Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Precious Angel,
As young boys you and your brothers brought me more joy and happiness then I can ever express. As teenagers you all managed to give me some sort of grief. But all three of you were normal teenage boys. As men you all once again brought me much joy and happiness and all three of you made me a grandma. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to have been so blessed. In my mind and in my heart you Steve and your brothers have always been my hero's. As you know your brother Mark is on a rescue mission in Haiti. Please son wrap your wings around your brother and guide him to where he is needed the most. Also, as long as I'm asking for favors, please wrap your wings around me when I go in for my surgery. I know with you at my side everything will be just fine...I love and miss you so much son. Your spirit lives in us all now and forever....Love Mom

Christine Hester
Mother

January 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. To your Mom, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. You are in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2010

Steve, it's that time of the year. I was there every year since your untimely death during this time to celebrate your life. I am now retired but I want you to know that I will still be thinking of you when your family and friends come together for the annual memorial to commemorate your life. I have never stopped thinking of you and of what you meant to all of us. Please keep resting in peace for eternity knowing that you will never be forgotten.

Ruben Rodriguez
LAPD Retired

December 31, 2009

Son, I can't believe tomorrow it will be twelve years since the shooting that took you from us. It must do you proud to know how many people still remember you today. Personally I love all the "Steve" stories everyone shares with me. Tomorrow evening your brother officers will gather for a candlelight vigil to honor your memory. Last years event was touching. There were people there from the community and the prayers and blessings given in your name was truly inspirational. Steve, there isn't a day that has gone by that I haven't thought of you. When I'm alone I still cry tears. There is an empty place in my heart. The memories and the love keeps me and your brothers going. Brittany is coming to visit next week. I miss her and Brandon very much. I really wish they lived closer. Well honey, there is nothing more I can say that you don't already know. God Bless you.
Eternal Love,
Mom

Christine Hester
Mother

December 30, 2009

To Steve's Family and Friends:
I will alway cherish the memories of working with Steve in Hollenbeck Detectives. He had great character and was never bitter: He maintained, and acted upon, a positive attitude in negative environments, always doing his best in whatever he had to do. He knew he had choices to make in whatever situation he found himself in and always took the high ground. Those that knew him know this to be true.

Hero? Hell, yes. Besides, he was a damned good guy; I often think about him.

Lew Parker, Det., retired
LAPD

December 10, 2009

It's been a long time brother, I still find it hard to believe you're gone. I remember all the good times we had, John Harrison, and Ralph Hernandez. A lot of people miss you, and have not forgotten about you. You may be gone, but definately not forgotten. RIP brother, and God Bless all who have you in their thoughts and prayers....Joe Tavares, former Police Officer 2, 11/88

Joe Tavares
RSO

July 24, 2009

Steve,

I was in my last week of the academy when you passed. At the time, my best friend from college was in the LAPD academy. I remember calling him and talking to him about the incident. Your death made my choice to be a police officer more meaningful than ever. My friend went on to work Harbor C.R.A.S.H., and I wanted to thank you for watching over him.

The other day I saw an old episode of "LAPD Life on the Beat" when you were in Hollenbeck, and immediately told my wife your story...the story of a true hero. I tried to do the macho thing and not shed a tear as I was telling her what happened, but it didn't work out that way. She now knows that I'm not as tough as I'd like her to think...lol. Please know that you, your family, and your fellow officers will always be in our prayers, and that our brother officers will always be an extended family to yours if they should ever need anything. You are a role model and hero to us all!!! Rest in Peace Brother.

Detective Chris Seger
St. Louis Metro P.D.

Detective Chris Seger
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

December 17, 2008

Steve,
Today would of been your 40th birthday...wow I can not believe you have been gone from us for over 10 years. I think of you all the time and your family is always in my heart and prayers. I saw Brandon & Brittany in January at the highway dedication and they have grown into such beautiful young adults I am sure you are so proud. Steve you were always such a special person to me and my family. You made us laugh and we loved being around you. I was just remembering the last Thanksgiving we celebrated together at Grandma house in Moorpark, uncle Gary was there and I am not sure what you gave him but after a little while you handcuffed him to the chair and he had to go to the bathroom and we were all laughing so hard I almost pee'd my pants. You definetly knew how to play games with all the people you loved. We miss you, but I know that you are watching over all of us.

