Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Brotha!! Hard to believe you have been gone for 20 years. Seems even crazier that we were all hired 40 years ago. Back when Ceres was 12k people. Man we were a bunch of Cowboys. We shared a building with the fire department. We had 4, maybe 5 patrol cars but only two beats. Why they made one of those beats 211 was beyond me. Do you remember Vacation Village over at 1849 Richland? They finally tore that place down, and got rid of the Silver Saddle and Ceres Club. Remember the day you did two complete 360's in front of Delharts on Herndon road responding to that fight? Everybody stopped fighting to watch your driving skills as you missed everything on the road or parked at the curb, stopped your car and backed us up. You were a solid dude Howie. A great friend to all of us and I have missed you every day. You'd be proud of Kathy and the kids, where they are at today and what it took to get there. There were a lot of us keeping an eye on them, just as you would do for us. There are so many stories to share, but we better keep this short and some things are just better between us my friend. We can always pop a cold one and reminisce when I see you on the other side pal.

Scooter T50
Ceres PD 1985 to 1991

November 4, 2025

Seargeant Stevenson, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 20 years ago, as your murder was coldblooded, and it didn't need to happen. As for the person who took your life, i'm not sure what went on through his head that day to do what he did, but it still won't change the fact he murdered a police officer and wanted to go out the way he did. Overall, he was just a crazy individual, which explains why he was so high on cocaine that day which explains why he was juiced up and it made him lose himself and his mind. It's probably something that won't be answered, but all we know is that he dug his own grave with what he did. Call it cowardly, but he could've went out a different way instead of targeting police, or he could've gotten the help he needed. All in all though, he's gone, and he won't hurt or bother anyone else again as he threw himself 6 feet under. Despite all of the negativity that was brought that day, i'd like to look into the positive side of things: To start off, you spent 20 years in law enforcement, and as i've said before, that is an achievement that not many have. To face danger each day for that long amount of time is something that is phenomenal, and is something that deserves to be recognized. To become a police officer is one thing, but to become one in the grand state of California where there's most danger, shows how brave and fearless you were, and even in your last moments you engaged with danger and did it in a way that shows how bold and courageous you were. From what i read is that during your 20 years as an officer, you were a patrol officer, field training officer, detective and range master, and you were even a SWAT team leader which is a fraction of the things you've accomplished during your career, and i don't even think that's all of them since you've done more than just those. The way you got up each day, knew you were gonna face danger and still come out on top shows the kind of man you were, and you were well-known by many since you made an everlasting impact on your people and the city of Ceres. I'm sure that you've inspired many people across the country, and that your sacrifice shows that if you can face danger with no fear, than anyone can. Also, i',m sure your children have grown up to learn who their father was, and they know that their father was a hero, a sheepdog, and someone who made sure that when people go home each day, they feel protected knowing that brave officers like you were ensuring their safety. Although it's been 20 years, those 20 years don't mean that you're forgotten, as even now there's people out there who learn your story as your story is passed on for as long as time goes on, and that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't fully gone as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that your children will know that you serve as their guardian angel along with your wife, whom i've seen write a reflection on another officer which is also how i learned about your story. There's alot of questions that revolve on that day, but i'm not sure what drove that man to insanity and chose to take himself out by intentionally getting the police on himself, but what i do know is that he was crazy, and that what went on in his head is beyond me. But rest assured, you've been avenged in death as your brothers in blue were able to neutralize him in a seperate shooting, meaning that he's been thrown in the ground and will receive his punishment for what he did, as taking away one of God's soldiers on earth is a penalty that requires a payment. That said payment is judgement day, as he brought in on himself. I'm sure your family knows that justice has been served, and that cruel men like him will no longer bring more evil to this world as it already is, considering that man had no reason to do what he did, and the answer to why he did it is something that may never be fully answered, other than he wanted to die and throw his life away. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service will forever be remembered, and that the people of Ceres and the citizens of California are honored to have had men like you ensuring their safety at one point in time, and that your children and wife will carry you in their hearts as they advance in life and feel protected by you in spirit, as you're their guardian angel and making sure that no evil will touch them, and that no weapon formed against them will prosper. Rest Easy Mr. Stevenson

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

July 8, 2025

Sgt. Stevenson,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ceres. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 9, 2025

Thank u for your service and sacrifices you made to make community safe. God rest your soul.

