Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had heard my family speak of the cousin who was a police officer in Dayton. I remember a family member calling with the news, I didn't ask for any details, So I had never heard the whole story of what happened that night. Now as a student in criminal justice I decided to read the story. As with any officers death it is a horrible tragedy to lose someone who is out there looking out for us. Many years later I would like to thank Steve for his sacrafice.When I go to Ohio to visit family and I drive across the highway bearing his name it reminds me to take time and remember all of officers who put themselves in the line of fire everyday God bless all of you.

laura warlick
daughter of Steves cousin

July 1, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on this the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 22, 2009

I had the privelege of knowing Steve personally and working with him professionally. Both of us were Belmont High School grads and I had the opportunity of working with him several times while I was on investigations in the city. My unmarked was struck by a motorist that ran a stop sign and Steve was there to investigate and look out for me. He was a fixture in the Belmont/Eastmont area. Everyone knew him. He was a throwback to the old neighborhood police officer. His death was a great loss to the city but an even greater loss to those of us who knew and worked with him.

Steve Fritz
Miami Twp. Police (former)

February 17, 2009

Officer Whalen, was a very visible police officer. in Belmont he was known as a ticket writer, thats right if you were speeding he would get you. and He was a very respected man for that. he kept me slowed down. but he also lived in our Eastmont neighborhood. and you would see him hanging outside.

His parents would be there, visting and talking. it was sad, to lose him.I grew up in Eastmont, He was very rofessional. the funeral procession that went by my house on watervliet blew me away. but it also showed me that the brotherhood of Police officers has to be what helps them and family indure such a tragic event.

God Bless Steve, and all officers of the Law.

Mike B
Citizen

November 3, 2008

I worked the day shift and did not hear about this terrible incident until I arrived at work the following morning. I also worked the second district like Steve. When I got to work I was told what had happened and disbelief overtook my senses. They told me Steve was still hanging on but a little while later we got word he had lost his fight to stay alive. I was over come with sadness and grief. I had just talked to Steve the afternoon before when my tour had ended and his was just starting. He was a cops cop. A truly fair, dedicated and respected Police Officer.I am honored to have known him, worked with him and to able to call him my friend. I still miss him to this day. His tragic death was a loss to every law abiding citizen everywhere.

Steve may you rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten and were an inspiration to us all.

I miss you brother.

Nick Nye

Officer Nick Nye
Retired Dayton Police/Fellow Officer

May 19, 2008

I was in the Dayton Police Cadet program in late 1990 and thru half of 1991. The last of many assignments I had in this program was the second district. I would sit in on the roll calls, usually the third relief one. It was surreal to me, as I had always wanted to be a Dayton Police Officer, and I was starting out on my journey of realizing my dreams. Throughout my stay in the district, I developed a deep friendship with all the officers and command staff of the district. One that remains extremely special to me to this day. One of my main assignments was to ensure that the cruisers were washed and serviced at the required intervals. Steve always parked his Plymouth next to the dumpster in "cruiser row". When I would take his car during the day to the garage, I would stop and get it washed and always park it in "his" spot when I got it back. He and I always had a running joke. When he came in, usually very early, I would tell him "Steve, got your car taken care of today" and he would always ask if "Where did you park my new car" and I would laugh and say "It ain't new, but its in your spot". Due to my working hours, I became extemely close to those on third relief. I would ride with Off. Elsass almost daily after I finished my "required" assignments in the office. They ALL, including Steve, treated as one of them, even though I did not have a badge or a gun, I was one of "The Relief". I was with Rodney this terrible night, and was the first person to Steve. This is one of the very few times that I have mentioned it. Those of us who were there, know who we are and don't talk about it, we just all kind of look at each other differently than we do the others. It's not that we think we are different than others, its just that we share something deeper with each other. Since I was in the cadet program, going to school, I did not have a lot of uncommitted money and was asked if I would be one of the pall-bearers for Steve's casket. I was informed of the change in dress code that would be necessary. I advised Sgt. Flanders that I did not have the money to buy a white dress uniform shirt. I was told by him to take his cruiser, go to D-n-D uniforms downtown and get fitted. It would be taken care of. I got the shirt and was in that group that escorted that casket. I did not carry the casket, but walked right behind it, I stood with the rest of the relief behind his casket a the grave sight, something burned in memory forever. I was never told how, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the relief threw together the money to buy me that shirt. That shirt still hangs in a bag in my closet in the exact condition it was in when I took it off after that ceremony. Shortly after this, my tenure in the program was over. The district and relief had a "going away" party for me my last day. They gave me a nice plaque but my prized possession is a "mag-charger" flashlight given to me by Officer Elsass. It has a special engraving on it that I will keep personal, but I still carry it today and it reminds me each and every day of that terrible night and the brotherhood that we share. 235A you are gone but certainly not forgotten.

