California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Reflections for Officer Thomas Joel Steiner
For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice,
THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW,
I honor you Officer THOMAS STEINER
May your family and friends know that you are a hero and that hero's never die. They live in every cop who walks a beat.
We also lost one this month, His life also was cut short, Take care, I know you guys will be watching over us.
Sgt./Insp. Richard Alves
San Francisco Police Dept.
April 30, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Steiner's wife, child, family, friends and co-workers. This outrages me!! What a coward this man was to do this to Officer Steiner. We are all here for you to lift you up. Psalm 55:22
Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002
April 29, 2004
What a terrible and senseless tragedy. I am so very sorry to have read the circumstances of Officer Thomas Steiner's murder. I began cyring as I read the reflection left by the person who was helped by Officer Steiner following the car accident. Here was a man who, in order to allay the fears of another human being, climbed into the wreckage of an automobile to hold the driver's hand while awaiting medical aid. What an amazing thing. I'm sure it was merely one of many heroic acts by Officer Steiner.
My sincere condolences to the Steiner family and the CHP. God Bless You All.
J. Taylor
Washington State
April 29, 2004
It is so sad that my fellow brother was killed in a senseless act. 5 years on the job, he was just primed and having fun at what he did, and making for a better life for his family. My prayers & thoughts are extended to his family both, personal and professionally.
Officer First Class Jason M. Neidig
City of Aberdeen, Md. Police Dept
April 29, 2004
Officer Steiner, God bless your soul and your family left behind. Every man and woman who wears the badge feels the pain and so do all Americans and others who care. I pray that God will comfort your family at this time and in the coming days. You died literally at our door step...Pomona Superior Court. I am assigned to Court Services East Bureau,LASD, Pomona Court South. By the time we responded to you, Pomona Fire medics were already on scene trying to save your life. We were doing a lot of praying for you during that time but, I guess the good Lord had other plans for you. What happened to you sir, could of happened to anyone of us who walk that same turf regularly every day. God bless you and your family every day forever. ---Larry Breazeale, Deputy Sheriff, LASD
Deputy Larry Breazeale
L.A.County Sheriff
April 29, 2004
What a horrible, senseless act of violence. Once again we mourn the loss of a brother officer. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Steiner's family, friends, and especially with the CHP. The depth of your sorrow, loss, and heartache are felt and shared by all who work in law enforcement. Officer Steiner, watch over us, and rest easy, my brother. We have the watch.
Pam Hall, Retired LAPD Reserve
Federal Way Police Dept
April 29, 2004
rest in peace brother in blue.
officer stan speaks
columbus oh police
April 29, 2004
I read the news today of the death of one of Californias finest, Officer Thomas Steiner.No words will ever be enough to console his wife or son. However I wish to extend my deepest condolences to them. Although I did not know Officer Steiner personally, I would imagine that he was just like me and every other man and woman who puts on the uniform every day and attempts to make a better life for every one. He had dreams and ideals of a better life for his family and took this job to make a difference. It is a sad world where someone who has given nothing to society can actually believe that he can kill an officer and get away with it. Did he think we would just allow a brother to be killed and not hunt him down like the animal he is? Did he think he would be allowed to walk freely after taking the life of one of our own?He should be shown the same mercy he showed to Officer Steiner.
Perhaps Officer Steiners death will finally show the world what every officer faces each day. Show that we are not just a nameless uniform. That we are regular men and women who want to make a difference,with families hopes and dreams. Show how dangerous a job we undertake without complaint. Then maybe we will never have to face another flag drapped casket again.
Please don't allow Officer Steiners death be in vain. Let his inspiration allow us to all band together to finally stop the hatred and madness that has taken hold. And please accept him into Your graces.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and allow you to stand heavens roll call.
Detective Anthony Petrocelli
New York City Police Department
April 29, 2004
Rest in Peace Brother...you've earned your rest, you gave your all, far above and beyond the call. We are grateful for your sacrifice. Rest assured your loved ones will never be alone. We of The Blue Knights are but a phone call away.
