Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Howie,
I’m not sure anyone of us can really describe to you the anger and devastation we all felt when we were told you had left us. I know I was in utter disbelief. You will be proud to know that Kathy – in the midst of her intense grief – has stood as an “oak” as most have described it – strong for your family, strong for your friends. Your house turned into a command post after you left, with your closest friends and loved ones standing with Kathy while many filtered in and out – even from as far away as D.C.
If you taught us anything, it was how to work as a team. We have tried to do this as we dealt with the questions in our minds. Kathy had us all over to your place for one last barbecue in your honor. The oysters were never cooked because you were not there to cook them – it wasn’t the same without you.
On the day we were headed to respect you, the radio mentioned your name several times and played the song “Rest High Upon the Mountain”. There’s no way they could’ve known just how appropriate it was.
There was an incredible service for you, with law enforcement officers from all over the state and even country to honor you. We all winced as the Chief choked back tears while speaking directly to you. We are seeing a side of him we never knew existed since you left. This service reminded us that the impact you made was broad. I know how you’ve trained and mentored me, but hearing how you’ve impacted others was amazing. We all were given the chance to see that we were only a small slice of your life and that your life outside of the police department was just as influential. You’ve touched so many other people in ways I never knew. From things like “come back anytime” impacting one to your debates over “seen and saw” with another, you clearly have influenced everyone who’d met you.
What a procession there was that day. It is said to have been an hour and a half long and there were agencies there like “Boise, Idaho”. Our faith was renewed in the community that day, Howie. Children stood streetside with signs like “Thank you, Sergeant Stevenson for protecting us”. Caltrans workers held their hats over their hearts, people at the recycling plant stood on metal bails with heads and hearts hung low. People held signs and flags throughout Ceres thanking you. I don’t think anyone in that procession could have had much composure at that point. Complete strangers who never knew you like we did came out in droves to honor you and hail you a hero.
We about froze out at the cemetery. I remembered your words, “We train rain or shine” and I believe that helped us all to stand tall. Every day you were here you put your mark in some small way on the department, on each of us. You worked at change in a methodical way and change is sweeping the department now- even after you’re gone.
I have never seen so much visible raw emotion. At the cemetery the P.A. crackled out of the silence, “S-143 Ceres…” but the call went unanswered. Thoughts of the night you were taken from us went through our minds.
We are trying to be strong and unafraid, as I am sure you would teach us. But losing someone like you can only be described as having the rug pulled from underneath your feet. I know I can speak for everyone when I say you were probably the last officer we ever expected to lose. You taught most of us how to be safe. You devoted your career to training – surely you can teach us something through this. I think we are struggling to grasp that.
I admire the way you prepared your family. It has taught me that I should be doing the same. I know there is only so much you can do for that, but what can be done must be. I want you to know that your influence does not end here. Every person I have a chance to train or any of the rest of us who have learned from you – their career will bear your mark.
Thank you for the impact you’ve made on each of our lives. We will each miss you terribly but your imprint on us will continue on. The Chief may have cleared you to secure out there on that cold day, but I know you will still be riding with each of us every day.

Officer James KempVanEe
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

February 18, 2005

Howie, You were so special and will always hold a special place in my heart. You were a great friend to my family and will never be forgotten. I have so many memories with you and your family. You are a true hero and a great Sergeant. I will be with you again someday in Heaven.

Ceres Police Dispatcher and Wife of fell
Ceres PD

February 14, 2005

My friend, my partner, my brother. It has been just over a month since you made the ultimate sacrifice. Your loss is still deeply felt by those of us who had the honor of working with you. You had such an impact on the entire department in life that I do not believe you even realized. More then just a "cop" you were a mentor to most and a true friend to all. I believe that is why your loss hurts so much.

I wish you could see what your death has brought. The entire Law Enforcement community in Stanislaus County and abroad has come united. We are working together like never before. Pride and ego has been pushed aside to achieve a common goal.

