Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 6, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Stern.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 25, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 23, 2018

R.I.P. John your are gone but never forgotten.

Pfc. Thomas Brannan
Riverdale Park Police Dept.

October 1, 2014

Going to church with you every sunday as a kid I never knew your sacrifice. I saw you sitting in the wheelchair but i never understood why ? As a adult I now know why.I only wish I could tell you know how much I respect you and wish you were here.
your friend David

Deputy Main
friend

July 22, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 6, 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 7, 2007

~Never forgotten~ Rest in peace. Thank you for your service.

October 19, 2007

You are remembered today thank you for your sacrifice and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that the tactical team was able to provide quick and appropriate justice on your behalf

vandenberghe
NH

October 16, 2007

Officer Stem, thank you for your service. You have not been forgotten!

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

November 16, 2006

You fought so hard for so long, I salute you for your courage and dedication to law enforcement. My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 6th anniversary. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol

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

October 19, 2006

May Our Lord Bless and Keep you.

October 19, 2006

John and Chuck...

On that day we went through Hell together. You are in a far better place now and one day, just perhaps, we’ll meet again. I will never forget either of you in my heart.

Dean

Dean Baker
B.CO.P.D. Ret.

March 26, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer John Stem and his fellow officers with the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office, and most especially to John.

It has been five years since you were taken from your loved ones from complications from being shot so many years ago. Your valor and bravery are not forgotten.

May his loved ones continue to be embraced the caring and comfort of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer Stem gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 19, 2000, and the daily sacrifice he and his family made daily since the day he was shot.

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

October 19, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

October 19, 2004

I never met Officer Stem, but you don't have to have known him to see that he was a courageous man.  The fact that he died so long after being shot does not make this matter any less sad than if he were shot the day he died.  His courage to return to work after his injuries while still being treated for his injuries is amazing.  I am inspired to do everything I can to become a police officer because of heroic officers such as Officer Stem.  God bless you and your family, sir.

Anonymous

Rest in Peace Brother...you will not be forgotten

CPD