Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 30, 2007

As today and everyday since we lost Steve to this tragedy, thinking back on how much we all miss him dearly, i really still miss him as if it were yesturday... he was a great friend to know and be around., i reach my hand out to his family and other friend's that miss him dearly....we love you and miss u Steven....Love u Always my brother.

Lorie and (new baby steven)

Lorie Cerda
Friend For 8 years

December 6, 2007

You have left heartprints to last a lifetime.....thank you for all you have done to make such a difference and incredible impact in our lives. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!

November 15, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 17, 2007

Steve, as I sat here writing the Hollenbeck article for the Blue Line and commenting on your annual Memorial Golf Tournament, put together by your Hollenbeck family to benefit your wonderful children, I began to reflect on our great relationship. I remember how as young cops, we were not only partners but also great friends and how you made me laugh. We ran the streets, not only on duty but off duty as well as we put down a few beers and told war stories about the day's events. It suddenly dawned on me how much I miss you and how much I miss our antics. I remember that awful evening when I was in Las Vegas to celebrate the New Year when suddenly my pager started going off with the terrible news. I hurried home only to find out that it was too late and you were gone. So much time has gone by but you are not forgotten. Your name will soon be on the freeway for everyone to see the sacrifice you made in your efforts to make the community safe. Rest well, partner, you will never be forgotten.

Senior Lead Officer Ruben Rodriguez
LAPD Hollenbeck Division

August 1, 2007

I salute you for your bravery and valor. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and stand beside them and guide them as they continue their walk along lifes path. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 27, 2007

Steve,
Bro, it's been 9 yrs since you went home and not a day goes by that I don't think of in some fashion. It's even to the point still use some of sayings. I know your watching over us but I can't seem to shake this guilt I have for your passing. We worked patrol together for a couple of years then your went to CRASH and I went to dope. When I left dope and went to CRASH you left CRASH and went back to patrol, funny how that worked. When I finnaly made senior of the unit, you nagged me for months to lobby for you to come back to CRASH. Bro for some strange reason something kept telling me not bring you back, but you brought fun back into the game and I over rode my gut feelings. We trained long and hard for News Years Eve, but the opportunity came up for me to take that day off, the first in my 8 years. I was on vacation when I got the call. I have never felt so low and empty that I still get emotional till this very day. I know its not my fault because GOD has his plan, but not a day goes by where I wish I had never got you back into the unit. But then again I would never have had the laughs, great times and memories we had during that time. I want to thank you for being a great friend and partner you will never be forgotten bro, never! When you get a chance from time to time check my 6. Later bro (4CRASH-L21)

Officer Fred Avalos
Garden Grove PD (Former LAPD)

May 4, 2007

Steve,

I was fortunate enough to come across this page and read the wonderful things that everyone has had to say to you. You have touched so many peoples lives, and still continue to do so. I know that I will always hold the memories that I have so close to my heart. You have made such an impact on my life, in ways that you or anyone else could never know. And even though situations have come about since your passing, that will never change the way I think about you and how you always treated me as your little sister.

Love,
Cindy

Cindy Solomon
step-sister

February 9, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P. Thank you for your service.

David
brother of LAPD gang ofcr

January 1, 2007

Nearly nine years later, but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

December 17, 2006

Steven, your 38th birthday has passed and I sit here still in disbelief that it has been nearly 9 years since you were taken from me. I went through our storage and found the wonderful loving letters and momentos you gave me through our years together....reminding me of the BLESSING (within) I have for having had you in my life. After numerous requests, I finally took Melia & Kaylani to your grave sight last month and I could see the love they have for you even though they don't know you. They know of you through what I have shared with them about you and have the knowledge of the love you had (and still have) for me. As I watched them proudly cleaning your headstone, I can hear Melia talking to you and calling you Uncle Daddy as she puts her head near your stone and giving you a kiss....her sweet and innocent way of extending her love to you. They ask questions all the time. At times when I feel so alone without your loving presence I start thinking about the promises you made me and feeling like you broke those promises but the Lord reminds me that you...to this day....have kept your promise. I know you are always looking over me and the girls. I LOVE YOU!

P.S. They think you are very handsome.

Mrs. Belinda Gajda
Wife

November 6, 2006

Steve:

Your CRASH Buddy "J.P." has left an earlier reflection on this website. Of course, looking down upon us, you already know that he had to engage an AK-47 - wielding shooter, and save his partner's life, this past weekend.

