Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Mahan,
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 Elk City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 5, 2023

I didn't know Sgt. Mahan and at the time of this tragic event I was in middle school. I do remember the funeral as it was held at the same middle school I was attending at the time and remember the numerous law enforcement officer's from all over being in attendance. I don't think I have ever seen so many police cars in one place since then. I know the police officer who ended up arresting the murderer the same night as he was trying to get home and so thankful that there are a brave few who step up each day to protect the good. I have gone out to the cemetery a few times and visited Sgt. Mahan's final resting place and taken the time to just reflect on what this man stood for. I have bowed my head and prayed while there and saluted this great man for his service.

Officer Rodney Hines
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal PSO DECO Security

May 15, 2015

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enforcement. Did a few ridealongs with the good Sergeant Mahan. Was about the third on the scene. Terrible day. May he rest in peace.

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enf

August 15, 2013

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enforcement. Did a few ridealongs with the good Sergeant Mahan. Was about the third on the scene. Terrible day. May he rest in peace.

john kennedy

August 15, 2013

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enforcement. Did a few ridealongs with the good Sergeant Mahan. Was about the third on the scene. Terrible day. May he rest in peace.

john kennedy

August 15, 2013

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enforcement. Did a few ridealongs with the good Sergeant Mahan. Was about the third on the scene. Terrible day. May he rest in peace.

john kennedy

August 15, 2013

I sadly remember that day.
I was an honorary member of the Elk City Police because of being an assistant to the public works director and did code enforcement. Did a few ridealongs with the good Sergeant Mahan. Was about the third on the scene. Terrible day. May he rest in peace.

none
a long ago friend

August 15, 2013

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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss 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

January 5, 2012

Steve was my best friend, FTO, my sergeant, confidant and during my tenure at ECPD we spent more time together than even with our wives it seems like. We had great times. Steve was very kind and people he arrested respected him because they were treated with dignity and not like a criminal. He was soft spoken but very well respected by all who knew him.
I feel so lucky to have been under his supervision during my PD years. It has been 28 years since Steve's murder and I think about him a lot. He was a true HERO (he would say not).
I grew up 10 miles from Steve. Steves living brother (Sleepy) is a good friend and I see Steves mother once a month at sleeps bakery. I see Steves two ex wives at times and see his 4 daughter at times---one works as a dispatcher at ECPD. The current chief of ECPD Bill Putman was also a sergeant at the time of the tragedy.
Unfortunately--the murderers brother and I have know each other since little kids. I will not speak the murderers name in the same area as Steve's.
So overall Steve will always be remembered by lots of people in western Oklahoma. It pleases me to know Steve will be forever a HERO in eternity. My memory of you will never fade. Best of pals forever---Terry

Patrolman Terry D. Jones badge#19
Elk City Ok PD Nov1979 to Feb1983

September 8, 2011

Still not forgotten brother

Anonymous

April 4, 2009

"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 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

rest in peace officer Mahan. We thank you for your service.

Dina
daughter of a fallen officer

May 22, 2006

I remember most Steve's smile and his laughter. May you have peace.
Linda

Linda Hart, ex.-wife of fellow officer

September 11, 2005

Sgt. Mahan,
Thank you for your service to the citizens of Elk City. It took 16 more years but your murderer finally got the justice he deserved.
R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 8, 2005

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky

All is well
safely rest
God is nigh

Fading light
Dims the sight
And a star
Gems the sky
Gleaning bright

From afar
Drawing nigh
Falls the night

Thanks and praise
For our days
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky

As we go
This we know
God is nigh

Then good night
peaceful night
Till the light
of the dawn
shineth bright

God is near
do not fear
Friend, good night

(lyrics to "Taps")

Patrolman Jason Riggs
Poteau Police Department - Poteau, OK