Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Trooper Hoffman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2020

I witnessed the tragic event that took the life of Trooper Steven Hoffman on that narrow highway in March of 1980. I remember it very well & it still haunts me to see him lying under the wheels of the truck with the truck on fire & there was nothing I could do.
At that time before the age of computers, I wasn't able to find out very much about his wife and family. I am glad that I can finally offer my condolences and God Bless all.
Don Koskovich

Don Koskovich
service rep

August 19, 2014

Rest in Peace brother. I never knew you but I knew your family and went to school with one of your daughters. Heidi has grown to be a great woman! Your sacrifice is not forgotten and your service is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Police Officer Shane Pierce
Lake Ozark Police

May 13, 2013

Steve, You were a very good Friend and Officer. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Our conversation at our coffee break right before the accident. All of the memories of what we did and discussed over those two years. RIP my friend.

Trooper Michael J Breske
SDHP

March 12, 2013

32 years dad you've been gone...not one day that I don't think of you. I miss you more than ever. I wish my boys and I could have just one day with you. Time passes but we will never forget you. You were taken way too soon from us. I love you and miss you! God got one heck of an angel when he got you!

Becci Richardson
daughter

March 12, 2012

Steve,
I know that you watch over all of us. You have proven that to me. Miss you. You may not of been on this earth for what could be considered a long time, but you did good while you were here. I can still remember the conversation at Parker that day, clear as bell. Hope you will remember me when it is my turn.

Trooper Michael J Breske
SDHP 1974-1988 Ret.

August 11, 2011

Dad, as I watch Rapid City having to deal with the loss of 2 officers last week it makes me think about you. I don't have any personal memories of you as I was so little but I miss the times we had and could have had together. I have watched part of both the officers funerals online and have asked if this was what it was like for you. It is amazing dad all the people that are showing their respects for the ultimate sacrifice one can make. I want to let you know you are my hero and I love and miss you! I know you are watching out over my boys and me and the whole family. I also know you were there to welcome these 2 heros home. :)

Becci Richardson
daughter

August 11, 2011

You will always be in my heart and I look forward to seeing you again when we finally get to our heavenly home. God bless and keep you.
Rick

rick payne, sgt
friend

May 4, 2011

I found this posted on South Dakota Highway Patrol's website for the fallen officers and want to share it here for my dad...
At The End of the Day

The trooper stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, trooper.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The trooper squared his shoulders and
said "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those who carry badges
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help.
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If You've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I've never expected or had too much,
But if You don't....I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the trooper waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, trooper,
You've borne your burdens well
Come work a beat on Heaven's streets
You've done your time in hell."

- Author Unknown

Becci Richardson
daughter

March 28, 2011

It has been 31 years today since you were taken from us. Your grandsons and I are thinking of you today and they are saying how they miss you even though none of us had the chance to know you. Just know you are in our hearts and on our minds as another year passes. We love you and know you are looking down on us each and every day!

Becci Hoffman Richardson
daughter

March 12, 2011

Well Steve here it is New Years Eve 2010 and I often wonder what we would all be doing tonight as a family. You will never be forgotten for all you did as a deputy and as a Highway Patrol. You saved many lives and those people are very Thankful as is your family to have had you apart of there lives. God Bless and Happy New Year. You and Dad have a party.
Love you and Miss you
Jan

Jan Diedrich
Sister

December 31, 2010

Sir, I am thankful for your service and pray that you are at peace. It brings me peace to know that you are watching over your fellow troops as we work our shift. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your service and sympathy to your family. It is an honor to carry on a tradition that was set by troopers like your self and as I promised in the academy, I will not bring disgrace to the badge that you wore with such honor.

SD Troop
SDHP

October 26, 2010

Trooper Hoffman,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of South Dakota. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

March 12, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 12, 2010

We will soon be coming up on the anniversary of your death. 30 years is too long to be without you. It saddens me to think of the time we have missed together. Your grandchildren. The boys would make you proud. It's had to believe that they will never know there grandpa. Know that we miss you. You are our HERO!

Jan Diedrich
Sister

December 17, 2009

Steve,
You will never be forgotten.You will always be in our hearts. It seems like yesterday we were growing up together.Me looking up to me big bother you and your friends playing catch with Lori and I across the room. You taught us the true meaning of flying. My God be with you and know that you are missed and I love you.

Jan Hoffman Diedrich
Sister

October 7, 2009

Dad tomorrow we will celebrate Grandma's 80th and Riley's 1st Birthdays! I know you will be with us as friends and family come together to celebrate life. So many things are going on right now and I wish you could be here to help us all thru it but I know you are watching out for us and that you hear us when we talk to you. I miss you even though I never got to know you! You are always with me and my boys watching out for us and we love you!

Becci Richardson
daughter

August 9, 2009

Thank you to all that have left comments on my father's page. He has not been forgotten by those of us that have lost him. He has 2 daughters and now he has 2 grandson's that he only gets to see as he watches from above! We miss him greatly every day and know he died doing what he loved. He paid the ultimate price and for that I will always be proud to say he is my dad!

Becci Hoffman Richardson
daughter

May 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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.

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 17, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

March 12, 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

January 24, 2008

May you rest in peace and god bless you and your family.

Spirit Lake Police (Iowa)

February 18, 2007