Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Second Lieutenant Francis Joseph Stecco

Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, October 25, 2008

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Second Lieutenant Francis Joseph Stecco

GOD SPEED MY BROTHER,MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

DEPUTY SHERIFF MICHAEL C THOMPSON
CLARKE COUTY SHERIFFS OFFICE PATROL DIV

November 5, 2008

On behalf of all the recruits from the Zone Five Regional Law Enfrocement Training Academy, Session 45, we extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Second Lieutenant Stecco. Thank you Lieutenant Stecco for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Session 45
Zone Five Regional Law Enfrocement Training Academy Schenectady NY

November 5, 2008

The members at Arresting Hearts wish to offer their deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Second Lieutenant Frank Stecco. Because of Lieutenant Stecco's ultimate sacrifice we live in a safer place. We thank you for your service and your dedication.


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.” Mary Stevenson 1936



With love and respect,

The members and staff of Arresting Hearts

Anonymous

November 3, 2008

Rest in Peace my brother. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

USSS RAIC
(Former FCPD)

RAIC
USSS

November 3, 2008

To the family of Frank Stecco-
Take comfort in the words left here. They come from the heart of all who visit this tribute to Frank. He was an amazing man, a great Cop, and he will serve as an inspiration to many Officers for years to come. I pray that as time goes by, you will find it easier to read these passages-it is for me. God bless Frank, and God bless you. Tyler Armel

Tyler Armel

November 2, 2008

This is sooo sad. I haven't been on the website since my Mom died a week ago today. I just read about P.O. Stecco and grieve with his families. He was a credit to both his uniforms and served his country proudly. This is a song a soloist sung at my Mom's funeral. Being from states with a coastline, I know you can relate. God bless! With love from one coast of America to the other.

The Lighthouse

There's a Lighthouse on the hillside
That over looks life's sea
When I'm tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead us o'er
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse
My ship would be no more

Chorus:
And I thank God for the Lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
For Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I could clearly see
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse (tell me)
Where would this ship be?

Everybody that lives about us
Says tear that Lighthouse down
The big ships don't sail this way anymore
There's no use of it standing round
Then my mind goes back to that stormy night
When just in time I saw the light
Yes, the light from that old Lighthouse
That stands up there on the hill

And I thank God for the Lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
For Jesus is the Lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I could clearly see
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse (tell me)
Where would this ship be?

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

November 2, 2008

On behalf of the McNickle family, I'd like to express our condolences to the entire Stecco Family. I have heard so many wonderful things about your husband, son, and father and heard that his service and burial were poignant. My FIL is buried at Quantico and our family will honor Lt. Stecco's service when we visit his grave.

I'd like to thank Lt. Stecco for not only his service as a Police Officer, but his service to our beautiful Country.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends

Cathy McNickle
wife of PFC McNickle, FFX County PD

November 1, 2008

Second Lieutenant Frank Stecco,
There are no words to express our gratitude. Your years of service will be remembered by many. Rest easy brother.
Fairfax brothers and sisters,
such a loss can feel unbearable. Hold strong and find strength in one another. Law enforcement is an amazing family, don't hesitate to call if you need any one of us.
The family,
There is nothing I could possibly say to comfort you right now. Please know that you will stay close to our hearts, and in our prayers.

Deputy Wyant
Culpeper Sheriff's Office

November 1, 2008

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Stecco, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

I was hoping and praying they would find you in time! I kept a daily vigil for your safe return. God just brought you home. As a fellow LEO I know the dangers of our calling, even "just training". My heart goes out to your family, loved ones and brothers and sisters holding the thin blue line. I am a resident of Fairfax County and appreciate the job your Officers do day in and day out. You trained them well Frank, your work here is done. Rest easy and watch over them from heaven!

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

October 31, 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

October 31, 2008

ASCENSION

And if I go,
While you’re still here---
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest,
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.

