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Incident
Officer Stephens was shot and killed during a robbery of a local restaurant while moonlighting as a security guard. Officer Stephens was accompanying the manager as he counted the day's receipts in preparation for making a night deposit.
Several suspects entered the restaurant in an attempt to rob it. The suspects shot and killed Officer Stephens and the manager after stealing the money. It is believed both men were shot because Officer Stephens recognized one of the suspects.
The suspects were never identified.
Officer Stephens had served with the agency for just over 7 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Stephens gave the Council Bluffs Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Council Bluffs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Stephens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Council Bluffs Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1967, 2 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1967, 105 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1967, 107 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 32. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. John had served 7.3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 32. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 7.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 7.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.9% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Tuesdays: 7.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Council Bluffs Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Council Bluffs Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Council Bluffs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
