Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Stephen Edward Sawka

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, June 18, 1983

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Stephen Edward Sawka

May you rest in peace.
As menber of the police personel, I hereby pledge to serve the nation and society with pride and a firm sence of mission.

One of Japanese police officer

June 18, 2023

39 years…. Not forgotten!

Your wife Betsy…

Your Son, Stephen II

Your daughter in law,

Your grandchildren….Stephen III, Lawrence, Regina, John, and Agnes!

Stephen Sawka
Son

June 19, 2022

As the years go on rest in peace and know that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 18, 2020

Hi Stephen,

I thought about you and our friends today. Then I saw reflections from Mary Alice, your son and grandson and felt I should write. We had many fun times in the scouts and at school. I remember camping trips on Burlington Island and our parents just sitting in your house On Cedar enjoying conversation. Many blessings to your family! John Hillard

John Hillard
Childhood friend

March 21, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Sawka.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2019

Thought of you today and prayed for your family. I recall when I heard of your unexpected death, my son was about the same age as yours. You were too young to die. I couldn’t help but think of times in class at St. Al’s.
Eternal rest grant unto you and may perpetual light shine upon you.

Mary-Alice Lewis
St. Adalbert’s Grade School Classmate

August 19, 2018

Dad,

Visited the memorial today. Your family, especially your grandchildren love you and honor you.

Stephen II, Stephen III, Lawrence, Regina, John

Stephen E. Sawka II
Son

March 17, 2018

I attended the police academy with Steve. I was just thinking about him. Very nice person and a good cop.

Former PO Angel LoCastro
Philadelphia Police dept

April 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 18, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both their pain and pride are forever.

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

November 26, 2012

Dad,

Your courage and gentle nature will always be my inspiration. I think of you every day. I was only 1 year old when you made the ultimate sacrifice. I can't remember you, but you are my hero. Your grandson and namesak wille know you as he grows; I promise.

Love always, your son and grandson,

Stephen E. Sawka, II and Stephen E. Sawka, III

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Te decet hymnus Deus, in Sion,
et tibi reddetur votum in Ierusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam;
ad te omnis caro veniet.
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Stephen E. Sawka, II
Son

September 5, 2010

i check this page ever so often and nobobdy writes what a great person you were. i will not forget you, yourlike a brother----walt

Anonymous

June 22, 2010

steve, i think of you offen and wish we could have grown old together. you were my very best friend and i can't believeits 25 years since your gone.

you were like a brother and we had many good times together in grade school and high school.

i will miss you but your in good hands----gods

walt aleksandrowicz

May 11, 2008

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 24, 2008

Today and everyday we remember you.

Cp/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 18, 2007

Never forgotten! Thank you for your service.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

November 18, 2006

steve, you will always be remembered by your second family at the 26th district,watch over us and keep us safe.

P/O LAW
PPD

April 15, 2006

Not forgotten. Thank you for your service.

April 17, 2005

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