Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Uncle Steve,
Although i never got the chance to meet my step-uncle, i feel like i have known you forever. You passed away the year i was born. Mark, your brother, is my step-dad, he married my mom when i was 4 or 5. Mark always would show me and my sisters pictures and videos of you. Now that my mom has passed, i expect you to take great care of her! You will always have a special place in everyone's heart!
I love you Uncle Steve!

Kayla
My Uncle

January 13, 2012

Uncle Steve,
Even though i never got a chance to meet my step-dad, Mark's brother, i know you were an amazing man.You passed away the year i was born. Mark has shown me many pictures of you, and i can't believe how much Brittany looks like you! Now, that my mom has passed on, i expect you to take good care of her! She always told me that she wanted to meet you, and now she gets to. You will always have a place in everyone's heart.
I love you Uncle Steve!

Kayla
My Uncle

January 13, 2012

Another year without you. Always think about you on this day. Continue to watch over all of your brothers in blue.

M. Houlihan
friend/wife of LAPD Officer

January 1, 2012

Your are missed my friend it has been along time but the memories of our friendship and friends remain as if were yesterday fun hilarious memories great laughs...I have to cut this short because because I dont want to cry....I wished u a Happy bday I celebrate and share with others about you of who you were in my life and those who knew u knew you as well remember the kind of person you were.

God bless your family always my friend I will celebrate your life always. Til we meet again :) ciao!

Lorie Cerda aka sis"
sis

November 2, 2011

Good Morning my precious angel....You're the first person I think of every morning and the last person I say good night to every evening. Yesterday morning was very tough for me. I actually thought I was going to have to turn around and go back home. While on my way to work I came within a few blocks of where I was going when I came to an intersection. While stopped for a red light I saw a LAPD patrol car pull into the intersection to stop traffic. Following close behind were several motor officers with lights and sirens. In the middle of the pack there was a Rescue ambulance. Without knowing what happened I instantly knew there was a police officer in that ambulance. I became overwroght with emotion. I started to cry and realized I didn't even know for sure what was going on. But my heart told me it was a cop in trouble. It made me go back in time to the day you were shot. The news coverage of the ambulance carrying your helpless body escorted by police. Well my son, I pray that the officer from yesterdays accident is doing well and I pray his family is handling everything okay. But more then anything I pray that they are all together helping each other through with love and compassion. I love you my son and can't wait to see you again.

Eternally, Mom

Christine Hester
Mother

October 7, 2011

I remember the day that I was forced to say hello to you! As a new member of the Montague family my mom said you should meet the neighbors.... I was reluctant to say hello, but I did and I am sure glad that I said hello! You were an amazing friend, who was always there for me! Even though you thought that you were better, because you went to a different school, you were just down to earth and loved life to it's fullest! I remember when you told me that you were enlisting and I thought wow I'm so proud, but became prouder when you came to tell me that you were now going to be a LAPD officer. I could tell you wanted this more than anything else in the world. You said it was the best thing for your family! Your children were your pride and joy and I didn't realize that you could ever love someone as much until I had my own. My son shares your birthday, and when I told him your story, he said he was honored to share his birthday with such a great man.... Rest in peace my friend....sure do wish I could hear you laugh and see your smile! Miss you to the moon and back!

Joyce :)

Joyce Moreno Peralta
Childhood Friend

September 16, 2011

Rest in Peace, Officer Gajda. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 22, 2011

Brittany spent the weekend here in Maryland and attended the National Police Week ceremonies. Your would have been so proud of her, she etched your name at the wall for the first time since 1998. Our daughters met at college and were roommates for the first semester. What are the odds of two young ladies sharing a room at college and both having a dad that died in the line of duty. Your daughter is absolutely beautiful inside and out. She is embarrassed her grief and loss of you.

Please continue to watch over her, know that her love for you is true. It is so important that she has every opportunity to honor your supreme sacrifice. It is Brittany's sacrifice too.

May all who remember you remember the child you left behind.

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
(Mark M. Filer, EOW 08/24/93)

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Widow and friend of your daughter

May 18, 2011

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:30

in Christ

May 12, 2011

Steve,

It is an honour and a priveledge to be able to reflect upon your heroism and bravery. You did what you were sworn to do, "Protect and serve." Without hesitation you responded and chased that gang member down. Unfortunately, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. I salute you with great respect. The true heroes aren't the celebrities, rappers, or the highly overpaid sports figures. It is men and woman like you that enjoy serving the public and put your life at risk everyday.

My thoughts and prayers will be with your family and friends.

Thank you for your service.

Louis B. Lave, Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

April 17, 2011

Son, I don't have to tell you what's going on, you told me! Once again your brother is on a rescue mission. The plane carring the CATF2 team will be landing in Japan within the hour. Natually as the mom I'm very concerned about his safety and the safety of the others. But just like you, this is what he trained for and this is what he loves doing. I would feel a whole lot better if I knew for certain that you have his back. If I never do anything else right in my life I can honestly say I raised three incredible sons. I am so proud of you all....Steve, please help bring your brother home safe.

All my love for all eternity,

Anonymous

March 13, 2011

A painfull thirteen years have passed since you were laid to rest. The grounds where your casket sat became instantly drenched when the heavens opened. Some say it was the tears of all the Angels who cried for those of us left behind. It was a beautiful tribute for one so deserving. You will never be forgotten for you left behind so much love and laughter.....Rest in Peace. Someday we'll be together again.

