Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lieutenant Steve Keith McCulley

Knox County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Tuesday, February 16, 1999

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Lieutenant Steve Keith McCulley

Still not forgotten Officer McCulley!
I was only a young adult when I heard of your passing and was saddened then. I remember how approachable you were when I would be out at the local arcade and remember vividly the night that you worked my first car wreck.
You came to my mind this morning even though I did barely know you which led me to see this memorial. Still feel sadness and pray that your family has done well!

Douglas Seal
Citizen

December 1, 2022

Rest in peace Lt. McCulley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 19, 2021

I remember when this occurred, so sad that day to have lost a true Officer

Sgt. Rebecca Holbert
Knox County Sheriff Office.

February 16, 2020

Lt. McCulley,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Knox County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

February 16, 2019

May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for your 21 years of service. I hope his two children have done well in life and are doing well, and the same goes for his wife.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 2, 2013

Lt. McCulley,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Knox County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

February 16, 2013

Missing you alot today....more so than in recent years. You were a wonderful brother.

Love,
Kim

Kim Miller
Sister

February 15, 2013

Z Z

You are still taking care of us even now. Thanks !
I will never forget .

Preach

Detective William Mckee
Knox County S.O.

February 7, 2013

To the family and loved ones of Lt. Steve McCulley:

I wanted to honor and remember Steve today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Steve, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by friends.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that he was robbed of his life so young, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

To his wife Lesa and his children, I am so sorry for your loss and know that your life was forever changed by the death of your beloved husband and father. I know that he is forever in your hearts. I wish for you that you are able to live the hopes and dreams he has for your life. In looking at his picture, I see Steve greeted life with a big smile. That is such a wonderful legacy.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Steve gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 16, 1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

Anonymous

February 16, 2009

Steve, you are soooo missed everyday! Sorry, that it has taken me so long to write this. The pain of loosing you has been great, not only to me, but family and people that you touched their lives thru the line of duty. It has been 9 years since you left us, and because of you and what you taught us we can move on, with you always in our hearts!Love to you always!

Lesa Mcculley Whitson
widow

February 26, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 17, 2008

LT McCULLEY, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO KNOX COUNTRY SHERIFF'S DEPT. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 10, 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 29, 2008

Lt. McCulley, you have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

January 10, 2008

STEVE,WE MISS YOU OLD PAL AND THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS ,YOU WERE A TRUE FRIEND AND A HELLVA OF A COP

SGT HARRY CARROLL
KCSO AND BUDDY

March 27, 2007

LT, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 21, 2004

Steve, My brother it has been nearly 5 years since your transfer to "Cop's Heaven", and you are still missed to this day. You were the one true friend that made me keep my head up everyday. Through the transfers and all , you made sure I was up-to-date on all the things I needed to know, and it was always special when we could get together and talk over our old times. I will always be proud to say that I trained under you, and I hope that comes through when dealing with my crew. Although I have had many personal losses in my life, my daughter and you will always have a Special Place in my life and my heart. Brother, you are still missed and I know you are still watching over us. You did while you were here, and knowing you the way I do, you wouldn't let a tranfer stop you now. Brother, Rest in Peace, and thank you for all you did...........TC

Sgt. T.C. Hicks
Knox County Sheriff's Office

January 13, 2004

To know that some people didn't respect the job you chose to do. But day after day, you worked to protect them.
God bless your Family and Friends.
-Rest In Peace-

SBH
Knox County Sheriffs Office

August 29, 2003

Steve, I miss you so much!  It took a while for me gain the strength to write this but, I have had you on my mind so much lately I had to get it out.  There has been a great void left by your passing that is filled only by the great memories you left behind.  You are my brother, mentor, and friend  I will never forget you.  Sometimes I can still hear that stupid laugh of yours and it brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.  Thank you for being part of my life and an influence that will last forever.  I Love You. Rest in God's peace. You earned it brother.

"Bubba"

Officer Jeff Hinchey
Knox County Sheriff's Office

Thank you for your many years of dedicated service. So sorry your
duty ended this way. You are missed.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

LT McCulley,
I was fortunate enough to work on your shift for my FTO program period and fortunate enough to have known you for a brief time. Sir, I appreciate what you did for me to get me moved to full-time patrol duty and appreciate the inspiration your shift gave to me to become the officer I am today. You were always a cop's cop. You were the type of supervisor who inspired loyalty and hard work through example. You are missed sorely today and we could use a leader like you. Thank you for the service you provided Knox County and for the leadership you provided your troops.

Anonymous

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.