Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked for his father at Lakeland Shell Steven always had a smile when he came by to say hi. He will always be misses by family and friends

Albert
Coworker

May 9, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Douros.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 25, 2020

Officer Douros,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Norfolk. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 21, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 21, 2020

I had moved from Norfolk in 1972 after the death of my son who was a Norfolk Police Officer, so I was unaware of Officer Douros' death. Another senseless loss of life. As I am a native Norfolkian I know so many names from my younger days there. Douros was among the names---a relative I'm sure. You will not be forgotten Officer Douros.

Dorothy"Billie' Hurst
Mother of NPD officer

June 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 21, 2015

When the words "he was killed last night" rang out in my ears, my whole life stopped. I had just spoken to him hours ago, now he was gone. I tried to get Steve to take off that Friday night so we could go watch the fight, but his passion for a job that he had dreamed of since he was a kid took over. He had to be there...he didn't want to let his partner down...he didn't want to miss the action... working another Friday night in Ocean View was his life.

He begged for me to join as soon as I turned 21. I was allowed to ride along with him on two separate occasions. It was a neat job, but I didn't have the drive nor the desire to put on a uniform, just yet. He would brag of the adventures he would experience and the excitement he was having as he was living out his lifelong dream.

Ocean View was his district, his home, his bragging rights. You could see the pride in his eyes every time he wore his badge. Steve was not the type of Officer who took advantage of this shield, no. He wore it with the utmost respect and never abused his power or authority. A was a real man's man, and a good cop.

His love for the job increased when he was asked to join the ERT. In the early stages of this teams development, he had great expectations of what he would accomplish. Nothing could stop him now...

Mom called me up early Saturday morning...I was already at work managing a restaurant. The chilling words that she uttered out, I will never forget..."Steve was killed last night". My whole life stopped. I would not believe this could happen...Steve was Superman in my eyes...a man of steel that could be hurt by no one! He was my hero, my mentor, my big brother...

No one could possibly understand the emptiness and pain I was feeling. I worshipped the ground Steve walked on...I wanted to be just like him...we had so much life ahead of us to enjoy and share...now, he was gone.

Steve's funeral was the first Police Officer's funeral I had ever attended. I was taken back by all the love and concern everyone shared with our family. To see so many men and women in uniform who came to honor my brother...words cannot describe what I was feeling. So much pain, so much sorrow, total emptiness, yet a great since of pride. Steve was a hero to so many people...I never realized what was taken place before my eyes.

It didn't take long before I knew what I had to do. I had to keep his dream alive. It was difficult telling mom and dad, but I knew it was meant to be. Less than 3 months after Steve's funeral I took an oath, the same oath Officer Steve Douros took. I was now a Norfolk Police Officer...continuing on in the dream of my brother...I couldn't just let his dream die...I had to keep it alive...

I spent the next 25 years patrolling the streets of Norfolk. Often I would drive by the place where Steve died and wonder. So many questions were left unanswered. So many, what ifs...

I retired from Police work more than 7 years ago. I paid my dues, I keep Steves dream alive...it almost cost me my life, the day I got shot twice during a narcotics search warrant.

Every year around this time, the wounds reopen; the memories flood in my mind; the tears begin to flow...It is just not fair...how often I have said this...Steve was my best friend, my big brother, the one who was alway there in my time of need...yet I learned to move on. To live life as he woud have wanted me to, knowing that God had all of this in His perfect plan.

I may never get all the answers, here on earth, but someday I will meet with Steve again, and we will spend the next 100 years retelling all the stories, his and mine and I will understand the why all this had to happen, for His glory...God only know how much I miss you Steve...

Officer Robert Douros
Norfolk Police Department (Retired)

June 22, 2013

In those days I owned and operated Susan's Sub Shop on the corner of Little Creek Road and Shore Drive. Steve Douros was one of my favorite regular customers. I always knew a little something about each of my customers and I knew that Steve had recently become a proud father. He was tall, blond haired and what we would call 'California handsome'; he had that golden hair and a golden personality to match. On the tragic last evening of his life I had just finished bagging their order of subs and drinks for Steve and his partner when they received the call of a reckless driver on shore drive heading their way. They hurried to their cruiser and headed in the direction of the vehicle. All they knew was that the driver was being reckless and needed to be stopped so they blocked the road. They couldn't have known that the driver was also drunk and would drive full speed right into their cruiser at the passenger door where Steve was sitting, watching. I can certainly speak for the public when I say that we all share and acknowledge the tragic loss of such a fine young man, father, son, and officer who unhesitatingly accepted the risks of keeping us safe. My recollections of Steve in the final moments of his life are vivid, still, and my sadness is little lessened in this fourth decade after. Steve, you left me, as you left each of us, with the sense that we must make everything of our lives that we can, with whatever time we are allowed. Thank you.

Gene Mosher
Friend

April 19, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 28, 2012

We have not forgotten you Steve. Your life was cut short but we will always keep you and your family in our thought's.

Major Larry Carter
Norfolk Sheriff's Office VA

June 21, 2012

I had already left the NPD when Steve was killed. I couldn't go to the service but to this day I think of Steve often as I do other officers who remained on the force after I left. We often worked the same district but different platoons. Steve was a good guy.

Former Officer
Norfolk PD

June 20, 2012

Twenty eight years later - you will never be forgotten.

Sergeant - Retired
Norfolk Police Dept

June 15, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

Thank you for your service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. You are not forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace BROTHER.........

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

June 21, 2007

Iv'e been retired now for a year. I had been on department for 3 yrs when Stephen was Killed. I was working the West End of Ocean View and was responding to the same pursuit headed straight for me from the East End. I heard Stephen partner hollar weve been struck by the suspect vehicle and arrived moments after the impact with both Officers still in car. It was really rough and being first I never forgot it. During time of service, I went to six memorials and none got easier. Tonight Iv'e read About every Officer in Norfolk and it just makes me sad. Thanks for being there for me when I need assistance. A brother ya always will be in blue....

Retired (patrol Officer)
Norfolk Pd

October 21, 2006

So young.May you Rest in Peace.

June 21, 2006

We lost you twenty-six years ago. You are not forgotten.

Sergeant - Retired
Norfolk Police Dept

June 20, 2006

Well Steve its been almost 25 yrs now that you left us. I retired last year and moved out west, but there isn't a day I don't think back about the fun we had. Thats when being a NORFOLK POLICE OFFICER meant you where the BEST! Well brother I will see you someday and we can trade work stories and talk about fun times.

Retired Police Officer
NORFOLK POLICE

January 27, 2005

Rest in peace, Officer Douros. You were the first officer killed in the line of duty after my husband joined the department. I promise - you will never be forgotten.

October 3, 2004

Steve was a wonderful son,brother and father. we still miss you. we are looking forward to seeing you again someday in heaven. you made an impression on so many lives.

alice douros
mom

September 23, 2004

Steve
You've been gone 23 years. You haven't been forgotten and never will be. I have made a point of making sure the new officers hear about you. Watch over us until God decides it's time for all of us to meet again.
To Steve's family, I want you to know he will never be forgotten by those of us who had the honor and pleasure of serving with him.

Anonymous

Hello steve I just wanted to say I miss you uncle..You were so great taking me shooting and whatever I wanted to do you would be there and take me places , and I had so much fun. The whole family misses you very much and I will always be thinking of you. You were my inspiration to become and police officer for the same department, and then move on to become a federal agent..I will miss you and I will see again some day..From your little nephew Ray.

federal agent raymond rottler
us govt