Bob Johnson VA-VI
Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police
April 28, 2004
My heart was saddened when I heard of CHP Officer Steiner's death. My heart goes out to his wife and children and his co-workers. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband/father is a TRUE HERO and will NEVER be forgotten.
Deputy Vicky Malone
Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Memphis,Tn
April 28, 2004
Officer Art Lesmez of the San Fernando Police Department and I went to the funeral of murdered CHP Officer Thomas J. Steiner.
At the funeral the Secretary of the California Bureau of Transportation ( I guess she runs the bureau that oversees the CHP and its Commissioner) spoke and summed up this tragedy succinctly. She said “...the three bullets that Officer Steiner took, were intended for all of us.”
It is a very sad day for all of law enforcement as we bury another one of our brothers. I see this senseless attack as being far worse than any other. It was aimed at EVERY police officer!
On behalf of the Sheriff's Department and the 800 Reserve Deputy's that I work for, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Steiner Family and their friends. Your loss is our loss too.
Andrew Nagel, Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.
April 28, 2004
This was such a terrible tragedy. So senseless for this punk to do something like this. He should be forced to watch as one of his family members is killed in cold blood. Even though he is 16 he should pay with his life instead of being incarcerated with 3 hots and a cot. And his health care paid for by the tax payers. And it is going to get worse. We should retailiate against these gangs and reclaim our communities. As for the family and co-workers of Off. Steiner I have no words to express my disbelief of this tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to you all. This punk killed an outstanding police officer for no reason, but you can rest assured his rights will be kept in tact and preserved, and when this punk feels they are not he will be whining and crying that his rights have been violated. He should have no rights. What about the rights of Officer Steiner and the rights of his family. This punk should be killed the same way that he killed Officer Steiner. And to all of the jail house lawyers and inmate advocates you should be ashamed of yourselves for standing up for these low life scumbags.
Anonymous
April 28, 2004
To the family and CHP my prayers are with you. Officer Steiner is now watching over us all.
Texas Police Officer
April 28, 2004
Our condolences to Heidi, her children, Mr. and Mrs. Steiner and the family. We knew Tommy. He was a fraternity buddy of my sons and a friend to my daughter. His picture has been on my mantle for the past 10 years. He will be missed by all that knew him and those that came in contact with him.
May he rest in peace.
Sue Newman
April 28, 2004
Today I watched Officer Steiner's funeral service on TV and wept. I am not sure what our world is becoming when a 16 yr old randomly shoots and kills a police officer. My heart goes out for his wife and children. His 3yr old son will never have his dad to play ball with, go fishing, or attend his school activities. All of this because some coward wanted to have status in a street gang. CHP Commissioner D.O. "Spike" Helmick said during the service that "the day of reckoning is coming and it is coming very quickly" I hope justice is served quickly and is severe to send a message that we will not tolerate the killing of our peace officers. Officer Steiner will forever be my AMERICAN HERO.
A society that makes war against its police had better learn to make friends with its criminals.
Officer Carter
Texas Peace Officer
April 28, 2004
Officer Steiner, your untimely death has saddened those of us who wear a badge, as well as the citizens of the communities that you have served and protected. Although your killer will face justice down here, rest easy knowing that he will never experience peace in heaven.
You are a hero, and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, brother.
Deputy Stephan Schneider
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
April 28, 2004
To the Steiner family~
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you tonight, Heidi. As a wife of a fellow CHP officer and a mother to 2 young children, I cannot imagine your anguish. I watched the funeral today, and I wept. I have never met you, but I felt a bond to you. I cannot imagine the pain that you and your beautiful boys are going through. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that you can move forward in time. God bless you.
Julie~Wife of CHP motorcycle officer
California Highway Patrol~San Diego
April 27, 2004
Once again a cowardly gang member has taken one of our finest. May he feel the cold hard steel of the sword of justice.
