Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

well dad...
Wouldn't you know, I'm sitting around listening to sad songs, and I find myself here again. Your memory is as fresh in my mind today as it was when I was 14, thinking to myself "what in the hell am I going to do now?" The answer is, is that I still don't know. I'll find myself sitting in your tree stand, and out of nowhere I'll think back to climbing kill me hill in Ste. Gen. and you looking back with that grin you had. Man this is hard to get thru. I really wish that you could be here. So much has changed since you passed. Everytime I would fail or succeed at something it wasn't the same without you there. When I would win a race, I just wanted to you to be there so bad. I know your here in spirit, but it's not the same. You were my biggest fan. Now more then anything I wish you could see lil' Steven Chase Ziegler. He looks just like you did when you were a baby, and just how Cole did too. Your a grandpa now, you old man. God I miss you. Well...I'll have to finish this some other time when I can see through the clouds in my eyes. Wait for me on the far banks of Jordan. I love you more than anything.

Eric Ziegler

April 12, 2008

You knew I was there. I know that because you were squeezing my hand while JoJo and the guys worked to get you out. I know you could hear me.

When you let go of my hand I knew we would never be in a pursuit together again. We would never ride motorcycles together. I was letting go of the best back-up I ever had.

I still have old dash video of us chasing a stolen truck. And recordings of us chasing that old Plymouth all over the place.

Stormy and his family helped me when I saw how they were all there for each other. I don't know what I would have done without Denise and Dennis to lean on.

Now I've realized I never patrol alone. I never ride my bike alone. And you are always there for back-up even when I don't see you. You are always with me.

When we meet again I will greet you with a firm hand shake. That way we can pick up right where we left off.

Nettles

Nettles
FPD

January 28, 2008

"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

December 10, 2007

Chachi,
It is so hard to believe you have been gone so long. We were just talking about you the other day. Dad, Eric, and I. Eric is a dad now! Hard to believe. He still looks back on his first arrest and thinks of you, "Ol' Chachi". We miss you buddy!

Marian Bennett
Friend

March 16, 2007

It has been 5 years since your end of watch and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 28, 2006

Still think of you every time I see a patrol car go by Chachi, miss that grin and wave of yours. The stories of you will never end though and your good-hearted nature and spirit lives on through all your friends. Miss ya buddy.

R Smith
Friend

September 7, 2006

Steve,

I Often find days when you memory just pops into my mind. I was just reading some of the other post and it has reaffirmed just how much everyone loved and respected you. You were a great officer, father and friend! Just letting you know we all still miss you and think of you often. GOD bless you !!

Aaron Serini CCEMT-P
St. Francois County Ambulance District

May 1, 2006

Steve,
You are not one who fades with time. Your life stands as a reminder that one can extend the boundaries of time. You are as real in my heart today as the day we laid you to rest. Because your memory lives on in the many, many people who called you friend you will never be forgotten. I miss you more than simple words can tell, but you know that- and that's all that matters. Until I see you again along the banks of the Jordan, I will miss unceasingly.

You know who I am
And that's all that matters

April 25, 2006

Rest in peace our dear brother and my deepest sympathies to your family, friends and co-workers. Because of your dedication, bravery and great honor, you will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

Officer Krystal Horton
LAPD

November 17, 2005

Can't believe it's been four years since the accident! I'll never forget hearing Nettles scream on the radio...(Nettles, the one person you never heard get excited) and the day Nettles came by the PD and said "He's gone." It just didn't seem possible. Chachi was a great officer and an even greater person!

We still sit around and tell "Chachi Stories"...it seems he's always around in spirit!!!

At the funeral, I'll never forget seeing not only officers and family there...but even people Chachi had arrested...paying their respect to a man who changed their lives!

I think that's why most of us become law enforcement officers...in hope that we might make a difference in someone's life...Chachi surely did!!!! Miss YOU!
DB

Dep. Denise Brown
Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff's Dept.

October 31, 2005

Steve you changed my life for ever along with Randy. The night you guys arested me on 67. I was still a punk kid but you respected me and treated me with respect. The words you said and how you said them sent me to a whole new point in my life, once I got the problems cleared up I joined the police academy and sucesfuly completed it. Thanks friend you changed my life for good I have a great family now and good life. I owe it to for the help.
( THANK YOU ) .

