Rebecca
10-23-2000, 10:29 PM
Sometimes, the Officer suffers for 23 years before final rest comes...
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*Officer John W. Stem
Baltimore County Police Department, MD
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: October 19, 2000
Date of Incident: July 6, 1977
Time of Incident: Unknown
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 20 yr
Suspect Info: Killed during standoff
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Officer Stem died from complications of a gunshot wound received in 1977 after being shot at a domestic dispute call. Officer Stem and Patrolman Charles Huckeba had responded to the scene and were approaching the house when the suspect opened fire on them. Patrolman Huckeba was shot in the face and later died of the injuries. During the incident Officer Stem attempted to summons help but was shot in the back and paralyzed. He remained paralyzed and continued to go in and out of the hospital until he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, who was high on PCP at the time, was shot and killed by the department's tactical unit later in the day.
Officer Stem was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on the day he was shot. He retired from the police department in 1990. He is survived by his wife and son.
*as reported by the ODMP
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Our wounded officers often live with complications due to their injuries for the rest of their lives. Sometimes it minor... sometimes, they remain in great pain for the rest of their days. I think Officer John Stem sacrificed greatly for his dedication and service. Somehow, I don't believe a simple thank you is enough, but it's all I can say.
Thank you, John... and may you now rest in peace... http://www.officer.com/ubb/frown.gif
************************************************** *****
*Officer John W. Stem
Baltimore County Police Department, MD
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: October 19, 2000
Date of Incident: July 6, 1977
Time of Incident: Unknown
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 20 yr
Suspect Info: Killed during standoff
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Officer Stem died from complications of a gunshot wound received in 1977 after being shot at a domestic dispute call. Officer Stem and Patrolman Charles Huckeba had responded to the scene and were approaching the house when the suspect opened fire on them. Patrolman Huckeba was shot in the face and later died of the injuries. During the incident Officer Stem attempted to summons help but was shot in the back and paralyzed. He remained paralyzed and continued to go in and out of the hospital until he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, who was high on PCP at the time, was shot and killed by the department's tactical unit later in the day.
Officer Stem was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on the day he was shot. He retired from the police department in 1990. He is survived by his wife and son.
*as reported by the ODMP
************************************************** *****
Our wounded officers often live with complications due to their injuries for the rest of their lives. Sometimes it minor... sometimes, they remain in great pain for the rest of their days. I think Officer John Stem sacrificed greatly for his dedication and service. Somehow, I don't believe a simple thank you is enough, but it's all I can say.
Thank you, John... and may you now rest in peace... http://www.officer.com/ubb/frown.gif