You also know, while looking down upon us, what no one else knows - Although I had trained hundreds of cops in the area of patrol tactics, as a primary instructor, you were my first student to be killed in the line-of-duty. When I made Sergeant, I chose to serve in Hollenbeck Division, in memory of you. Now, the rest of the community can know what you already know....

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 15, 2006

RIP Steve! Semper Fi, M. B. P.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 14, 2006

Dear Steve,
Today I put our children on the plane to California. They are on thier way to honor you at the Steve Gajda Golf Tournament. They miss you so much but they know you are watching over them. I'm so thankful they have the tournament each year to honor you. They are so proud of you. Brandon has turned into a wonderful young man and Brittany is a beautiful strong young lady, I'm sure you are beaming with pride as you watch over them. Brandon and Brittany will always know that thier father was not only a hero to them but many others. I know that each step of thier lives you will be there with them, and with them you live on. Sabrina Herran

Sabrina Herran
Brandon and Brittany's Mom

August 7, 2006

Steven, my HoneyBear, I sit here over 8 years after losing you and to this day, I HURT IMMENSELY. I never thought that the dreams and goals we had would be stripped from us. I tried to be the strong woman I needed to be for you and to represent the strength that our Lord gives us through all our trials in life knowing that one day when the Lord calls us unto him, I would see you again. I tried to do the best I can, but without you, I have fallen short. A time came when I felt so alone and betrayed fighting against those I thought would honor you through me. Without my love, my protector, my best friend....I shut down. I tried to cover the pain, but no matter what, the reality of losing you, my love, still pains me. I know that you are still here watching over me and my beautiful girls. Steven I regret each and everyday that I didn't honor your desire to bear "our"children right away, but I have to believe that it wasn't part of the Lords plan. But, even if I don't have the physical representation of you, I have the spiritual and loving memory of the unconditional love you gave me. You truly exemplify the meaning of "A MAN". For this, I thank you for the love, courage, support and encouragement you have gave me and still give me to continue through this journey without you.....my husband, my love, my partner, my bestfriend, my protector. I can't help but feel that you somehow knew you were not coming back to me because of the manner in which you left for work that day. You came back into our home several times to hug and kiss me before leaving and I can't forget the look you had. With the usual New Year's Eve and birthday call you gave, I thank you for your last parting words before you were taken from me that allows me to press on until I see you again....I LOVE YOU HONEYBEAR AND I'LL SEE YOU WHEN I COME. Because my "birth" day is the date of your passing, it has now become my reminder of my great loss and I don't feel I could ever see it as a special day as you used to make it for me.
P.S. Steven, even though you cannot be here with me, you have left me with a few "true" wonderful friends that have HONORED you by embracing me with their unconditional friendship, love and support.

Belinda Gajda
Your Loving Wife

May 22, 2006

daddy.. i used to think as time went by the grief and pain would get easier.Now i realize that that losing someone you love so much is something that you never get over. I know that i will live with this feeling untill i see you again. But reading the wonderfull things people say helps me get by knowing you died a hero to many. I love you and miss you and am so gratefull for the wonderful things you have done. I am so proud to say I am your daughter! So many people say that we are so much alike and i feel so lucky everytime i hear it! I am always amazed by the stories i have heard about you. You accomplished so much in your short life. I hope I will be able to make you proud! Its hard to know that at all the major parts in my life you will not be present, but then I look at the many lives you changed and it makes things a little easier. Everyone who lives the life of an officer or a family member of one is amazing! I am thankfull everyday, for everyone of you, putting your life on the line to protect others. Dad you have made the ultimate sacrifice and i know that there are many other officers out there who have also. I hope that God will continue to bless all of the families and the lives of officers. I love you and will miss you untill i see you again!
love, Brittany

Brittany Gajda
Daughter of Steve Gajda

February 18, 2006

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

I am not yet an officer like you. But I still appreciate the sacrifice you and all those like you gave. I look forward to standing, like you, on the thin blue line. God Bless your family, and all those who've paid such a price for our freedom. Noone has shown greater love.

Brian Bartelt
Security Officer

February 14, 2006

Sleep in Peace and you'll never be forgotten. Your death was not in vain, you died a warrior's death and that will not be forgotten. I'll say a prayer for you and your family and friends. May Jehovah God bless you and your friends.

