Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I loved with the Steel family for several years and I bonded with the family, especially John. We were close in age and John was my BEST FRIEND and MENTOR. I became a Fire Investigator and shared my experiences with John and his family till his TRAGIC DEATH.
I attended his funeral, with more than thousand of Fellow CHP Officerd from CA and across America!!

Scott Harris
Las Vegas Fire Department. Fire Investigatorr

September 4, 2024

Sgt. Steele was my mentor while I was in the office recovering from collision on 4-23-88. His collision touched my soul for it being 5 years from mine. John told me once I was old enough I could play on his softball tesm. I will forever remember him RIP #11670R.

Rocky Hamilton State Traffic Officer
California Highway Patrol

March 25, 2024

John was my cousin and best friend, I lived with John in San Diego for over a year. John was 2 years older, but we were very close, like family [my brother). I am a retired supervisor with the Las Vegas Fire Department. This was a very hard news. I did attend his funeral that was attended by hundreds of fellow CHP Officers. John is in my thoughts every day. GOD BLESS all CHP Officers for their daily risks to KEEP AMERICA SAFE.

SCOTT HARRIS, Retired Fire Investigator
Las Vegas Fire Department

July 12, 2022

God bless you motorman. Your proud service to our Blue & Gold is remembered and you will always be with us. His bends your family and ride the heavens with pride.

State Traffic Officer 7185 South LA CHP
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

April 23, 2021

John was in my class CTC III 72 and was a really good guy to know.

State Traffic Officer Vic Stevens #7998
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

April 24, 2020

So sad that you lost your life at the hands of an individual who shouldn't have even been on the road. RIP Sergeant Steel, you will always be remembered.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Lindon Police Department

February 24, 2020

Sergeant Steel rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 25, 2019

Semper Fi Motorman.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
CHP South LA

April 24, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 25th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 23, 2018

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

A NO NONSENSE SUPERVISOR. HE WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE FOR THE CHP. WORKING PSD WITH HIM WAS ALWAYS SO SMOOTH AND JOYFUL. THE TIES THAT HE HAD WITH THE SECRET SERVICE MADE OUR JOB SO MUCH EASIER. A LEADER THAT ALWAYS TOOK CARE OF HIS MOTOR RIDERS. I WAS VERY PROUD TO RIDE WITH HIM. 01/21/2014.

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER ANTHONY ( CHILECHOKER ) HERRERA # 9878 CHP A FOREVER FRIEND.

January 21, 2014

As a retired motor officer, I have been down a couple time. My heart and prayers to the family. Some gave it all!

Cst. (retired)
Vancouver Police

January 15, 2014

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Steel. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Remembering your service and sacrifice on this anniversary of your death. When I attend the CHP Memorial Ceremony next week, I will listen for your name as they read the Roll Call of Honor.

I hope your family finds comfort in their loving memories, and the knowledge that their fallen officer will not be forgotten.

Michelle Walker
Surviving Spouse, CHP Lt. Michael Walker EOW 12-31-05

April 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 16th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 16 years after you were killed.

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

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 28, 2009

Thank You for having served the Orange County Community...

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 23, 2008

Keep resting easy Sarge knowing the Blue and Gold NEVER forgets our own.. God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol. Ret.

April 23, 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

November 21, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

April 23, 2007

I remember you well and miss you much. Mostly I remember how you were always smiling. My favorite Sergeant.
Janelle

Dispatcher Janelle (Clem) Lopez
CHP Santa Ana (retired)

January 14, 2005

10/29/04

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

October 29, 2004

Rest in peace motorman, you served us well and will not be forgotten.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

March 18, 2004

Your smile and sense of humor were well known in the Santa Ana area. You were the first CHP officer I knew personally whose line-of-duty funeral I also attended. But your final resting place was so beautiful, so peaceful, on the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, that I never forgot it. When Gary was killed in 2001, I asked that he be buried in the same cemetary. Now you and he rest in peace in beautiful Orange County, California where you both served so honorably. God bless you, John. I know you and Gary watch over your brother CHP officers.

Linda Wagers, surviving spouse
Sgt. Gary Wagers, CHP, EOW 3/15/01

December 31, 2003

John and his wife, Ginger were members of my church and attended classes that I taught. John was always smiling and you could tell that he was really proud of his boys. Whether we saw eye-to-eye or disagreed, it was always in good humor and with mutual respect. John was a credit to the CHP and it is truly tragic that his very promising career was cut short. He loved the CHP and loved riding his motorcycle. John... I hope what we shared stayed with you. God bless you.

Officer John E. M. Yeaw (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol