Stephanos "Stepho" Tterlikkis

Stephanos “Stepho” Tterlikkis, 56, of Tallahassee passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 5th. Born March 30, 1968, in San Bernardino, CA, to Lambros and Hannie Tterlikkis, Stepho spent most of his childhood in Tallahassee. He attended Ruediger Elementary and Augusta Raa Middle School and was a 1986 graduate of Leon High School. Stepho knew early on that he wanted a career in law enforcement and to serve in the military. Joining the Tallahassee Police Department in September 1990, he served with distinction for over three decades before retiring as a seasoned law enforcement officer. He was a member of the Special Response Team (SRT), advisor for the Cadet program, and had served as a Field Training Officer. During his career he earned numerous accolades, including the Patriot Service Medal in 2001, 2004, 2016, and 2018, the Outstanding Employee Award in 1995, the Meritorious Service Award in 2007, and a Letter of Commendation in 2008. His commitment to community safety and mentorship continued in his role as a reserve officer. He played a critical part in crisis response as an assistant squad leader for the Special Response Team (SRT) and shaped future generations of law enforcement professionals as an advisor for the Cadet Program. Stepho enlisted into the Florida Army National Guard in April 1997. He completed Individual Infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia in April 1998 and was appointed to the C Company of the 3rd Battalion, 124th Regiment, 53rd Infantry Brigade, Chipley, Florida. He re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in October 2004 and was assigned to the 919th Security Forces Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Auxiliary Field 3, Florida where he rose to the rank of Senior Master Seargent. Before his last position, he was the Operations Noncommissioned Officer in charge, Noncommissioned Officer in charge of training, DAGRE (Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element) Program Manager, DAGRE Team Leader, DAGRE Member, Security Forces Member for the 919th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Auxiliary Field 3, Florida. During his distinguished career, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Order of the Spur, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, to name a few. He is survived by his wife Kristie Tterlikkis, son Sean Tterlikkis (Anna Chess); daughter Maggie Tterlikkis (Austin Schwappach); stepdaughter Randi Revell; parents Hannie Tterlikkis, Lambros (Donna) Tterlikkis; sister Helene Michaels; mother-in-law Sandra Harsany; brothers-in-law Richard (Nida) Harsany, Brian (Jodi) Harsany; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, L.E.O. brethren, and brothers in arms. A visitation will be held at Bevis Funeral Home, 2020 John Knox Road, Tallahassee on Thursday, December 12th at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Pkwy., Tallahassee. In honor of Stepho, memorial contributions can be made to Tunnel to Towers, Disabled American Veterans, or Fisher House Foundation. Kelly Barber is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Stephanos "Stepho" Tterlikkis

March 30, 1968 - December 5, 2024