Been a long time coming

[misfire]

I was fortunate to have a true "hero" as a friend and a team mate for a few years. All he ever wanted was to be a SWAT team member, and once he made it, he was a great asset to us, both professionally and personally. He was a big guy, strong and fast and very "A" type personality. An aggressive yet passionate officer, just as proud to arrest the baddest of the bad as he was for helping someone out in need. On September 29, 2006 he died in the line of duty. A POS who was wanted out of New Orleans for two counts of murder attempted to ambush another officer. The POS was firing two handguns at the retreating officer when "Step" ran around the corner, saw what was happening, and then moved himself into the line of fire so the officer could safely take cover. Step was able to engage the POS, firing 13 times, 8 of which hit center mass of the suspect. During the firefight, Step was mortally wounded by a round from the suspect that entered under his vest, travelled up through his neck and severed both carotid arteries. The 5 remaining rounds in which Step missed were fired as he fell to the ground and bled to death. He sacrificed his life for a fellow officer without hesitation, to me, that is a true HERO.
Today we dedicated our outdoor range to the memory of my friend, Dennis Stepnowski

[wisconsinteacher]

That is a nice way to honor a true HERO. 

[Hognutz]

That is an outstanding way to honor your buddy. May he rest in peace.   

[RutnNStrutn]

A nice tribute to a real hero.

[barry]

A hero indeed. Sorry for your loss.

[redarrow]

Hero,indeed. Rest in peace .

[mossy835]

Nice!!!!!! 

[Mossygoose]

Wow. Sorry for the loss. What a great way to honor him

[Roostem33]

Thats awesome Lee, he was a true hero!!!

Jody

[timbrhuntr]

Can't bring him back but a least now he will always be remembered.

[TN-Hunter]

A tribute to a real hero, I am sure his memory will live forever with you and his team mate. Thanks for the story

[vaturkey]

  That's a great tribute to a great hero ! Rest in peace Step ! 

[surehuntsalot]

  may he rest in peace

[Eric Gregg]

Man, now that will tug at your heart strings.
Great way to honor a hero.

[Cove]

Thank you Step.

A wonderful way to be remembered.