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Des Moines proclaims March 7 as day to remember Master Police Officer Stephen J. Underwood
Summary
The council approved a proclamation recognizing March 7, 2025, as a day to remember Master Police Officer Stephen J. Underwood and discussed the Stephen J. Underwood scholarship fund and park memorial.
The Des Moines City Council approved a proclamation recognizing March 7, 2025, as a day to remember Master Police Officer Stephen J. Underwood, who was killed in the line of duty in 2001.
The proclamation recounts that on March 7, 2001, Officer Underwood stopped to question four juvenile suspects on Pacific Highway South, identified a subject with an outstanding felony warrant and was fatally wounded during the contact. The document states Master Patrol Officer Underwood “was taken instantly from his family and our community” and notes his service and that the city continues to remember his sacrifice.
Councilmembers offered personal remarks during the discussion. Councilmember Mahoney recalled knowing Officer Underwood personally and urged residents to thank and support public‑safety personnel; Mahoney also mentioned the Stephen J. Underwood scholarship fund that supports students entering criminal‑justice fields. Deputy Mayor Steinmetz said, “I fully support this,” and Councilmember Harris encouraged residents to visit the monument at Stephen J. Underwood Park.
The council approved the proclamation by voice/hand vote; the clerk recorded the tally as 6 in favor, 0 opposed. The mayor also indicated a signed copy would be provided to the family.