Cibeli
childhood friend

October 30, 2008

I get on here daily to read about our hero's in law enforcement. As a police officer myself and an army reservist on my way to Afghanistan we hear somewhat often how we are hero's. I can not consider myself a hero because I love what I do way to much and it would take away the significance of what a hero really is. Now Steven on the other hand is a hero and I will honor him and pray for everyone who lost him that tragic night.

Anonymous

October 16, 2008

I was such a busy night in Hollenbeck, working gunfire suppression. My partner Filo and I responded to the help call in the MC Force neighborhood. We then stood by the rest of the night until morning near the driveway. Of all the things I’ve experienced, standing by affected me the most and I’ll often speak with other officers since then about that night. Mostly though, I remember Steve was a true hero, risking his life to pursue that 187 suspect through that 415 gang party.

Sgt. Mike Grant
Former LAPD OCB CRASH

September 24, 2008

Today near the San Diego airport i saw a license plate with Officer Gajda name on it and wanted your family to know he is not forgotten.

Linda
Mother in law to CHP John Miller

June 5, 2008

Daddy, Im about to reach the first major moment in my life without you here. Its hard to imagine you have been gone from my life for 10 years now. I miss hugging you or grabbing on to your leg, twirling around on your finger, you tucking me in at night with pinky, or getting to ride around with Brandon in your police car. You made one promise to me a while ago while you were still here on earth, you promised you would never leave. 10 years later I realize you haven't. Dad you have blessed me so much, I have the most amazing people in my life. Daddy Brad has been here when you couldn't and I have been so blessed to have a father still present in my life. Mom is my best friend and has been there for me in any moment of weakness. Nanny is the most amazing understanding Grandmother, she knows me so well she could read me like a book. My life after you died changed emmensly but I am surrounded by a great family. Last night I had a dream, one of those dreams you can't explain. I haven't dremt of you since a little after you died. But i think that is of course because I asked for you to leave me alone in my sleep because at 7 years old I was so scared. Now it brings so much closure to see you in my dreams. All of your brothers and your mom are coming to see me graduate, I do wish I could stare into that crowd and see you, but since I can't its so great that my uncles can. I hope I make you proud daddy, I know you will be with me June 14th as I walk across the stage. Watch over us all daddy, and visit me in my dreams.
Love you,
Brittany Jenee Gajda

Brittany Gajda
Daughter of Steven Gerald Gajda

May 21, 2008

My daughter Colleen Filer-Orsborne will have the pleasure of meeting and hoping to room with your beautiful daughter. We heard through the police grape vine that they are both attending Virginia Weslyan College in August 2008. Small world, gets smaller every day. I hope our families will get the chance to meet, share the stories of our hero's. Brittany and Colleen sould like to peas in a pod. Search for Mark Filer, 1993 Maryland and you can see what I wrote for Mark about Colleen turning 18 on April 19th. Both the girls have the same month birthday too.

Wife of the late PO Mark Filer and PO Chris Orsborne

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Montogmery County Police Dept, Maryland

April 21, 2008

Pumpkin, There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Yesterday however, you were on my mind continuously. Your baby girl celebrated her eighteenth birthday. I remember the day she was born. You paced the floor like a typical expectant father, wondering if you were going to be blessed with another son or a daughter. Of course those of us in the waiting room were rooting for a girl! The delivery was a difficult one, but both of your girls pulled through like the troopers they were and continue to be. Your little girl has had a very difficult ten years. She often wondered why you lied to her when you promised nothing would ever happen to you as long as you wore your vest. It was only recently that she came to the realization that your lie was not a lie to you at the time, it was what you believed to be true. Brittany loves and misses you so much. She thrives on the stories people share about her dad. I know you are very proud of her. She has developed into a strong, tenacious, beautiful young woman. In June she graduates from High School and has been accepted in a very prestigious college in Virginia Beach. Her main goal is to make her daddy proud of her. I told her many times that the whole reason for the sun to shine is to makes us aware of just how proud he is of his little girl. But I know son that another part of that bright sunshine is the pride you have for Brandon. He too has been accepted into a college in Orlando Florida. Brandon is extremely talented and wants to major in video engineering. You have done well my son. Not only have you been a wonderful son, brother, husband and friend, but you have been a perfect example of a father. You died for your beliefs and that taught your children what a great man you were and always will be in their minds. Steve, my little pumpkin, you are our hero and you will always be loved!