BH

July 19, 2005

ChaChi, Just wanted to say we all still miss you and think of you everyday. I'll never forget you running around that trailer (sweating your ass off) tryin to catch someone that wasn't even there. I've never laughed so hard in my life. Love you buddy and keep us safe, Scherffius 406

Officer Brandon Scherffius
Desloge Police Department

July 18, 2005

God bless you and your family for your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten by your police family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

June 12, 2005

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Ziegler. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten. May you rest in peace. Then I heaard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? and Who will go for us? And I said "Here I am. Send Me!" ISAIH 6:8

Mike G.
Federal Law enforcement Agency

May 20, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

September 30, 2004

hey steven this is jessica bayless we miss u and u would be proud of eric he is racing and doing good and he is very nice well i just wanted to let u know we miss u

September 14, 2004

June, 1 2004

I ate a lot of lunches with Cha Chi and his other buddies from St. Francois County.

He sure could take a joke! He was a pleasure to know. He was a good man and a good deputy.

Detective Tim Porter
Farmington Police Department

June 1, 2004

May GOD bless your family and co-workers. Your memory will not be forgotten.

Festus MO. P.D.

February 2, 2004

Steve,

Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! You are an Angel in Heaven watching out for myself and other fellow officers that our out there.

I pass by the ovepass everyday, and think about you!

God Bless You and your family!

Angie Mackley
Ste Genevieve Sheriff's Department

Steve-O

Buddy, we miss you everyday. I hope you know how much you ment to all of us.

Its hard getting up in the morning and going to eat with Jebo and Herky, knowing your not going to be there to give Jebo some trouble with me.

Thanks for always being there for me, when I needed a hand.

For all of you who did not know Steve, you never had to guess if 989 was inroute. You just had to wonder if he was going to beat there. He had a heart of gold, and everyone loved him. Even most of the people he arrested.

Friends come and go but PALS or forever.

Your
PAL

PAL
M.A.D.T.F.

i just want to thank everyone for the nice things they have put on behalf of the rest of the family and myself. i love to see how u guys keep him in touch with your lives by posting what happend in your life today, or what you plan to do the next day knowing that if he were here, he would be right there. i have the best of thoughts, and feelings for the stfcsd. all of you guys on that department are loved much for your work, dedication, and love for the family, myself, and my dad. thanks to all.....and may your legacey live on, dad.


Much thanks and love,
Eric (lil chachi) Ziegler

I now know what type of job you have, my brother in law Deputy Sherwin Wood of Wayne county is making a big difference in our lives, he says that not every night is piece of cake, you faced very difficult times with dealing with the public and you made peace between people .
That is the way you was in school, and in your adult life as well,
My heart goes out for you wife and family, and I pray each night that the Lord comforts them , as I pray for safety of my brother in law and all the other law inforcement in Missouri and the rest of the USA.
Say a good thing to God for me so that I can come and join you up there .

Pamela Patterson
old high school class mate

Steve,

I am finally leaving you a message after a year. The reason that I've waited so long is because I cannot summarize the loss that I feel now that your gone. I cannot see a season change, a patrol car go by, or that damn overpass out on highway 67 without thinking of you. To the lighter side, an all-you- can- eat buffet reminds me of you as well. You seem to be everywhere and yet I can find you- no where. If I didn't let you know enough, I'm telling you now, YOU ARE SPECIAL!
Your memory will go on through all who loved you.

Anonymous

Cha Chi I know its been well over a year since you left us. There is so many good things to say about you it would take forever. I remember all the good times we had in the academy. Brother you are missed. Everyone is doing well. Keep your watch over us.

Fed Agent Toby Barton
US Forest Service

Steve i know i did not know you too well, but you were always kind and polite when our paths crossed. I am sorry i didn't make the funeral, i really did want to be there. I have been in the people business for alot of years and one thing i have learned is how to read people, You were a kind and gentle man who loved his family dearly. I have known rachell for since she was in school. I know you guys went through alot with the babies and i often thought of how hard it must have been for you. Myself and several of the other guys here think of you often and we miss seeing you around. You and your family are in my prayers and may god bless you all.
Aaron Serini EMT-P

Aaron Serini
St. Francois County Ambulance District.