Officer Michael A. Godsey
Dayton Police Department

March 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 22, 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 31, 2007

This writer was a member of the East Dayton Priority Board in 1991. General board meetings took place on two Thursday evenings each month. As the meeting of 21 March was winding down, Dayton Police Officer Steve Whalen arrived with a lady civilian who was riding with him that night as an observer. Steve had been raised in East Dayton. He was both well-known and well-liked by residents of that area and highly respected for his courtesy and the sense of protectiveness his watchful nature engendered. All was smiles and laughter between Steve and board members during his stop-over at the meeting that night.

Some distance away at the same time, at a motel on Keowee Street in Old North Dayton, a male tenant became enraged over being locked-out of his room for some infraction. After an angry confrontation with the motel manager, he sped away in a truck and the Dayton Police Department was alerted by the manager. This truck was later observed on Xenia Avenue in the Twin Towers neighborhood by Officer Whalen shortly after he'd left the priority board meeting. Following the truck, it pulled over at an intersection and Steve got out of his cruiser and approached the rear of the vehicle. Then a barrage of bullets through the rear window of the truck felled Officer Whalen. In that split second Steve didn't have a chance at survival.

How could anyone of us seeing him and talking with him at that board meeting have even imagined that, but moments after he left, he would be so mercilessly gunned down? The shock of it all rippled over the saddened city that night.

The barrage of gunfire had come from a formerly incarcerated man said later to have had long-standing emotional and rage problems in the past. All so senseless and heart-rending! Tried and convicted, the killer was sentenced to life in prison.

Steve left behind his beloved and loving parents to mourn his unthinkable passing.

One of the local community councils established the Steve Whalen Memorial Fund. This writer made a donation to that fund exactly four weeks from that fateful night in 1991.

Later a new beautifully landscaped parkway, an East Dayton connector of the Route 35 Expressway, was named "Steve Whalen Boulevard" to permanently honor one of Dayton's martyred finest.

This writer was gone from Dayton for a some years and the memories of that sad night had faded. Eventually returning to Dayton, he now sometimes listens to the WHIO morning traffic reports broadcast from a helicopter. The on-board traffic reporter is Sgt. Mark Bowron of the DPD. His voice has been familiar for many years to most of the 1.6 million people in the Greater Dayton Area and it seems likely that Sgt. Bowron would have known Officer Whalen. Now when Sgt. Bowron looks down on the awakening magalopolis he will often be heard to say "...at Steve Whalen Boulevard..." within his traffic commentary. Every time this writer hears Steve's name on the radio now his thoughts return to that unbelievable and unthinkable night so long ago. Why did it have to happen?

Steve Whalen was much to young too die...much too young.

-Dr. Lawrence Kent 6 September 2007

Dr. Lawrence Kent
Presidential Families of America

September 6, 2007

Rest in peace Brother, Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. May the LORD bless your soul.

Recruit Calvin Grantham
Shelby County Sheriffs Office Training Academy

July 24, 2007

Steve, and me were in the same Academy class and always sit next to one another. After Graduation we were both assigned to the 2nd. District 3rd. Relief. Steve was one of the best men I every had the privilege to know. He was also very a good Police officer, and very well liked by everyone, officers and the public. One Great thing about Steve, he treated every one with respect,and cared about people.