Betsy Rewers

January 9, 2025

My forever love,

I wanted to check in on your special tribute page today...you are missed so very much here on Earth. We are living each day the best way we can, without your physical presence with each of us...which is still the strangest and often hardest part of being a survivor...

Our hearts don't recognize "time". Our hearts just remember your amazing love for family and friends and your beautiful smile and your kindness toward others and your tough and strong character and your deep love for nature and your consuming enthusiasm to your SWAT team to keep them all safe and your dedication to the community of Ceres and your selfless sacrifice of your life to keep others safe...and your continued surpassing Heavenly love that each of us feels when we need to be near you.

LOVE transcends ALL boundaries...

Because God is the truest LOVE and He makes it possible to know Him through His Son Jesus Christ, we can keep our eyes and hearts focused on the eternal truth that we will see you again, Howard and all our beloveds someday in the perfection of Heaven.

Until that day, we will give our love away in the best ways we know how, filled with the hope and trust that comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Love you with all my heart soulmate

your loving wife

December 31, 2024

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Jesus forever

A psalm of David
The Bible

December 13, 2024

Happy Father's Day our forever love,

Thank you for being the best daddy for our kiddos. I see your strength and perseverance and dedication to family in their comings and goings of this life...good job!!!

We miss you daily and look forward to seeing you in the perfect love of Jesus...in our eternal home:)

I will be enjoying this day by allowing my heart to be filled with memories of you as a father... on this special day that celebrates all the amazing dad's past, present and future, you are a true blessing to us!!!

May our Lord cover each father with His great love, wisdom and faithfulness...

I love that our Father in Heaven is the greatest Father of all...Because He showed that we can trust in His faithfulness through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, who paid our sin debt to be reconciled to God the Father after the great fall in the garden. Amen for He shows the most Amazing Love and Grace given to mankind.

Until we see each other again love you with all my heart and soul xoxoxo

your loving wife

June 15, 2024

Hi my forever love,

You are missed in every way possible. I cannot even try to begin, to voice in words, how heavy my heart is these days...

I pray daily for wisdom and discernment, strength and stamina, guidance and grace, hope and mercy, joy and kindness, and love and peace.

The days are moving quickly...which God has promised in His Word. Amen

I love you with all of my heart and soul...I look forward to seeing you and our beloved's in the Glory of our Savior, Jesus !!!
xoxoxo

your loving wife

May 13, 2024

You were the best police officer I ever worked with, and a great human being.
Thinking of you often.

Ret.Sgt Jeff Higginbotham
Ceres PD

March 29, 2024

Today is my daughters birthday, we where celebrating her birthday when I found out about the shooting. Howie was a great friend. Spent many times camping at Mountain Madness with the guys at Ceres Police. God bless his family and the Ceres Police Family.

Ca. State Parole Agent (Retired)
Ca. state Parole/Former Ceres PD

January 9, 2024

You are not forgotten. Thinking of you and your family.
Rest in Peace Sergeant Stevenson

P. Richards
Mother of a Police Officer

January 9, 2024

Our dearest Hero... our sweet Howard in Heaven,

There are no words that haven't been said through the years...You are missed and loved constantly by your family and friends!!!

Time truly has no meaning when the heart is involved... so our hearts seek daily for a glimpse of your love...which is transcending the veil that separates Heaven and Earth. We are so grateful for that special gift :)

Please know you are missed as much as one can possibly miss you in this lifetime...

Thankfully, I believe we can look forward to the day that we all are together again in the perfect love of Christ... the day where for eternity we will all know only beauty and peace and all the amazing things to great to imagine here !!!

Until then...We Love you with all our hearts xoxoxo

your loving wife

January 8, 2024

Howie,

Was just thinking about you and your family today. Can’t believe it’ll be 19 years next week. You are missed by so many. I know you are right here beyond the veil with our Lord waiting to be reunited with your family and friends. All my love.

Jeremy Gatlin
CPD

January 5, 2024

My forever love,
I miss you...

You have a Heavenly perspective that we could only imagine from this heavy and clouded Earthly view.

I truly long for the day that I too will be in the perfect love of Jesus.

Love you more than words can share xoxoxo until we see each other again

your loving wife

August 11, 2023

RIP Brother

Lieutenant (Retired) Carl "Rick&quo
Stanislaus County S.O. California

January 9, 2023

You are not forgotten. Thinking of you and your family.
Rest in Peace Sergeant Stevenson.