We have felt great support from our brothers and sisters from the surrounding agencies as well as the community. Howie, you would be amazed. You did not die in vain. Your sacrifice has not and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother. We shall carry on with the memory of you in our hearts.

Greg Yotsuya, Detective
Ceres Police Department

February 14, 2005

IT IS NEVER EASY TO LOOSE A LOVED ONE, IT IS EVEN HARDER TO LOOSE HIM TO THE EVIL OF THE WORLD, YET MAN LIKE HIM BRING LIGHT IN TO THIS WORLD AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR HIS SACRIFICE WE RECEIVE HOPE BECAUSE OF MAN AND WOMAN LIKE THEM.

Probie. David Cano
LA ICOC

February 14, 2005

I remember reading about Sergeant Stevenson in the newspaper right after this incident first occurred. Nothing can explain what went through my mind as I recall hearing about such a tragedy. Sergeant Stevenson will not be forgotten and his death was not in vain. Unfortunetely, Officers have to pray daily sometimes many times, in hope that they will return home to loved ones and friends - just to repeat this day in and day out. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and department. Freedom to live in peace is never free. Rest in peace and never forgotten!

Anonymous - current police officer and w

February 13, 2005

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. You will not be forgotten..We will see you in Elysium...

Jason Crociata
Police Officer in Illinois

February 13, 2005

It makes me just sick at heart when I read of yet another fine officer taken from his family and friends so unnecessarily. Gunfire - automatic weapons - - will it ever stop? You went out there to protect and serve and you were killed. What would we do in this world if there were not people like you that give their own lives to keep us safe? My son gave his life in 1998 - the answers to the why"s never come - as he, you were doing the job you loved and this was the ultimate price you paid. May God be with your family and may he give them comfort during this terrible time - watch over them Howard.

February 9, 2005

WE DEDICATED OUR MUSTER IN YOUR MEMORY. YOUR SERVICES AND SACRIFICES SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER...

DEPUTY PATRICK FRAZIER
ESCAMBIA COUNTY (FL) SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 9, 2005

A Policeman's Poem The policeman stood to face his God. Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, Policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other check?To my church have you been true? The policeman squared his shoulders, No Lord, I guess I ain't, 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 tough, and sometimes I've violent. Becasue the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep. Though I've worked a lot of overtimewhen the bills got just too steep. And I never past a cry 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've never wnated me around except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, LordIt needed 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 had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgement of his God. "Step forward now, Policeman, You've borne your burdens well. COME WALK A BEAT ON HEAVENS STREETS, YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL." May you rest in peace and God BLess your family. In hope there is Valor.

P.O> Christopher Welby
Bridgeton, Mo. PD

February 9, 2005

To the family and friends of Sergeant Stevenson,
This is such a sad and horrible tragedy. I wish I could say something magical here to make everything better, but if you can remember just one thing during all of this...YOU ARE NOT ALONE. My prayers are indeed with you during this difficult time.

Shani Lake, former DOC Officer and fianc

February 5, 2005

Thank you for giving your life to protect the people of Ceres. It is such a huge sacrifice considering that you never even met some of the people that you died protecting. You are a true HERO! May God bless your family and the other officers of Ceres.

Ceres Citizen

February 4, 2005

You did what all of us know could happen at any time. You gave your life so that the public you served could be safe. HERO, that is putting it too lightly. Your memory will live on forever. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, BROTHER!!!!

Officer Guy Johnson
Snohomish Police Department (WA)

February 2, 2005

From one Sergeant to another, I salute you!

Sgt. Steve Merchant
Ripon Police Department

February 2, 2005

Howie, may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family

Sergeant Mark Cricchio
Honolulu Police Department

January 30, 2005

You did what we all hope we'll do if our hour comes, protect those we serve and face the threat. Thanks for being a hero Officer Stevenson.

