University Police Officer Heather Stevenson died in her home Jan 15. She was 29.

Stevenson began working for UP in 1997 as a communications officer on the Chicago campus and was quickly promoted to police officer, UP Chief Bruce Lewis wrote in a press release. She later was transferred to the Evanston campus.

“Stevenson was an excellent police officer and someone who was well-liked by everyone at University Police,” Lewis wrote.

Three hundred people, including officers from UP, Evanston Police Department and other local police departments attended a memorial service for Stevenson on Tuesday at Alice Millar Chapel, said University Chaplain Timothy Stevens.

“I think people came out of respect for the fact she was a police officer,” said Stevens. “It was an appreciation for the service she gave.”

Northwestern’s Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps color guard performed at the service. Lewis talked about a 2003 commendation Stevenson received from both UP and EPD for helping catch three juvenile suspects in an armed robbery, while UP’s Lt. Glenn Turner focussed on a more human aspect: her sense of humor.

“It was very positive, and I think the overall intent of the service was to provide comfort and consolation,” said Stevens.

Education senior Lucy Bangor, who knew Stevenson for four years and was used to seeing her a few times a week, attended the service . She said Stevenson’s death shocked her.

Bangor works at White Hen Pantry, 817 Emerson St., a late-night spot Stevenson and other officers frequent. Bangor said she looked forward to seeing Stevenson at the store.

“As soon as she walked in you can’t help but smile,” she said. “She was always really sweet and said hi. Others rush in and out, but Heather stayed to chat.”

Bangor said Stevenson never talked about her job but often joked about quitting smoking.

“It was hard to believe,” she said of Stevenson’s death. “With cops you know something bad could happen. But to hear about her death makes you think about the people that you don’t know that well that you take for granted.”

Bangor said Stevenson has been on her mind lately, especially during shifts at the store.

Lewis said UP feels the same.

“The department as a whole shares in this loss,” he said.