Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Gilner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
March 24, 2012

Miss you bro!!

Friend
Sandy Springs PD
October 29, 2011

It's just been so hard to believe so much time has passed. Right before this horrible incident happened Steve had called me to tell me he had a video of a chase he was in and I had worked the radio. He was going to leave it on his desk for me to pick up when I returned from a trip. Then the unthinkable happened. I could never bring myself to go to the pct to pick it up, now I wish I had. He was a man that loved his job, but loved his family more. He would always show pictures of his family and carried a picture in his left pocket so they would be close to his heart. Steve, you may be gone but are never forgotten.

Tina Rutledge
Cobb County P.D.
July 23, 2011

I went to the same High School as Stephen, although I graduated a few years earlier. Stephen was my parents news delivery carrier.

Stephen has not been forgotten by his town, there is a memorial dedicated to him in a local park. He will never be forgotten by his brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement.

As he stood before the pearly gates of heaven, he received the welcome words "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord".

Rest in peace my brother.

Deputy Matthew Liotta
Henry County Sheriff's Office, TN.
July 12, 2011

Happy 44th Birthday! I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday...RDMH

Anonymous
January 6, 2011

I was just sitting here thinking about the classes we took together and the great conversations we had, one Yankee to another. God Bless and rest in peace.

Officer M. Freer
Marietta PD
January 3, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 24, 2010

Keep looking over us.....I saw your family last month....They look like they are doing well.

Co-worker
Austell PD
July 24, 2009

Stephen,
Wow You were a great guy when we used to hang out in school . I hope God is taking good care of you, you were a great guy, and obviously missed alot, god bless you , your old school friend Mike

Michael Bonsignore
July 20, 2009

I can't beleive its going to be ten years. Its been five years since I last visited this site. I always remember you. And I still try to live my life as an honorable one. When I am down or feel that something is too difficult, I think about you and I push harder and make it through the day. I hope and pray that Lis and Vikki are well. I know that you are in heaven looking after them. Someday I will see again brother. Love you.

Det Ron Castro
Freind
January 26, 2009

I can't believe it's been nearly 10 years now. I still cry. I still think about you a lot. You were one of my best friends in the department- beginning in the Academy, then pct 1, and shared part time jobs. It still seems so unfair. I think about your family, especially Elisa and Nikki. I pray that they have found peace in their hearts. I'm still praying for that for me. I remember how happy you were to find out you were going to be a father and then when Nikki was born--that big grin of yours! You will always be missed. God Bless.

Maria Padgett
Former Cobb Officer
January 25, 2009

So sad. Another reason why life is not fair. Your little toddler is now a young
girl and it grieves me she never got to share her life with her Dad from 2 on.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
July 24, 2008

Steve, just wanted to wish you a Happy belated birthday my friend, wow, it's been a while, we would have been 41 this year. I paid you a visit a few weeks ago, man it seem's like yesterday you left us, you are truely missed. RIP my friend.

Jmaes Newton retired police officer
NYPD
February 6, 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
October 8, 2007

He was a great dad
even though I didn't get to know him very well
I'm on vacation and can't stop thinking about him
WATCH OVER ME,
Nikki 10

Nikki 10
his daughter
September 19, 2007

I KNEW YOU WERE GONE WHEN WE PICKED YOU UP OFF THE CAR PORT.IT HURT TO KNOW YOU WERE GONE,BUT YOU DIED FOR YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS AND THAT WAS THE WAY YOU LIVED YOUR LIFE.I GOT A CHANCE TO WORK WITH YOUR SISTER AT GSP AND SHE HAD A LOT OF YOUR TRAITS.REST WELL WARRIOR YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN...MIKE

Mike BARTON
RETIRED COBB COUNTY POLICE
September 6, 2007

Dear Steve,
You would be proud of your girls, they are doing well. Nikki is growing into a smart and beautiful young lady. Li and Nikki are as close as any mother and daughter can be, a great tribute to the solid foundation you and Li built together. We miss you and love you. Marsha & John

Marsha and John Biddar
Family
July 30, 2007

Steve, You are gone but never forgotten.I worked with you'r Sister at GSP and she is a lot like you...R.I.P. We will meet again one day... Barton

DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE BARTON
COBB POLICE RETIRED
July 26, 2007

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. On the 08th anniversary of your tragic death, may your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
July 24, 2007

Steve, can't believe it's been 8 years. The hurt still feels like just yesterday. You are truly missed. We all think of you often and wish you were still here to enjoy life with us.
Love, Jeff, Darlene and gang

Freund Family
family member
July 24, 2007

Steve, It is so hard for me to believe that it has been eight years ago tonight. Please keep watching over us and know that you are missed.

Christie Nerbonne
Cobb Police/Friend
July 23, 2007

We still miss you buddy.

SWAT Officer
Cobb PD
July 8, 2007

There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss you buddy.

Rick May
Cobb P.D. Friend
May 18, 2007

Just wanted to say that you are still thought of everyday. You will be remembered always.

SB
Douglasville PD
May 13, 2007

Dear Steve,
We are getting ready for another candle light vigil 8 years and as overwhelming ever!!! I miss you so much!! Please continue to look over our Little Girl and listen for her prayers!!
WE love you!!!
Li and Nik XO

Li
wife
April 30, 2007