Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Stephen Michael Linen, Jr.

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Sunday, August 12, 2001

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Stephen Michael Linen, Jr.

Hi handsome,
I just wanted to stop by and write on your wall. I miss you!! The anniversary of the day I lost you still haunts me, even 10 years later! I was looking at pictures we took during the time we were together the other day, SO glad I have those. It helps me remember how much fun you and I had, fishing, hiking, working in the backyard, relaxing in the jacuzzi, road trips we took, bowling etc. I think of and talk about you often!!
Love you!

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

September 5, 2011

Hey babe, It's been awhile since I've written on your page however, I think of you every day!! Was just talking about you the other day to a friend of mine. Still love and miss you after 9 LONG years!! XOXOXOXO

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

September 19, 2010

You are always loved, and never forgotten! Easter approaches, and I continue the "Uncle Cop Steve" tradition of chocolate bunnies... ears first of course. (but that day in Monterey Bay, way too much sugar for the drive home, and you knew it!) Your name sake, Michael Steven, just finished driver's education last week. The lesson's on DUI, in this state, not enough for either of us. Hard to believe that small boy crying while his older brother looks to the heavens, is now 15. We keep the photo from the newspaper. Along with photos of you and Mel, of course. Our favorite, you and Chaz at Magic Mountain. I thank you for the time you gave our children. I thank you for being you. We all have you with us, my friend, our friend.

Anonymous

March 16, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Linen. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Happy New Year Babe!
It's the start of another year w/o you! Man do I miss you!
Love you!
Love, me :)

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

January 16, 2009

Merry Christmas babe! I have your ornaments on the tree! I miss you!
Love you,
Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

December 24, 2008

Every year at this time I am thankful for the time we did have together (but it was TOO SHORT)!!! I miss you! :)
Love you!
me

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

November 21, 2008

Hi Babe,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately! I miss ya!
I am going bowling with a BIG groups of friends tonight (at the place we met). It ALWAYS brings back such fun memories!
I Love you!
Love, me :)

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

October 18, 2008

WOW, it's been 7 long years. I still remember the day I got the call and all the craziness that happened after. Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that I lost you, it still hurts. Life goes on, but the pain is still there, and you NEVER forget. I still love you. I look at the pictures everyday that I have of you up in my house. They help remind me of the wonderful times we had (my favorite is the one of us hiking and being at the top of the mountain). We had so much fun that day!
I miss you terribly! How I would love to just be able to hold your hand and get a hug from you!
I won't ever forget.
I love you babe!
Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

August 17, 2008

To Officer Stephen Michael Linen Jr. and his loved ones:

On this the seventh anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with your family members and friends who call you beloved. I am so touched by their loving reflections for you. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Linen.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Linen gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 12, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

August 12, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today. I know they all carry your memory in their broken hearts and will never let your memory be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 11, 2008

Steve,
I have never gone through this webpage before...I don't know why. It's about 8:55 am on Father's Day 2008. I woke up this morning and had nothing but the urge to cry. I sat for a second and remembered why. I dream quite often, almost every night, and these dreams I know I have for a reason. Last night I dreamt I saw you and I felt it was quite real. You were standing up there in heaven and walked towards me. I was amazed to see you and happy at the same time. You told me how you were still waiting for someone to come join you, as you never expected to leave so soon. At this point in the dream, I remember still exactly what you looked like and exactly what I said to you: I'd give anything for you for you to be able to see the ones you love and live the life on earth that we all take advantage of.
After this dream, here I am now, and I know why I'm so upset. You sacrificed your life, the one thing that each of us is given, for the well being of others. On Father's Day today, I'm thinking about how you never got to become a father, one of the many things my mom always said you wanted to do. I'm sorry. I just want you to know, that I think about you every day. Even though I was only about 11 at the time we actually knew you, I remember how everyone felt when they were around you. How my mom and you used to laugh. All the fun times drving to Laughlin. The fourth of July BBQs. The times you slept on our couch because it was so late after a night of watching movies. I remember sitting on that same couch in that same room watching on the news how you would no longer be with us. Life was scary after that. I couldn't sleep for months because I was afraid if I went to sleep again, someone else that I loved might not be there when I woke up.
I want you to know that everyone that knew you and even those that didn't are all better because you lived and because you still live. I thank you for your sacrifices, the many you made, to make this world a better place. I'm sorry that man that murdered you is alive and living freely, as he doesn't deserve to. You will always be remembered.
Each and every time I hear someone talk about drinking, especially now since I'm in college, it hurts me to think that people can be so selfish. It is a decision to drink and a decision to drive. Why one would do it, I don't know. All I know is that I try to remind people of the pain they can cause by making the conscious decision to drink and drive.
Thank you for being a part of my life and a part of the life of all our family. You were like the big brother I never had.
Every day I look at the world and I see so much pain, mostly caused by people. Then, I look at your laughing face in that picture frame downstairs, and i remember thw world can be a better place because of people like you.
I miss you. Thanks for being being a guardian angel to all of us.