P. Richards
Mother of a Police Officer

January 9, 2023

Our forever love,

As we start our 18th year, I try (each year) to equate the time since you were called home and our heart-time of missing and loving you...

I have found that there is no way to truly connect our loss with what we know about time here.

But I do know, you are loved and missed continuously by us and so many who you touched...

So that said, the one truth that brings me complete comfort is... I believe we will all be together again in the perfect love of Jesus!!!

Until that day, my forever love, xoxoxo

Thank you Howard, for your selfless sacrifice in serving our community and may God keep safe all those whom are out there doing the same selfless duties each day, but if any are called home...

May our Mighty Mighty Mighty God, comfort their families and friends as He continues to comfort us each day...this is our daily prayer, in Jesus, name!!!

your loving wife

January 9, 2023

Hi my forever love,

I know you know that you are ALWAYS in my heart and close in my thoughts and actions.

You and all our Heavenly beloveds are truly missed everyday!!!

I am looking forward to the day we all are together again in the perfect love of Jesus:)

Love you all xoxoxox

your loving wife

December 13, 2022

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you have created a place for us to reunite with those you gave us to love. Rest in peace with Jesus, brother Ron, and with your beloved friend, Howie.

I love you

Sister, Jan
Your sister, Jan

October 14, 2022

My forever Love,

Ron is now with you and all our Heavenly beloveds, I know he was welcome with so more love than he could have ever imagined!!!

We love and miss you and long for the day we are all reunited in the perfect love of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!!

Until then sending our hugs and kisses your way xoxoxo

God Bless the Peace makers

your loving wife

October 1, 2022

Happy Father's Day my love,
Thank you for all you gave as the father of our beautiful kiddos!!!

I know God created father's to be leaders in their home. We could not have asked for a better God given leader for our family than you my love...

Your true love shined through on the good days and the challenging days. What a wonderful example of a man with integrity, strength, perseverance, humbleness and true heart!!!

How blessed are we to have such wonderful memories tied to your fatherhood!!!

I know God our Father, calls each of us to learn to look to Him, for ALL things... including wisdom, discernment, and good judgement. So that, we too can live with a heart of integrity, do all things in His strength, and with perseverance walk humbly before Him.

That is my prayers daily for all of us who are finishing our journey on Earth...

We love and miss you and all our Heavenly beloveds....

Until we are reunited xoxoxoxo forever and ever

Happy Father's Day

your loving wife

June 20, 2022

Thinking of you and your family today. You are missed and forever loved.
Peace

Jeff Higginbotham
Retired Sergeant Jeff Higginbotham

May 15, 2022

My Dearest forever love,
I know it has been a bit since I left a message here...oh my how time is flying by...

Yet, there is not a day that goes by that you are not a part of...in my heart and in spirit!!!

I see you in so many ways during the day!!! and I am not surprised because I know you and all our Heavenly beloveds are just a veil away... cheering each of us on...as we navigate all that is ahead.

I look always forward to the day we all are together again in the perfect love of Jesus :)

Until then I thank our Lord Jesus, that you are near to though who love you and miss you greatly as well as all our Heavenly beloveds

xoxoxo

your loving soulmate

May 2, 2022

17 years have gone by. You are not forgotten. Thinking of you and your family.
Rest in Peace Sergeant Stevenson.

P. Richards
Mother of a Police Officer

January 9, 2022

Good Morning My Love,
On this Christmas Eve, I am remembering all the lovely Christmas's we spent together with our friends and family. We were very blessed then and remain very blessed today...

I see everyday the Love of our Lord, Jesus through His many blessings.

I love how He provides His strength, His comfort, His peace, and His Healing, as we trust in His Perfect Loving Sovereignty over EVERYTHING!

I know you Howard, and all our beloveds who have gone on before us, are well aware of the Love our Father, God has for His children and all that He has created.

Tomorrow we celebrate the birth of our precious Christ, Jesus, who came down from His thrown in Heaven, to become the Perfect Lamb of God, born in a lowly manger, for the purpose of showing God's Love for His creation...

God the Father, gave His one and only Son, to pay the sin debt of this whole cursed world.... So that, we who trust in this truth, will be forever with Him in Eternal Life in Heaven.

What other God, would choose to give such an amazing Gift, His only precious Son, on behalf of sinful and doomed people like us? None !!!

So, I am looking continually to the day we are all reunited in the Perfect Love of Jesus forever and ever...

your loving wife

December 24, 2021