Trooper Peter Richard Stephan

Trooper Stephan,

I remember when I seen this awful headline flash over the early morning news station. It had said an Indiana State Trooper had died in a vehicle accident. My heart sank! It always sinks when Law Enforcement Officers are killed, but there's an even worse feeling when it happens closer to home. When I found out you served the post next to ours, the feeling grew more. Then to find out you were from Kokomo, my new city! I was stunned!

My mother and I watched people speak at your funeral. So many different people from all over the nations vast police agencies came for you and your loved ones. Nebraska State Troopers, All sorts of Indiana presence, even a California Highway Patrol group was there.

We waited for hours and drove towards Russiaville until your motorcade would pass by. Finally on IN-26, everyone came. KPD zoomed by and so many Indiana Troopers. It was very beautiful to see, but it was nothing compared to the real line up of everyone that would lie ahead. Eventually tons of Police cars and motorcycles from all over paraded by. It was very bittersweet to see everyone. Some waved, some were talking to their groups in the cars, some laughed and smiled, others had a sad, blank stare. I waited and stood for probably an hour watching this motorcade then the hearse and limos came by. I seen your parents, it broke my heart. Then I literally had everything sucked from me energetically when I seen your hearse. I couldn't move! It was so somber and just a shock.

I remember buying a bunch of blue ribbon and cutting pieces for me and my mom. We wore them for you during our respects. I still have mine and I plan on framing it with your bio on here when I find a place to hang it.

Ron Shelnutt of IMPD made a lovely video of your funeral and burial and dedicated it to your daughter harper. It was very beautiful, but incredibly sad. Your wife did your final call and that must've been terrible. Overall though you were loved and I hope that you can rest easy in the afterlife.

My mom and I have even visited your grave earlier this year. It was after Christmas I think and people leave stuff often. There were drawings from harper and a massive Christmas, pine branch assortment.

Although I didn't know you, I feel for you and everyone you knew. We all lost a hero in Indiana and I think of your sacrifice often. It changed me and really made me think. Seeing your funeral motorcade, was something of greatness and experience. It really made me appreciate life and my choices. As I hope for all great legacies and human beings... MAY WE MEET IN ANOTHER WORLD! I wish all people rushed in to help others like you always did.

God bless and rest in peace!

Ryan J. Curry - Kokomo, Indiana
(Future Police Officer & Current EMT basic student)

July 9, 2020