Officer Pete Gavitte
California Highway Patrol

January 28, 2005

HOWIE,

YOU WERE A GREAT BROTHER-IN-LAW AND YOU WILL BE MISSED. I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU FOR THE 20 PLUS YEARS YOU WERE IN MY LIFE. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR KATHY, MICKY AND BRYCE. THEY ALL LOVED YOU SOOOO MUCH.

KRISY SEXTON

January 27, 2005

You saved my son's life seven years ago. Without hesitation he would willingly have put his life on the line for you as well. The policemen's brotherhood is strong, firm and well established. I have witnessed first hand the dedication and loyalty that each of the officers have for one another. It is truly an inspiring and awesome revaluation. Howe, you are sorely missed. YOUR personality on the Ceres force can never be replaced. You were unique to the department. I, as a parent, pray daily for those you have left behind both on the force and at home. It will never be the same but we do have hope, hope that what you did will stand as a witness to the good and the bad elements in our community. May your example continue to illuminate, inspire and educate future generations.

Clair L. Johnson
Ceres Police Officer's Father

January 27, 2005

Howie-
Your neice is my best friend and she was devistated when she heard the news. I first learned about this when she called me crying and she told me that she loved you very very much and Im sure that she wishes that she could see you one las time before you passed. You were a very important man and again...job well done. We salute you #143!

Best Friend Of The Neice Of A HUGE Hero

January 26, 2005

uncle howie...wow..i cant believe this all happened to you. You are a hero..a HUGE hero uncle howie. You did your job and you did it great. We all miss you soo much..exspecially aunt kathy your kids parents sister..we all do. But you died a hero..and we are soo honored to know you. Wow if you could see how many people loved you uncle howie..its amazing..the ceres pd wow i never realized how close you all were..gosh they love you..i hope you knew and you can see from heaven and see how loved you were. I wish we would have seen you more and we were closer family but i still love you the same and i cant wait to see you once again in heaven. You were amazing...job well done..i love you sooo much..your a hero uncle howie..xoxox
#143

the neice of a HUGE hero

January 25, 2005

Thank you for your ultimate courage and duty to your community. You may be lost, but not forgotten brother. Godspeed and good luck.


With love brother,
Patrol Officer Michael Cummins
Fort Hall Police Department.

Patrol Officer Michael Cummins
Fort Hall Police Department Id

January 25, 2005

I am proud to have worked with you, and I am honored to call you my brother. Farewell and Rest In Peace, Hero!

Jeremy, Retired Ceres PD
Ceres PD, Ceres, CA

January 25, 2005

My heart goes out to all of you during this painful time. I know the hurting you are going through as Birmingham lost 3 of our own in 2004. Bless you family and friends and may his soul watch over you all.

Deepest Sympathy - Wendy

Wendy Vickroy
wife of Birmingham Police Office (west)

January 24, 2005

My heart goes out to all of you during this painful time. I know the hurting you are going through as Birmingham lost 3 of our own in 2004. Bless you family and friends and may his soul watch over you all.

Deepest Sympathy - Wendy

Wendy Vickroy
wife of Birmingham Police Office (west)

January 24, 2005

Sergeant Stevenson, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers, Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. P. Sperandeo, Officer A. Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept.. LA

January 24, 2005

It is always a shock to hear that another brother is lost to the war on our own streets. You will always be remembered. You will always be missed. Not a day will go by where you will be thought of and reflected upon. To Sgt. Stevenson's family, you are in good hands. Though the pain will never end, you will keep going. Because your father, husband, friend, wants you to. We all know what the ultimate price is in this job but we all pray that it is never seen. God Speed Brother and while your up there walking your beat in heaven, say hello to my brother. Deputy Sheriff William Hunter EOW 7-26-2001, we all miss him.
Thank you Sgt. Stevenson.

Deputy Sheriff Kevin Hunter
Plumas Co. Sheriff (CA)

January 23, 2005