Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"A Police Officer"

When they pick up your child for shoplifting,

"They're a Cop"

When they arrest a child molester,

"They're a Guardian"

When they give you a speeding ticket,

"They're a Pain"

When they keep you alive at an accident,

"They're a Godsend"

When they break up your party,

"They're a Real Bore"

When a drunk driver kills an entire family,

"They're a Coroner With Tears In Their Eyes"

When they stop you and warn you that illegal turns are dangerous,

"They're a Nuisance"

But when they give up their lives in the line of duty,

"What do you call them then?"

John Q. Public
Des Moines, Wa

Fort Lewis Military Police want to send the deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Off. Underwood. Our work is never done.

PFC Corbin
Fort Lewis Military Police

I am once again deeply sadden by the sinceless loss of a brother Officer. I knew Steve as an Officer who brought new bookings to our jail, he always had a smile on his face and in a good mood, he will be missed by all.

Sgt. Mike Myers
King County Jail, Regional Justice Center

I was and continue to be deeply saddened by the loss of another Police brother. Your funeral was a very deeply touching moment. I offer prayers of comfort to your family. You can rest in peace brother, we got him. Say hello to all the other Brothers in uniform up there, we miss you all. I find a little comfort in knowing that you all are up there, being our Guardian Angels.

Inspector Tim Huff
US Customs

I am currently studying to be a law enforcement officer in Montana. One of the many things that scares me about this job is stopping several suspects in the middle of the night, alone. Exactly the situation Master Patrol Underwood was in when he died.

God Bless his family and any other officers placed in this situation. May his wife and young son live in peace, knowing what he was doing was special, and helped others.

Ricky Tiernan

I was deeply saddened to attend Steven's memorial service, but truly inspired by his legacy. He was a cop's cop, and a loving family man. As I understand it, he also new the Lord as his personal saviour, and we can take comfort in the fact that he has found eternal peace. I will continue to keep Rosethe and Esteban (wife and son) in my prayers. May God draw and keep his family near to Him in times of grief.

Inspector Ian Jacobi
Canada Customs

I am sorry that some people in this world do not value the life of another and they feel that in order not to be disciplined for their actions, they take a life. This is sad.
And then there are most honorable men and women who think nothing of their lives and go out each day to protect and serve ours and our property. Bless each and every one of you who do this. I am saddened for the loss of Officer Steven Underwood. I never met him.
May his family find peace and comfort in all those who care. Those who pray, and those who are there day by day. He will not be forgotten.

Danette Jensen
Citizen of Auburn

Dear Esteban,

I read your reflection for officer Gallegos and it blessed my heart. It is the thoughtfulness of people like you that help us all. Our family will keep you and your family in our prayers also. I don't know what they are doing up there either, but I know that they are having a ball of a good time. John 14:27

mother of fallen Military Police Officer Brian T. Gleason 8/9/2000

Tammy Persin

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Tonight, March 7, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Master Patrol Officer Steven Underwood, who died on this date two years ago.


When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Patrol Officer Underwood's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

I only met this officer once, but, he made a lasting impression. He was a good and kind man, and he made a difference in our community. He will be be missed.

You're still in my prayers.
Rest in Peace

Tanja Hendrickson

The murder of King County WA SO Deputy Rich Herzog on 6/22 brought with it the unpleasant memory of Steve Underwood's death. As the son and grandson of retired King County officers, I feel the families of these slain men stand in my place. Even as a kid I knew that there was always a chance that Dad's Electra-Glide might not make it home. I wrote and dedicated this poem to Steve Underwood's son, but neglected to post it here at the time. Better late than never. Steve, be sure and give Rich a nice welcome. Peace. -Todd M. Stewart

The Son of Valor Stolen
Dedicated to Esteban Underwood
Son of Master Patrol Officer Steven Underwood
Killed in the line of duty March 7, 2001


The son of valor stolen,
a hero’s legacy.
A boy without his father,
something that should not be.

Your father chose the hero’s path,
to protect and serve us all.
But valor’s price is very high,
the brightest too can fall.

You are as yet, too young to know,
the burden that you face.
The son of valor stolen,
you stand there in my place.

For I am the son of valor spared,
in your place I could be.
A boy without his father,
my strength taken from me.

So be brave little brother,
more brave than I could be.
The son of valor stolen,
a hero’s legacy.



2001 Todd M. Stewart

Todd Stewart-volunteer
Pierce Co. Sheriff -Search and Rescue

I've hid the pain for over a year now. The phone call that morning still doesn't seem real. I never thought you would be gone. You are in a better place now, watching over all of us. Making us all think safer, act safer, BE safer on the street. All of your brothers and sisters in Tukwila miss you.

