Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service.

Tim Liddell
CA Hwy Patrol 5342 ( retired )

July 26, 2023

I knew Steve in high school and he was without a doubt the toughest guy in the school. He was always really nice to me, though, and I'm sorry to learn that he died. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 50th high school reunion this year, as I haven't been back since. We'll raise a toast to him.

Valerie Stone
Fellow classmate at Hellgate

September 5, 2016

I didn't know Steve extremely well, but he was in my home room through high school. A few notes about Steve as I remember:
He was likely the toughest dude in our class and mastered riding a Harley better than anyone I have ever known. Steve was a real athlete and could have done great things in various sports but I don't think he tried out. He was a good guy to those who he liked and I was one that he did. We ran in different circles but he was very nice to me.

None
Home room mate in high school

October 21, 2014

This is my grandfather. I never got the chance to meet him. I am almost 17 and I am his oldest granddaughter. Please continue to watch over us! You are greatly missed!

Madi LePiane
Grand-daughter

November 19, 2013

It has been 31 years today since this awful event took place and tore you from the ones who needed you the most. May you continue to watch over and guide us. Would have been great to meet him and for him to meet his grandchildren. You are greatly missed!

Katherine LePiane
Daughter-in-law

November 5, 2013

That was my Grandpa, I am 15 now and i wish i would have gotten to meet this great man that i hear about from my father all the time thank u for servising our country you are loved!

Madi LePiane
Granddaughter

March 24, 2012

"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 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 1, 2007

Steve was my neighbor all those years ago, and I played with his kids when we were growing up. This was such a sad day for our community and for his family. I will never, ever forget the pain and emotions his death brought. Whenever I think of one of the saddest days of my life, I think of his funeral and seeing all those policemen burying one of their own.

Pam (Cain)
family friend

April 27, 2006

Although your memorial page has but a few messages, you are not forgotten by your entire police family. God bless you and your family forever.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 12, 2005