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DPD Officer Steve Whalen was a very good friend for years before and after he became one of Dayton's finest in blue. Steve would drive some of the coolest cars, Vettes, Chevys with BB motors, Plymouth's, and more, yet always maintained temperment while driving. I remember vividly standing against the outside wall of the old Dayton Baptist Temple (DBT) waiting for services to begin talking about cars, police work, life. Steve was a mentor to many and influenced many lives, including mine. Dr. Lawrence mentioned in his reflection that he recalled Sgt. Mark Bowron mentioning Steve Whalen BLVD on his news traffic reports on WHIO TV and radio. I can tell you that Mark knew Steve Whalen like he knew me way back in the day, as Mark and his family were integral parts of the DBT. Steve Whalen and I were both surprized for several reasons when Mark came home from joining the AF Reserves as a Military Policeman and later when he joined DPD. Mark, Steve, Terry, myself and others all joined law enforcement out of the DBT.
Steve was so proud when he was hired by DPD and while he went through the academy we stood and talked, with his new shoulder holster and S&W we stood and talked. His deep voice and the gentle way he was, as so many stated, a cop's cop. I watched him get after the bad guys hard, doing his job well as he would drive by me. I mourned your loss of earthly life, but, I know as do some that I will see you in the eternal life we will share together. Brothers in Christ, brothers in blue, or in my case black shirt, brothers for all time...
Rest in Peace my ol' Friend,
Steve Burden, B.A., 1st Dan
Deputy Sheriff (retired)
Deputy Steve Burden, Retired
Personal Friend of Steve Whalen
January 5, 2011