LEG
Columbus OH PD

February 7, 2006

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, you have touched my life tremendously. The sense of loss is quite apparent as your memory surrounds me. Your family has filled me with memories of your heroism, dedication, love of family and your silly practical joke playing.
What a gift you gave in Brandon and Brittany. They are absolutely awesome!The list of all your wonderful characteristics is long my friend. I am sure to see some of them arise in your new baby niece.
You are so loved by so many and are truly missed each and everyday. Please continue to watch over your family and your friends.
Until I do have the honor, rest in peace.

Christine
Your Sister-in-Law

January 27, 2006

I just finished a very busy New Years Eve shift and the many "shots fired" calls for service. After coming home I checked this site and found your heroic story. Eight years ago today you paid the highest possible price and died a hero. I do pray Gods grace will continue for your family. Your story has inspired me.

North Carolina Police Sergeant

January 1, 2006

Ofcr. Gajda,

We never really met, I remember seeing you briefly before that fateful day. I was a brand new Watch Commander at Hollenbeck. Morning Watch. December 31, 1997 was my second or third working day as the "Boot" Lieutenant on Morning Watch. I had done roll call, gotten settled in to await the New Year and the onslaught of numerous and never ending shots fired calls that we could all hear already starting up.

Then, the radio burst out with the help call. Everything changed. It all became surreal. What we were left with was the aftermath of a senseless loss. I grabbed a P-2 to show me where the call was. The scene was pandemonium. We were trying to make sure you got medical attention, that all other officers were accounted for, that all suspects were in custody, and above us, we could hear the wave of shots being fired as the clock neared and then struck midnight.

I wish I had gotten to know you before that night. We all certainly got to know you afterward, as the stories were endless. The one thing that always came out, was that you were doing your job, carrying out your duty, the only way you knew how.

Your funeral was massive. I remember all of us standing in formation in what seemed like a torrential downpour. No one fell out. We were there to honor you, your sacrifice and your family.

I wanted to write this to let you know that we all remember that night. And we all remember you.....and always will.

Rest easy brother.

Captain Fabian Lizarraga
LAPD

November 30, 2005

Ofcr. Gajda -

I helped plan your funeral. The sun shone bright on the Calvary Chapel and the skies turned dark when they headed to the graveside. My God, it rained hard that day. Roads were swollen with water and the police cars kept coming. Officers were standing in formation, drenched, and still they kept coming. The rain continued to fall and they still kept coming. We had to render the honors to get the helicopters back to the helipad, and there were still cops trying to get in. Maybe 3000, maybe more. That same day, 100 miles away, there was a funeral for a one-time entertainment figure, turned U.S. Congressman. Your service was attended by more people, under worse conditions. Your death touched so many men and women in uniform. You deserved every effort, on the part of the officers who sent you on ahead, to scout out our EOW meeting spot.

We will join you, there, soon enough. For now, rest up, and we'll ask you to provide the tour on our arrival...if we're found worthy that is.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 28, 2005

Steve, although we were never partners I will always remember your tenacity and enthusiasm in how you did your job. A few days prior to your untimely passing I remember seeing you driving to work while I was on patrol. I will never forget your smile and the way you carried yourself. May you rest in peace and watch over all of us. We miss you and we will never forget.

Detective George Leiva
Los Angeles Police Department

November 18, 2005

Steve,
We worked together on the major assault crimes table for a few weeks while you were light duty, and you willingly accepted your assignment. We worked very well as a team and had a good time. However, I knew that your heart was with your gang unit, silently counting the days until you could rejoin them to do the things that you really enjoyed. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You were a good buddy and an outstanding officer. You are missed.

Lew Parker

Det. Lew Parker
LAPD

November 17, 2005

My beloved son, there is not a moment that goes by that I don't think of you. I could never be more proud, your love of life has left an incredible impact on so many. Your body is gone, but your spirit lives on forever. Steve you left behind so many precious gifts, the most precious being Brandon and Brittany. But a very close second is all the wonderful memories. Your brother Mark inherited your love of life and your love for children. Scott inherited your determination to succeed. Your little brother Brian inherited your loving heart. Brandon inherited your talents and incredible faith. Brittany inherited your intelligence, good looks and tenacity. I, my precious son, have inherited a heart filled with love, pride and admiration. As you said to your grandfather, "We'll be together again when the Father calls me home."

Christine Hester
Mother of Officer Steve Gajda

July 14, 2005