright
Just as brightly as his brass
“Step forward now, Policeman,
How shall I deal with you?
Hove you always turned the other cheek?
To my word have you been true?”
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t
Because those of us who carry guns
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was rough.
Because the world is awfully tough.
But I never took a thing
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got to steep.
And I never passed a call for help.
Though at times 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 fears.
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 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 beet on heaven’s streets.
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
Author unknown.

Officer Chad Miner
Powell Police department
Powell, Wyoming

November 29, 2019

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Back the Blue, Kate

November 15, 2019

Trooper Stephan,

May you rest in the arms of God and may God be with your family.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

November 14, 2019

RIP TROOPER STEPHAN praying for the family and Blue brotherhood. GSP #318

Sr/Tpr John Threat
Georgia State Patrol

November 13, 2019

RIP Trooper Stephan. May God bless, protect and comfort your family and ISP brothers and sisters during this most difficult and tragic time.

Mike - civilian. Sparks, NV

November 1, 2019

On 10-23-2019 the men and women of the Riley County (KS) Police Department and the citizens of Riley County held a Coffee with a Cop in your honor. I hope we faithfully served your memory.

Josh Kyle

October 31, 2019

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 30, 2019

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Peter was killed in the line of duty.

To the Ishmael family, fellow troopers, and all who call Peter beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I know that that you will receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Trooper Stephan gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 11, 2019.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

October 25, 2019

Thank you for your service sir, GOD BLESS.

Mrs.C Singleton /Concern Citizen

October 23, 2019

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

October 22, 2019

Thank you Trooper Stephan for your hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of Indiana. You are a true American HERO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 21, 2019

Blessed are the Peace Makers. R.I.P. Trooper Stephan.

I hope the Lord will allow your soul to know that the rest of us will take care of your family. You were taken too soon, we need Men and Women of your caliber to carry on.

May God Bless America and ALL who serve her. - This means all who are currently serving and have done so in the past. Military, Law Enforcement, Fire, E.M.S. and any related to Public Safety.

Patrolman Mark Manning - Retired
City of Muncie Police Department. Muncie, Indiana

October 21, 2019

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Trooper Peter Stephan on their loss. May our Lord give them all the strength and comfort during this time of grief. Thank you fellow officer for your dedication and service to our nation and your community. Rest in peaceTrooper Peter Stephan.

CBP Officer(retired), Luis Otero
Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Customs & Border Protect

October 20, 2019

Rest in Peace Trooper Stephan. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and the ISP during this most tragic & difficult time.

Sgt. Scott Seitz
Plainsboro Township NJ Police Department

October 19, 2019

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452), Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Officer Jim Weaver
Los Angeles Police Department retired

October 18, 2019

God bless you sir

CalTrans Equipment Operator (retired) Ch
Calif State Department of Transportation

October 17, 2019

Trooper Stephan, I know in my heart that your wife will fill your daughter with stories of how wonderful you were and how much you loved them both and though your daughter has been deprived of your touch and your presence, she will know you and love you through those stories.

God Bless you, Brother and may your eternal Rest be ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

October 17, 2019

Our heartfelt sympathies are with the family and friends of Trooper Peter R. Stephan. God Bless!

DeKalb Police Department

October 17, 2019

On behalf of the Albany Police Academy Session 4 recruits, we send our condolences to the friends and family of Indiana State Police Trooper Peter Stephan.

Recruit Austin
Albany Police Academy

October 17, 2019