Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today I spoke with my grandfather Schmidt who you had a great father-son relationship with dad and this is who I've heard most of your life stories from about your sense of humor, you loved us kids and adored our mother and loved your sisters!I know I was only four years old but I still remember our bike rides, and you playing beach boy song "Kokomo " , lastly you coming back for that last hug & kiss. You knew for some reason that day on Feb 4th 1991 you needed that extra goodbye. I'm glad I had that bc It was my fondest memory of your smile. Now you have a beautiful red head grand daughter that is 5 and I have a wall in honor of you. She indeed knows that's papa. We love you so much and miss you every day. Wish there were visiting hours up in heaven truly. Muah

Megan Reuther-Steele
Youngest Daughter

September 22, 2024

Today is Steve’s birthday April 5th. I have thought about him all day. I never stop missing him. When I read the reflections that his friends and family have wrote it warms my heart. They make me remember the person Steve was. Some of them make me laugh. And some make me want to cry. And some make me do both. But they are all great memories of who Steve was.
He was a great brother and I will always love and miss him.
I love you Steve!

J
Steve’s oldest sister

April 6, 2022

Happy Birthday Steve!

Tom Reuther
Brother

April 5, 2021

To a good friend and fellow officer. You remain in my thoughts.

RIP brother

February 15, 2020

Retired Police Sergeant Steven Rapson
Plymouth Township

February 15, 2020

33 years ago you taught me how to be safe out there. 29 years ago today you lost your life protecting and serving. RIP Steven Reuther.

Officer Daniel Newman
Plymouth Twp. Police

February 4, 2020

A couple years ago. The city of Milan honored Steve and had his daughter attend city counsel meeting where they unvailed the new design on the squad car doors where they’ve placed steve’s Badge and number as part of the decal for the city...

Jeffrey S. Taylor
Former Sargent Milan Police Reservest

January 26, 2018

Steve was one of my best friends. We became friends in 4th grade and remained best of friends through high school at Napoleon. We kept in touch for awhile, but eventually had no contact with one another. I learned of Steve's death when another high school buddy called me. Shock doesn't even begin to describe my reaction. Al had to repeat several times before it sunk in. I drove up from Indianapolis to attend Steve's funeral and was deeply moved by the ceremony. The honor he received was fitting for my childhood friend.

The reason I write this is because it used to be that fallen law enforcement officers didn't receive the receive the recognition they do today. It has become almost customary around Indianapolis anyway, streets and highways have been named after fallen law enforcement. To my knowledge, no such honor exists for Steve. I realize it has been a long time since his death, but perhaps he and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice could be honored in a similar manner?

Steve will remain in my memories for my remaining days. I'm glad we were once the best of buddies.

Mitch Carl
Friend from our youth

October 3, 2017

I am currently on patrol and a thought of you came to mind. I then realized it was the date you left us. I still remember the terrible news and the shock of that day as if it just happened. I did not know you well having met you just a couple of times through a mutual officer friend of ours but it was easy to see why he respected you and considered you a dear friend. I guess I just wanted to say you are not forgotten brother. Rest in peace.

Officer
Ret. Adrian PD Current Raisin Twp PD

February 4, 2016

Steve, You taught me some much, and you were so patient with me. I was a 19 year old reserve. You always respected me as I looked up to you. The lssons I learned from you stuck with throughout my career. Thanks Steve. I still think about you. Rick.

Ret Officer Rick Knieper
Homer Police Dept

February 1, 2016

I knew Steve as Eddie. He was one of the funniest people that I have ever known. He was quick witted, and loved to joke around. He was professional when it counted but believed that laughter was the best medicine for life. I wittiness Steve losing a hat on the job, and I understand it was a reoccurring Theme with him.

Citizen Joe Graber
Friend

February 5, 2015

Never a day has past, never a moment lost that your memory is not cherished... Been a long time since you and Ramon Beltran graduated and we became friends. Miss you and your family...see you again at last roll call.

Chief of Police (Ret)
Hartford, MI PD

December 22, 2014

I just got off the midnight shift that morning and was shocked at the news. Milan is a small town in Monroe and Washtenaw Co. Death to cop killers

Deputy Dean West
Monroe County Sheriff Dept.

February 5, 2014

Hard to believe this happened so long ago, I remember like it was yesterday. I had about a year on the job and worked in SW Michigan but will never forget. RIP

Sergeant Bill Clock
Ann Arbor, MI Police Department

February 5, 2014

The members of the Coastal Carolina Shields will dedicate its February 4th meeting to the memory of PO Joseph Reuther. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice he made in protecting others.

President
Coastal Carolina Shields

February 4, 2014

I miss you every day! I'm still not over it. I'm proud to say, Amanda has found peace, and true love. But, most of all happiness! She asked me if I knew how to contact your assassin. She told me she is ready to forgive him! You would be quite proud!
Thanks, for being there for me! I still suffer the truth every day! I had a long talk with Amanda and explained what and why and who. That was a hard talk. But, it helped us both! I Love and Miss You!

Reserve Officer
Milan P.D.

February 4, 2014

You carried me and covered my back more times than I can remember, I carried you one last time after your assassination. Always remembered, never forgotten, I still have your back.

Patrolman
Partner & Dear Friend

August 30, 2013

Again it is so nice to see everyone still remembers my father. Thankyou to you all. Its nice seeing all the reflections on here even after 22 years after his passing. It helps keep his memory alive.

Amanda Mckenzie
Reuthers oldest daughter

May 23, 2013

RIP my brother, and thank you for your service and putting up the fight that needs to be fought everday. May God bless your family, and those that you served with.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City Police Dept.

February 3, 2013

Just a reminder that you are still in my thoughts, friend. I am still at it after 33 years. I still remember our days in the academy way back then.

Chief Ramon Beltran
City of Hartford, Michigan

February 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first anniversary 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.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today. To your daughter Amanda, thanks for sharing a child's devotion to her beloved father.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2012

I met Officer Reuther in January of 1991 after being stopped by him for speeding on US-23 going through Milan.

I was young and dumb... and probably not deserving of the break he gave me for speeding 79/55. I will never forget his kindness and professional demeanor that day.

I later learned that he was from my hometown of Tecumseh, Michigan.

Rest in Peace Sir.

Jim Ivan
Citizen

December 17, 2010

As if it were yesterday, I can see you walk through the door into dispatch: cup of coffee in your hand, cigarette tucked behind your ear, your top button undone and your tie dangling off to the side. Your devilish charm and playful attitude made working midnights a treat. RIP my friend...you will never be forgotten.

Michelle Stanbury, Captain
City of Ypsilanti Fire Dept/Former Plymouth Twp Dispatcher

February 4, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and close friends, you have not been forgotten.

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

February 4, 2010

I worked with steven in plymouth township in 1987 thru 1989. We worked the same zone and shift. He was a teriffic man and Officer. I have been out of law enforcement for many years however I will never forget this man and how he helped me become a better Officer.

former officer daniel newman
plymouth twp police and canton twp police

March 27, 2009

Thankyou to all who remembers my dad still after 17 years. Dad i miss you more and more each day. i am now 26 and married. i had a good childhood. mom and my "step"dad did an awesome job raising us.we never went with out. you and mom are now reunited since she passed away 4 months ago in my arms. take care of each other and i hope you mom are watching megs and myself. we need you both as our gaurdian angels. i love and miss you both, rest in peace my loving parents!
Love always,
amanda (yours and moms little pooh bear)

Amanda Mckenzie (Reuther)
Oldest daughter of Officer Reuther

September 20, 2008