Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Steve was not only a good friend and co-worker but an exemplary Conservation Officer. I think of you often Steve, I cherish the memories of working with you and look forward to seeing you again.

State Conservation Officer Brent Koppie
IDNR Law Enforcement Bureau

February 12, 2023

I’ve knew Steve my whole life. My dad and him were the best of friends and I always knew if I needed something, DNR related or not, I could call up Steve and he’d be there. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year and a half already. I miss him. I know he’s happy to be with his daughter and I can’t wait to meet him again at the gates of heaven. Godspeed Steve.

Josh Winebrinner
Friend

May 31, 2022

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God"

We commit this Officer into the hands of our Lord. May the Officer's loved ones find peace in the life led, honor in their Officer's performance and choice of profession, and profound happiness upon being reunited in the future.

God Bless all who answer the Call.

Rusty Featherstone
Deputy Director (Ret.)
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)

July 28, 2021

I sat next to Steve in the academy. He was a class act and respected by everybody. He was the second oldest guy in our class (of 46) but could run circles around a lot of us younger guys.

BR
Iowa City Police Department

July 17, 2021

I am sorry for your loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Retired Fire Lieutenant Frank J Corasan
Baltimore City Fire Department

May 27, 2021

May you be with Him in paradise Steven. God will watch over your family. Rest. Your work is done.

Patrol Captain Rob Hirschboeck
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

May 11, 2021

Sadden by the loss of the LEO. We all lose so much when a Officer is taken from us. May God give the family and fellow officers they worked with Peace and Strength to carry on.

B.J.Umbenhower
Liaison, Office of Emergency Management Highlandville Mo
Son of Chief of Police. Deceased
May God watch over them all. R.I.P. Brothers

April 13, 2021

I worked with Officer Reighard as a civilian in the Iowa Great Lakes area while serving with the Spirit Lake Protective Association following retirement. Steve, like most fish and game officers, was responsible for a wide range of activity in, on and around Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County. He was always courteous, prompt and complete in whatever task we posed to him. Whether it was patrol work in association with the July 3rd fireworks celebration on the lake or responding to recurrent legal issues somewhere within our impacted area, we could count on getting completion of the task once we asked Officer Reighard. Public service is a difficult task. The balance between being liked, respected and being truly effective is a difficult one. Officer Reighard had learned that balance and applied it daily. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service.

John F. Smeltzer, retired Asst. Director
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Field Operations

March 25, 2021

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Reighard. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

February 8, 2021

On behalf of the St. Ann Police Department, please accept my condolences for your loss.
Praying that God provides the comfort and peace that allows you, your department, and community, in addition to Officer Reighard's family, to move forward.

Mary Kay Nolen, Asssistant to the Chief of Police
St. Ann Police Department, St. Ann, MO

February 3, 2021

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Steven died in the line of duty.

To the family, fellow officers, and all who call Steven beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I know that that you will receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Steven gave to his community and the citizens of Iowa and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 8, 2021.

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

February 2, 2021

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

January 27, 2021

Rest in peace, Officer Reighard . You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

January 25, 2021

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Conservation Officer, Steven Reighard, from complications of the COVID-19 virus. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Conservation Officer succumbs from this deadly virus. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

January 21, 2021

Praying for your family, friends, colleagues, and agency during this very difficult time for them and all of us. Thank you for your service! We shall remember you with pride and admiration always! May God Bless the Blue!

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God. [Matthew 5:9];

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4], and;

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]

Depart in peace, Brother-in-Blue; in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Christ Jesus who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever with the Lord. Amen.

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, OLCC, NCCA
Independent Christian Chaplain Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
07/05/1974 - 04/01/1998
Nashua Police Department
Nashua, NH 03060

January 21, 2021

Officer Reighard, we have lost so many to this horrible pandemic that has taken over our country. Our Law Enforcement brothers and sisters continue to be affected, tragically! I thank you for your years of brave service to us. Go with God, now. May He watch over you and all those that love and care about you here on earth.

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Gainesville, GA

January 19, 2021

Praying for peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

January 19, 2021

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to your community.

James P Waggle, Jr.
Civilian

January 18, 2021

Officer Reighard, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. It took a small virus to take your life. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May He immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

January 18, 2021

Rest in peace, Officer Reighard. You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

January 18, 2021

On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Conservation Officer Steven Reighard and the extended law enforcement family of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa.


End of Watch Friday, January 8, 2021.


Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 18, 2021

On behalf of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association please accept our condolences on the passing of Officer Reighard.

Chip Nowlin
President
Kentucky Peace Officers' Association

January 17, 2021

Rest in Peace Sir

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

January 16, 2021

R.I.P. sir

Deputy Christopher Land
Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Michigan

January 15, 2021

Conservation Officer Reighard,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

January 15, 2021