I hope that this his family feels some comfort in knowing Officer Steiner was one of the "Good Guys". Rest in peace my brother.
Deputy Sheriff - Retired
Orange County Sheriff's Department
April 27, 2004
Rest in peace..... now you walk a beat on heavens street... We will take it from here til we meet at heavens gate...
Officer Steiner you will never be forgotten... My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and partners at the CHP
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Kinsey
Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Florida
April 27, 2004
My heart breaks as I see one of our brothers killed in a act of ignorance. I Pray for Ofc. Steiner's family and the members of the California Highway Patrol. A sensless act of evil has fallen one of Gods Warriors. May justice come to he who has performed this evil. Gods speed be with you Ofc. Steiner.
Pfc. Spencer
Mt Pleasant Police Department, SC
April 27, 2004
Our family sends our most deep and heartfelt sympathy to the Steiner family. The devastation of such a heartless and cold-blooded act touches us all and we are very saddened by the travesty of Thomas' death. May peace find you during your time of grief and take note in those offering comfort to you as they are grieving, too, and feel the healing need to reach out. Be safe our Brothers and Sisters, Thomas has your back.
R. Daugherty
Family of Officers in Corona, Temecula, Riverside, & Moreno Valley, CA
April 27, 2004
To the Steiner Family:My deepest condolences to you all. May you always remember that he is watching down on you, protecting you, your guardian angel. I pray that god will give you strength through this tragic time. And may you always remind his son of what a hero is father was.
Anonymous
April 27, 2004
~ In Memory of Officer Thomas Steiner ~ C.H.P.
He passed silently through life,
Occasionally exchanging glances,
That in a fraction of a second,
Flashed the complex searching messages,
Of those who wait their turn,
To touch the coldness of reality.
Yet we wonder relentlessly,
Of those so lacking in imagination,
That they cannot see in their minds eye,
Nor can they feel in their hearts,
The horror of realization.
For he felt the vibes,
Be it real or something learned,
Through the vast experiences conquered,
That stem from touching human emotions,
Or simple sadistic images,
That no longer want us,
To remain with their human form.
Yet we demand to know,
How this could happen?
For the honest truth is to menacing,
To Omnious, to great of a denial,
Of their own beliefs in their own immorality,
And if allowed, could force the thoughts of,
"If he could be taken, so could it, have been I".
To some this offends the logical mind,
To deny the instinct of survival,
To outline the destiny of tomorrows dream,
The choice is not ours.
For remember this,
In the quiet peace of your own home,
get down on your knees,
and thank God,
He did the tasks,
others dared not do,
for themselves.
On that day,
there was a gentle wind blowing across his face.
His job, the tasks he performed, his family and his friends, were unlike any others.
For he loved them all, and in a way,
that only a cop would understand.
He was killed that day,
Sencessly, brutally and unchallanged,
But not forgotten, ever.
For he was our brother, too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Officer Steiners Family, Friends, Partners, and to the California Highway Patrol, My heart goes out to you. Tom and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Deputy Sheriff ~ Medically Retired
Ventura County Sheriff
April 27, 2004
My sincere condolences to Officer Steiner's family and the entire law enforcement force of California. This horrible senseless tragedy has affected me personally and I hope and pray that this event will wake up the public and pray that the "thug" responsible will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this extreme time of grief.
Shannon Alt
Cypress, Ca
Shannon M Alt
n/a
April 27, 2004
This is an OUTRAGE, a Police Officer standing in public, being murdered by some cowardly wanna-be gang member. Apparently no place is safe, time for a change in this liberal way we treat these murderers.
My heart breaks for Officer Steiner's Wife and 3 year old child, who will never have the benefit of having his dad watch him grow up.
Officer Steiner, you are truly an American hero, you gave your all, you and your family will be in my family's prayers. May god bless you and yours.
Master Officer Don Hurley
Eloy Az. Police Dept.
April 27, 2004
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