Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeants Desfosses, it has been 3 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 30 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH

January 14, 2024

Det. Sgt. Desfosses,
On today, the 3rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army and USAR. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I am originally from Massachusetts and a friend of mine who lives in Norton and he had nothing but good things to say about you.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 13, 2024

I just looked up the Norton PD as part of a background investigation on an academy candidate. I noticed that you had lost an officer last year about this time, and as a small department, I know that is probably still very painful. It brought a tear to my eye, as we also lost an officer in January of 2009, and I had just been to a memorial at his grave site several weeks prior. I had never considered the number of officers who had died from COVID, but this was an eye opener. While I didn't know this individual personally, I'm sure he was a good man, who dedicated 30 years to the citizens of your city, just to be taken as he was ready to begin his retirement. My condolences to your department and his family.

Detective J Davis, ret.
culver city police department

February 9, 2022

Sgt. Desfosses,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Norton. I’m originally from Massachusetts and have a friend who lives in Norton and he speaks very highly of you. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 13, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God"

We commit this Officer into the hands of our Lord. May the Officer's loved ones find peace in the life led, honor in their Officer's performance and choice of profession, and profound happiness upon being reunited in the future.

God Bless all who answer the Call.

Deputy Director (Ret) Rusty Featherstone
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)

September 20, 2021

Sadden by the loss of the LEO. We all lose so much when a Officer is taken from us. May God give the family and fellow officers they worked with Peace and Strength to carry on. Your families and fellow LEO's are in our prayers.

B.J.Umbenhower
Liaison, Office of Emergency Management Highlandville Mo
Son of Chief of Police. Deceased
May God watch over them all. R.I.P. Brothers

April 13, 2021

Thank you for everything... rest well... I think of you often...

Yvonne F.M.

March 20, 2021

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

To the Desfosses family, fellow officers, and all who call Stephen 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 hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Stephen gave to his community and the residents of Massachusetts and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 13, 2021

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

February 12, 2021

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Detective Sergeant Desfosses. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Norton Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

February 8, 2021

Detective Sergeant Desfosses, it's so tragic how many people have been lost due to this horrific pandemic, but it's extra sad for us in the law enforcement community when it's one of our own, even if we didn't know you. So many have been lost and sadly, more are likely to be taken.

I salute your service, thank you for your efforts on behalf of us all and mourn your passing. You and all those you leave behind are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you, Brother and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

February 8, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Detective Sergeant Stephen Desfosses on their loss. Thank you for serving your community and for making it a safer place for your fellow law abiding citizens. Rest in peace Detective Sergeant Stephen Desfosses.

CBP Officer(retired) Luis Otero
DHS/Bureau Of Customs And Border Protection

February 4, 2021

On behalf of the St. Ann Police Department, please accept my condolences for your loss.
Praying that God provides the comfort and peace that allows you, your department, and community, in addition to Det. Sgt. Desfosses' family, to move forward.

Mary Kay Nolen, Asssistant to the Chief of Police
St. Ann Police Department, St. Ann, MO

February 3, 2021

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC

February 2, 2021

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all those who cared for Detective Sgt. Desfosses. His life of service and sacrifice mattered. I pray God will bring comfort to you in the days ahead.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

February 2, 2021

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Detective Sergeant, Stephen R. Desfosses, from complications of the COVID-19 virus. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Detective Sergeant succumbs from this deadly virus. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

February 2, 2021

Rest in Peace Sergeant Desfosses. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this very difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

February 2, 2021

We will remember.

Miss Eleanore Trupkiewicz
Civilian Supporter of Law Enforcement

January 30, 2021

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. God's speed sir.

Lieutenant John C. Moore
Wisconsin State Conservation Warden & State Trooper (Retired)

January 30, 2021

Detective Sergeant Desfosses,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

January 30, 2021

Lieutenant Desfosses, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. It took a small virus to take your life. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May He immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

January 29, 2021

On behalf of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association please accept our condolences on the passing of Detective Sergeant Desfosses.

Chip Nowlin
President
Kentucky Peace Officers' Association

January 29, 2021

Thank you for your service,

Dmytro Goloborodko

January 28, 2021

Rest in peace brother

Douglas J. Maykowski
Fraternal Order Of Police Central Macomb Lodge #187 Macomb County MI.

January 28, 2021

On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses and the extended law enforcement family of the Norton Police Department, Massachusetts.


End of Watch Wednesday, January 13, 2021


Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzero
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 28, 2021

So sad to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

January 27, 2021