NH Mourns Fallen Hero, Officer Arkell

Thousands assembled at a memorial Wednesday to fill the hollow emptiness created by Officer Steve Arkell's death by remembering what a great father, husband, friend, coach and public servant he was.

Gov. Maggie Hassan praised the 48-year-old Arkell's life, his work and service.

"Steve's legacy will rightly be of a courageous hero who answered the call of duty," she said of Arkell, who died in the line of duty May 12 responding to a domestic dispute in Brentwood.

"Please know that your entire state holds you in our thoughts and our prayers and we are here to support you in any way we can," Hassan said to Mrs. Heather Arkell and their two daughters. "We thank you for sharing Steve's life with us all and allowing us to share this time of mourning as well."

Col. Robert L. Quinn, of the New Hampshire State Police, said he was honored to stand with fellow officers to pay tribute to Officer Arkell's service and bravery, and to support his family. 

"He sacrificed his tomorrow so we could have ours," Quinn said.

Brentwood Police Chief Wayne Robinson said Arkell died doing what he loved – helping the people of Brentwood. He promised Arkell's widow and their two daughters that the community would look out for them.

Lt. David Roy, of the Brentwood Police Department, recalled growing up with Arkell, and how they stayed good friends as they grew older. He recalled a dedicated part-time officer, who also served as the town's animal control officer, and epitomized what a peace maker is.

"Make no mistake. Steve cared. Steve loved this town, this community," Roy said. "He loved serving all of you, whether it was a lost dog, a car accident, a simple motor vehicle violation, or any number of reasons, Steve wanted to help."

William Ball, athletic director at Exeter High School, spoke of Arkell, who volunteered as a lacrosse coach, as the quintessential family man who was so proud of his daughters.

"What Steve Arkell possessed, you can't buy in the store. They don't sell integrity. They don't sell character," Ball said. "And you just can't purchase sense of duty."

"His influence and example will carry on here at Exeter High School for decades, and far beyond," Ball said.

The memorial on Eustis Field at Exeter High School concluded with Rockingham County dispatch making a formal, last call to Officer Arkell.

"This is the last call for Brentwood 87," the dispatcher said. "Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten."
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Public calling hours for Officer Arkell are Thursday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stockbridge Funeral Home at 141 Epping Road in Exeter.

The official online fundraising website for Mrs. Arkell and family is:

www.SteveArkell.com