Ret. Dayton Officer
L D Terrell

Retired Dayton PO
Co-Worker & Great friend

May 17, 2007

Steve, My rememberance of you is that of my "Best Friend" in my police career. I wish we could have had the opportunity to continue this relationship as "fishin' buddies" in retirement. I think of you often, particularly when I come into Dayton and the good times we shared "claiming our turf" at the UDF on Woodman Drive...You are missed...signed..."Tough Leather"

Ron Marsh Retired Dayton Police Officer
Dayton Police Dept. Friend/fellow Officer

May 17, 2007

Officer Whalen

You were tragically murdered shortly before I joined the department. Although it's been many years since your death, your name is still revered and remembered by all of us in your family of blue. Hopefully this will give some comfort to your relatives. May God give you rest and comfort until you are reunited.

anonymous
dayton pd

July 19, 2006

Steve, you gave of yourself so others could be safe and secure in our community, thank you. Rest in peace.

Ofr. Will S. Wright
Dayton Police

August 27, 2004

My heart and my prayers go out to the family of officer Whalen

Anonymous

I grew up in east Dayton and would frequently see Steve Whalen on patrol in my neighborhood. Steve always had time to stop and talk and encourage me in pursuing my dream of being a police officer. Even though its been 11 years since your tragic death I think of you often. Steve you were my friend and my mentor and a true hero.

Officer Steven E. Gau
Miamisburg PD

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Whalen family and the Dayton Police Department.

Virginia State University Police Department

Since today is Memorial Day, it seems appropriate to recount how Off. Whalen was honored exactly 11 years and one day ago. At the time of his tragic death, I was assigned to the Chief's Office and participated in making arrangements for Steve's funeral procession.

The Funeral Home was Tobias on Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek. The Cemetery was located at Indian Ripple and Fairfield Roads, also outside the City of Dayton. Initially, the procession was going to run east from Tobias to Fairfield Road and then straight across State Route 35 to Mt. Zion Cemetery (4.2 total miles). At a meeting, I suggested to the Deputy Chief, Lt.Col. Virgil McDaniel, that the route may be too short to handle the number of police cruisers that would be in attendance; I also noted there was a more suitable way to honor Steve. He asked, were it my plan, what would the route be.

I respectfully said Lt. Col. McDaniel, at the very least, it should travel west from Tobias, then onto SR 35 to Woodman Drive, to Patterson Avenue, to Grange Hall Road, east to the Cemetery (9.5 total miles). In that way, I reasoned, the procession would touch the east edge of the City of Dayton, and the Second District in particular.

The Colonel thought for a second, looked at me knowing that was not what I believe to truly be the best way, and asked where I really thought the procession should travel. Uncertain as to his reaction, I suggested it should travel west onto SR 35 into Dayton to the Xenia Avenue Exit, which is the downtown end of the Second District. It should travel south through the Wayne Business District, continue onto Watervliet Avenue past the Second District Headquarters and the Belmont Business District, to Patterson Avenue and Grange Hall Road, south to Indian Ripple Road, and then east to Mt. Zion Cemetery (14.4 total miles).

A commander who was at the meeting worried aloud that we could not do daytime route of this size because it would be traveling into several other jurisdictions, might cause road tie ups or get interrupted in traffic congestion, and may possibly anger impatient motorists. Lt.Col. McDaniel looked at all of us and resolutely stated, "So what! We're doing the longer route for Steve . . . . Who the hell's going to stop us anyway?"

Was a funeral route of this distance necessary? Well . . . when the last police cruiser left the funeral home, the first police cruiser in the procession was south on Patterson Avenue beyond Woodman Drive (over 8.0 miles in length). The highly visible police motorcade, a demonstrative statement to honor Steve's memory for his parents and fiancée, was an awesome symbol of strength as it passed a grieving community standing along the roadside with hands over hearts and flags in their hands.

Retired Sgt. Steve Grismer
Dayton Police Department

Steve - One of the best COPS in Dayton. It has been 11 years now. I first met Steve as a student at Belmont High School. I got a car my Sophomore year and he would smile and wave as I drove to school and home (especially since I drove the speed limit!). Steve will always be remembered and never forgotten, and I will always read your name at every Annual Police Memorial I attend. My hometown COP, my friend, my Mentor. To all of our fallen brothers and sisters, may they rest in peace.

Chief Investigator Charles Samson
U.S. Navy Key West, FL

I was Steve's partner for only a short time. I think
of Steve quite often. I visit his gravesite and miss
him very much.

Officer Marsha Ryles
Dayton Police Department