My son was born November 2001. His middle name is Steven. As soon as I can, I'm taking him to Paul's Burger Joint in Burien and we're getting some teriyaki.

I miss you buddy!

Eric Lund
Tukwila PD

Steve, How does someone ever deal with the senseless loss of life or get used to the fact that it is not held precious by all. The agony in your father and mothers eyes, the pain in Rosethes face was almost too much for me as a mother of one of your fellow officers to bear. Many others agonized at your funeral..and there were hundreds there. many have talked about you being a guardian angel, I pray to God each day that is the truth, and that you are here, among us all but mostly with those in your dept. and other depts. watching over them. Be with them always Steve, and protect them always..and know that justice will be served as he has been caught, soon to be tried, and no doubt convicted. You are always in our prayers Steve, and missed by many, and loved by all that knew you..
Carolyn Celis
An officers mother

Carolyn Celis
My son was his fellow officer

Though I did not know officer Underwood very well, his death hit me hard. I met him a couple times, and remember him. I never thought when I worked at the Christmas Cruise with him that the next year he would not be there. His death for me was a wake up call. I realize even more now that what I am getting into is no game. His death has made me even more determined to become a police officer. I desperately want to become a part of the police community that I saw present at his memorial service. I can still remember in detail everything about that service. The love and grief I saw in the eyes of his fellow police officers has touched me, and I will never forget it. To Mrs. Underwood, I'm sorry you have had to go through all this, and I'll pray for you and your son. He did not die in vain. He has caused me, and I'm sure others, to have a deep desire to be as brave as he was. God Bless.

Explorer Corporal Beth Ray
Kirkland Police

To the family of Steven Underwood I offer my sincerest condolences. You see, I too have suffered the loss of my own brother, a deptuty sheriff in Whatcom County. I know too well the agony of resuming a new and forever different path in life. There are few words of comfort, I have found, to deal with our tragic loss. I thank all those who serve and protect our communities and pray each day for a safe shift for each of them. Those who make this supreme sacrifice continue to protect us from heaven's gates. Rest in peace Steven and know you are loved-
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9
Kim Anderson
Sister of Matthew Herzog 4A117

Kim Anderson

Steve, it has been a year, we all still miss you. your new car looks great.

#0003
DMPD

Another fallen officer....
I was at your funeral and we cried for you, your family, your department...for the wonderful life lost.....

I worked at the fundraiser that helped raise $10,000 for your beautiful wife and child...knowing that no amount of money would bring you back home....

May you rest in peace.

Detective Cynthia Caterson
Lynnwood Police Department

I was saddened to hear of your death, very saddened for two reasons.
the first one is obviously, that your family and friends had to survive this great tragedy, the other reason is that I am a friend of the family, of the young man who alledgedly shot you.
So I see their pain, as well.
I would also like to thank your family, for allowing you to protect us, and all officers who go out on the streets, everyday, never knowing if this day will be the last.
Thank you to all officers who help to keep us safe.

civilian, Dee
none

Steve: I sat on your reserve board, you rode with me on occasion, we smoked and we joked. Then you went full time. No one was prepared for what happened to you, it still pains me to this day. I hope that if I ever need a guardian angel riding shotgun, it will be you. Partner. We are all family and will take care of each other until we do our next road side.

code 4 for now.
#8804

#8804
DMPD

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

Somebody killed a policeman today, and a part of American died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect, will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights.

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids, and spend many long lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battled field too, just as if he'd gone off to war.

Thought the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, in your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a copy put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookie's side.

He answered the call, of himself gave his all, And A Part Of America Died.

(Author Unknown)

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free,
I am following the path GOD laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh...to love... to work...to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah...these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My lifes been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undo grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
GOD wanted me now...He set me free.

Remember...to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die

Anonymous

Even though I did not know Officer Underwood, I was deeply saddened to hear of his death as I have two friends...one-an officer and the other-the chaplain director, who work for the Des Moines PD. One of my co-workers also has several friends in the department and two other friends live in Des Moines and had actually met him a few times. It felt like we had lost a member of our own family. My prayers are with his wife and son.

Anonymous

I did not know Officer Underwood but I have lived in Des Moines all my life and went to school with his sisters. My heart breaks for them and his wife and son. I am truly sorry for their loss and hope they can remember him someday without pain. I'm very sorry this happened.

Kelly West