one of the little sisters you never had
friend

June 15, 2008

Hi honey,
I was talking about you at work the other day and my friends (who never had the opportunity to meet you) were asking questions and wanted me to bring some pictures to show them. I brought pictures we took when we went hiking, fishing, to Laughlin, working in your backyard, your birthday party at my brothers house, etc. plus pics from the funeral and the memorials I went to.
It feels good talking about you and all the fun we had. One of my frineds is going to Hawaii and I told her how we never made it there (oh the hours we spent on the computer planning our trip and all the fun things we were going to do).
I still miss you.
I met some parents of one of our kinder students who are really good friends with Rich Vance (also my brothers friend and co-worker). Rich is the guy who took care of you in the helicopter. We talked about you and they remember talking with Rich and how hard that call was for him after he found out he had a personal connection there (it was Robbie's little sister's boyfriend). I remember talking to Rich at the funeral and we just cried and he kept saying he wish he could have done more for you.
My family misses you and we still talk about you. They all have a pic of you up in their homes.
I love you!
Kristi

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

May 18, 2008

I was the third person to arrive on scene when the accident occurred. When I think of what he stood for, and how he made the altimate sacrifice...I am honored to have had the chance to do whatever was necessary to try and help him. He gave his life protecting us from DUI drivers and a DUI driver stole him from us. My heart went out to his father when he hugged me at the memorial service. I think of him often and pray that his mom and dad find the strength to carry on. The slide presentation at the memorial service proved that Stephen was a special person and loved by his
family. God Bless

MA1(SW) CONWAY L. ROBINSON
United States Navy (First Responder)

February 29, 2008

Stephen,
I wanted to tell you what a hero you are! We lost my brother in law John Miller EOW 11-16-07 and we miss him terribly. I live in San Diego and drive on your memorial freeway often. Your memory lives on and I wanted you and your family to know that your ultimate sacrafice did not go unnoticed. I hope the sign with your name on it is a constant reminder to everyone in San Diego not to drink and drive! God bless you and your family. Your family is in thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer
San Diego Resident

January 31, 2008

As joyous as life is every day, I have a constant reminder to remind me just how precious life is. I have someone very special in my life, and I am so privelaged to call her mine. Her name is Amanda and her step father is Officer Richard Mendez with CHP out of San Diego. I walk through their house almost daily and often stop to look at the pictures on the counter, and for the last two years one has always stood out to me. There is a picture of Myles, Rich, Sheryl, and Steve all squished together with the biggest smiles imaginable on their faces. When I see this picture, it always reminds me of how much everyone has gone through. I never had the privelage of knowing Steve, but I feel like I may as well have been a friend. I know so much about him, so may small details that stick in my mind.