By Colleen Hitchcock

Lisa Schultz
wife of Don Schultz, Phx. P.D., E.O.W. 5-12-2004

October 30, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

October 30, 2008

i did not personally know you but we are all brothers and sisters as they say. from wwhat people write about you; you seem like a nice guy. may god be with your family and may you rest in peace. Norfolk, Virginia

SGT. Jackson
Norfolk Police Department

October 30, 2008

i did not personally know you but we are all brothers and sisters as they say. from wwhat people write about you; you seem like a nice guy. may god be with your family and may you rest in peace. Norfolk, Virginia

SGT. Jackson
Norfolk Police Department

October 30, 2008

Thank you for your service and dedication Frank. May God wrap his arms around your family during this difficult time and may he comfort the grieving department as they mourn your loss. You will surely be missed..

Godspeed,
Jennifer, Joshua, Jacob, Gabriel and Abigail Thompson
Keith Thompson, FCPD

Jennifer Thompson
FCPD Spouse

October 30, 2008

Frank,

You always had a smile on your face when I would see you. I will miss your sense of humor and your kind heart. God bless you and your family.

Civilian Employee
Fairfax County Police Department

October 30, 2008

Tho I'd never met you, listening to Joe tell of the trips on the river was like being along. We looked forward to the day when we could take you up on your trip offer too. Guess that will be when we meet up down the road. Thanks for everything you've done for my "pup".

The O'le Man

Charles Wallace
Father of Fairfax County Officer

October 30, 2008

God bless you for your sacrifice.

Sgt. M.R. Frost
Lexington Police

October 30, 2008

Deep in my heart the sadness of your loss beats to the rhythm of complete sympathy for your family, and those in your agency that knows you as the dedicated professional as exemplified by your courage in the line of duty. God bless you and your precious family, co-workers and friends and add the needed comfort that surpasses all understanding. I would deeply appreciate leaving the poem listed below in your memory...you are gone from our presence but you'll never be forgotten.

A Salute To My Fallen Brothers

Your watch has ended still your memory lives on
Your life was that of a hero you died but not alone
Cemeteries are full of brothers that left ahead of you
Your death like all the others leaves family members blue

Your presence and the risk you took will be missed the most
To your memory we salute you as together we lift a final toast
Remembering all your courage while serving on your beat
Everyone wearing blue recalls how you wore the uniform so neat

All of us give some yet you gave us your all
We’ll never forget the sacrifice you gave before your final fall
You stayed so focused in the way you served society
Whether patrolling for criminals or drunks for sobriety

We salute you our brother for all you left behind
The many that you led as an officer you were kind
You wore your uniform with awesome courage till the end
We’ll not forget your professional bearing in hearts you tried to mend

A final Salute To You Our Fallen Brother our final cry
We’d give anything to have kept you here instead we bid goodbye
Although you’ve gone away to join heavens gate
Your memory shall live on in our hearts an angel now your fate!

© Copyrighted September 24, 2008 by: Michael R. Powell
Dedicated to: A salute to fallen officers in the USA

LEO Retired: Michael R. Powell

October 29, 2008

Frank,

Although I did not know you, I heard many wonderful things about you. It would have truely been an honor to know and work with you. Many of your friends have said wonderful things about you, and I know they will truely miss you. I know that you will be watching over us.

To Frank's Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you peace during these difficult times, and may He watch over you.

Rest in Peace Brother!

PFC NJ Smith
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

October 29, 2008

Lt, I was at the wake in your honor this evening. The number of people there speaks volumes to your character, integrity and honor. You served as an FTO for my brother and I know you will watch over him and all of us still. You will never be forgotten.

RIP.

Anonymous

October 29, 2008

Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the citizens of Fairfax County. May you rest in peace and may God be with your family and loved ones during this difficult time. May your efforts to help others be long remembered.

Anonymous

October 29, 2008

Rest in peace sir

Police Officer
G.P.D.

October 29, 2008

Frank,

You are a true Hero. You will never be forgotten and you will be truly missed. Rest in Peace.

Nancy Siegel
FCPD

October 29, 2008

Lieutenant Stecco-

It was a privilege to have known you, you were always very kind. May you rest in peace. You will be missed.

To the Stecco Family:

God bless all of you and help you through this difficult time. You're Angel is watching over you now.

Civilian Employee
FCPD

October 29, 2008

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