Anonymous

January 9, 2011

Remembering your dedication and service on this day. Thank you and God Bless the watch over the Gajda family.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

January 2, 2011

Son, I know you were peaking through the clouds last night as your freeway sign was well lit by patrol cars and the air support division. I felt you smile proudly as they hung the beautiful wreath of flowers right under your name. There must have been 20 to 25 police cars with lights and sirens all the way from the station to the freeway. What a true honor. The officers shared their feels of loss and remembrance while your brothers and I shared in this poignant tribute. Your brother Mark spoke on our behalf and I was so proud of him and I know you were too. You are so missed my darling, but it's true that you will NEVER be forgotten! Eternally Yours

Mom

January 1, 2011

You are not forgotten. Rest in peace bro....

Detective
LAPD

January 1, 2011

Steve, it's been 13 years...so many people still remember you foundly...RIP.

CIVILIAN
LAPD

January 1, 2011

My Little Pumpkin,
Tomorrow would have been your 42nd birthday. Each moment of each day I mourn the loss of my first born child. But when I think back to 42 years ago I can't help but to smile. When I saw your sweet little face for the first time I knew that God had blessed me with one of the most precious gifts. Even in your passing my love continues to grow year after year. And even though you were taken from me far too soon I still thank God for the blessing of being your Mother. Please watch over our family son. Each of us looked to you for guidance and now more then ever we so despartely need to feel your presence. Sleep with the angels my Little Pumpkin!
Eternally Yours,
Mom

Christine Hester
Mother

October 29, 2010

I read this brave Officers story and wanted to pay my respects in some small way. Jeff Jaynes, Arizona Highway Patrol-Williams, AZ.

Officer Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

August 13, 2010

Son, We all miss you so much. But today your little girl needs her daddy. I remember listening to a CD by Roma Downey, "healing angel", she speaks about the fear of one day seeing her little girl cry when her heart becomes broken. Your precious little girl not only faced that recently but also the fear of the unknown. Please let her feel your presence as you gently wipe her tears. Then please do for her what you have done so many times in the past years for me, wrap your wings around her and take away the fears. Let her know you will be with her always. We miss you so much.

Love Mom

Anonymous

July 29, 2010

You and all of your family and friends are in my thoughts on this holiday which you helped protect and preserve. Hero’s like you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

July 4, 2010

The other day I attended a funeral for a baby girl who died prematurely at Forest Lawn Via Verde. It had been several years since i had visited your gravesite. I attempted to find your burial site without help. I couldnt find it. I know it had been a while. As i kept looking i remembered a resurrection verse from the bible. The Angels said "Why do you look for him?" For he is not here.." It has been 12 years and I still remember your funny character and dance moves!

You were a wonderful friend and I enjoyed listening to the many stories of your kids. How they brought you so much joy. You loved your boy Brandon, your baby girl at the time, Brittany. You loved your home in Corona and working on the yard. Such a family man. I will never forget grieving for you and your family. Your mother, losing such a precious child; and the beautiful remembrances by your brother. Gone so soon. What an outstanding officer you are. I know now that after 12 years your presence, love, and grace are never forgotten.

Luz Carranza-Delgado
friend

June 12, 2010

Son,
Your daughter's words are so powerful and they express my feelings as well. You were the one who was the glue that held us all together. I miss those days too. And yes, you always knew Brandon would someday be a star. The way you loved was so very special and family was so important to you. Even though there are miles between us all the love we have for each other is and always will be deep in our hearts even if we don't always feel it's there. I love and miss you every moment of every day. I pray that someday your children and your brothers and I will find a way to deal with your untimely death a litter easier.

Christine Hester
Mother

April 6, 2010

Daddy,
I don't know when these random shocks of pain will go away, or if they ever will. Sometimes it hurts just knowing how long it will be until I see you again, other times its when I need you to bring our family together, but it hurts the most when I am having a hard day and your arms aren't there to hold me, and your words aren't there to guide me. Please watch over everyone in our family as many health problems are being found. Daddy, why do we always have to be so sick? I'm sure your up there protecting us and making sure we all pull through. I really miss you, I miss our family, and the amazing times we always had together. I miss running around GG's and playing hide and go seek with all of my uncles and Brandon. Please watch over him too, I think he is going to be a star one day!! :) But you knew that so many years ago as you gelled his hair and watched him dance... You were and still are an amazing father, I really feel like you send me little signs that you haven't left when I need to see it most. Thank you for showing me love when I didn't find it possible, thank you for giving me courage to always be strong, and thank you for always reminding me who I am.
I will always love you Daddy...

Brittany Gajda
Daughter of Steve Gajda

March 24, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

March 5, 2010

Somewhere among the many pages of heroes I came across your name and wanted to stop at your page and leave a reflection. I know the daily stuggle your Mom faces every day, even after 12 years for there is nothing worse than to lose a child. I know that she would trade places with you in a heart beat so that you could be here with all of your loved ones, I would do the same for my son. Each morning when she wakes, the first thought on her mind is of you and at night, just before she drifts off to sleep, the last thought of the day is of you. You will never be forgotten because so many carry your loving memory in their hearts. Watch over all of them and protect them.

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

January 22, 2010