Our senior year at Great Oak HS, Amanda did a project on instances and people that have changed her life. A large focus of her project was on Steve and how his death changed her and her families lives. We had some students in the class that were known drinkers and she stared every single one of them in the eyes and showed them her pain with a ferociousness that I hope she will never have to show towards me. After her presentation, she came and sat down next to me and just cried. I couldn't even begin to imagine the pain she felt at that moment. Almost weekly, something that someone does reminds Amanda of you. She is always saying Steve did this and Steve made a difference...She is always talking about how sad the funeral was and how, even 7 years later, everyone still remembers you.

Any time someone even thinks about drinking and picking up keys, she doesn't hesitate a second to tell them about Steve and how much his death affected her. Rich and Sheryl even talk about Steve every once in a while, so you are not forgotten Steve.

To Steve, Rich, Myles, John, and all other officers who put their lives on the line every day, thank you. I am privelaged to have met you all. And everyone out there, please think twice before drinking and driving. Stay safe and live, learn, and never, ever forget to laugh.

-ZS

ZS

January 20, 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

November 21, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Linen Jr on the anniversary of his passing. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you all. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 12, 2007

Officer Linen,
Today is the sixth anniversary since you were called home. Clear across the country, here in PA, we are paying tribute to the dedication and courageousness you had in keeping citizens safe and making a true difference in the world. You are a hero forever, and never forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 12, 2007

Hi darlin'
I was cleaning out my office and pulled out all the articles from the papers about your accident. Rissa and I looked at all the pictures from the funeral, the memorials I went to, the cards I got from loved ones and all the keepsakes I have. I still have movie ticket stubs, cards from you, our plans we printed out for when we were going to Hawaii (that we never made it to), plus tons of other stuff. Rissa just sat and cried with me while I talked about all the things I remember, all the good times bowling, BBQing, watching movies, and just being together. I laughed so hard when I saw the picture I took of the door next to ours when we went to Laughlin. I honestly thought they put your last name on the door "Linen" but ours was the next door, we just happened to be next to the linen closet. I remember how hard we laughed. Boy did we have good times!
I still remember your beautiful blue eyes, so full of hopes and dreams of the future! How I wish I could just HEAR your voice!
Love ya babe!
me :)

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

July 20, 2007

I really hate the effects of alcohol. If I could remove one
substance from the earth, this would be it. It causes
so much devastation. It is sad reading the sweet messages for you from Kristi, but there sure is alot of
love between you. I wish your other dreams could have come true, too.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

April 22, 2007

Hi darlin'
It has been a while since I have left a message here! I still think of you, of us. I miss you even after all these years!
My parents went to the cemetary the other day and saw the bench they had made for you. One of the ladies that works there remembers me (of course because of my hair) and talked to my parents for awhile. When they called me, we talked about old times and how much they even miss you!
My sister had a baby, my horse is having a baby (in a week), work is going great, and life is good.
Thoughts still run through my mind of what could have been???? It is amazing how drastically things can change, all in a matter of seconds, because of the poor choices made by someone you don't know! I have seen your freeway dedication sign a few times now, and it still makes my heart ache!
I now know the saying is true that "TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES!" You are still in my heart and on my mind, forever!
How I would love to get a hug from you, a great big bear hug!
I love you Steve, I still do!
Your girlfriend,
Kristi :)

Kristi Robinson
Steve's girlfriend

February 28, 2007

Stephen, a little after the 5th anniversary of your death, I wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten. Your father speaks of you as he represents Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors. Steve possesses admirable strength, courage, and compassion, which he shares with others who have survived a line-of-duty death. May you rest in peace, Stephen.

Brenda Donner
Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors

September 22, 2006

Remebering a hero today, Thanks for your sacrifice courage, dedication and protection Steve.. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers today. You are not forgotton

A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS.©2004

Emory - Ephrata WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J Lane EOW 5/30/03

August 12, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Stephen Michael Linen Jr. and his fellow officers with the California Highway Patrol:

On this the fifth anniversary of Steve's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Steve, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends, especially from Kristi. Steve's valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Steve was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Steve gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 12, 2001.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 12, 2006

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.