Christine Hester
Mother

April 5, 2008

"Final Call"

An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.

Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

PII
LAPD

February 20, 2008

Steve has been 10 years the night you left us, I remember the whole OCB CRASH team responded and stayed at the scene for 12 hours. You will never be forgotten because today they had dedicated a freeway sign to you and I go by it every time I go to work. I know now you will never be forgotten in our hearts.
OCB CRASH 24CR12
R Duran

Sgt Rich Duran
LAPD OCB CRASH

January 30, 2008

Steve,

I can't belive its been 10 years since you left us. I saw your Memeorial Sign yesterday as I was driving home. It made me remember some of the times I spent with you and the rest of the CRASH unit. We had great times. I learned a lot from you and the rest of the unit. What a wonderful tribute to a GREAT cop. RIP.

M. Rubio
LAPD

January 17, 2008

It's been 10 long years since your passing and I wanted to take a minute to tell you what a wonderful mother you have. I have the great joy of working with her and you and your family are always a topic of discussion. I wish I could have met you. If you are half of the father, son, man, and officer that she knows you to be, it would have been an honor knowing you. Rest assured that she is helping your family to keep your memory alive. God Bless You and rest easy. Your family has your strength to guide them.

Rick Gross
Friend

January 15, 2008

Dear Steve,
It's been 10 years since that awful day and it's still hard to believe. Everytime I look at Brandon and Brittany I think of how sad it is that you are not here with us to watch them grow up. Although I know you are watching over them I can't help but think how proud you would be of both of them. Brandon has love for EVERYONE just like you, and Brittany looks just like you especially when she's wearing a cap. I also remember the good times we had together like when dancing at Disney land. Oh and by the way I know you were there to meet Paul, You two try not to have too much fun. I will always remember you and love you,
Irene (nanny) Keep watching over the kids

Irene Delp
Brandon and Brittany's Grandmother

January 13, 2008

Memories of your 7-Eleven clerk, Scooby Doo, as well as many other impressions, brings joy to the days when I'm feeling down. But then I start to feel a little silly sitting alone laughing....but that silliness reminds me of how you always had a way of making a bad day go away. Your like an M&M...hard shell on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. :)

January 5, 2008

Officer Gajda,
This morning I started my BOW by reading the Chiefs message page and their was notice of a Highway Sign Dedication in your honor. I thought that was just awesome to honor you in this way. From the reflections that I have read about you, I could tell that you were a great person and an outstanding officer. I hope that when your family and friends read these reflections their spirits are lifted. Thank you so much Officer Gajda for patrolling the streets of L.A. and thank you to all of your LAPD brothers for holding it down for us now. I pray that your family and friends are given peace in knowing that you walk a heavenly beat now...God Bless and Thank you again...

CIVILIAN
LAPD

January 5, 2008

Today on the 10th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for your family and your loved ones who continue to mourn you.
Rest in peace Sir you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

January 1, 2008

Steve:

Here at Southeast Station, many cops have been talking about that night all day. You are most certainly not forgotten.

On this, the Tenth Anniversary(sic) of that fateful night, I will finally share the following:

For years, I would call Detective Headquarters Division (DHD), and speak to a certain graveyard shift cop. I would always tell him when I had a premonition regarding another LAPD cop dying, within the next 48 hours. I becoming violently ill usually accompany the premonitions, and often I end up calling – in “Sick.” I usually did not remember making the calls until the DHD employee would later remind me.

I did not realize that I had called DHD less than 48 hours prior to Steve’s death, until I received my telephone bill a month later, which indicated the long distance call. That DHD employee has since retired, and these days I usually keep my premonitions to myself…..

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 31, 2007

01/01/1998-it became official that You had died. I was suppose to be the big macho Marine / LAPD Cop. I can remember as vividly today, as that night, when I was puking my guts outside in a freezing downpour, like a baby that had drunk spoiled milk...

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 31, 2007

You will always be remembered and may you always rest in peace and watch over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 31, 2007