Officer Down Memorial Page

Steve, you will be missed by all those you touched. It was a pleasure to know you and work with you on the street.I will never forget you and I pray for your family.You were a COPS, COP. God's speed.

Officer Pete Ruffin #5724
Pasadena Police, Texas
July 27, 2005

GOD BLESS YOU OFFICER STEVE GAUGHAN, FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU MADE FOR THE CITIZENS OF MARYLAND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS, HEART AND PRAYERS. I AM THE WIFE OF A RETIRED PHILA. POLICE OFFICER AND A MOTHER OF A YOUNG PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER, AND KNOW ALL TOO WELL THE DANGERS THAT OUR OFFICERS FACE EVERY DAY IN PROTECTING ALL THE CITIZENS OF OUR NATION GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU REST IN PEACE. RESPECTFULLY, KATHI HALLIGAN PHILA., PA.

July 26, 2005

I first met Steve 16 years ago. He worked with my brother Neil Cronin at a supermarket in Walpole. Shortly after befriending Steve my brother died in a car accident. I remeber how kind Steve was to my family and Neil's girlfriend. His friendship made a sufferable time a little more bearable. My condolences to Steve's Wife, children, family and friends. I beleive that heaven must have been short an angels so God called another home. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Sheelagh (Cronin) Corcoran
Braintree, MA

July 25, 2005

You are a legendary officer that will not be replaced. People like you make our agency what it is. You never sat still, you never gave up, you never failed to see the humor in everything. You knew that "to be there was the thing..."
It's pretty quiet in the station now. I guess we'll have to find someone else to cook the hamburgers and clean up after the horses on National Night Out.

Cpl. Michael Rupp #1620
PGPD
July 18, 2005

Steve, I can only remember the great times jet sking with Tony, Scotty on the south river. You in your wet suit that was 4 sizes to big making me laugh all day. I lost my brother-in-law how was a PGPD years ago. Please rest in peace bud, and know Donna will be stong for the kids because of have you around in your own little way. God Bless You & Donna.

Matt Loiacono
Limousines, Inc. & RET. PGPD Fleet
July 15, 2005

I worked with Steve years ago at a local food store. He worked in produce and was always smiling and laughing. He helped us get through the boring days of a food store worker. A bunch of us went to the prom and I can still remember him dancing and making us all laugh. When my boyfriend died in a car accident, he was there to help me to smile again. We all loved him up here in Walpole, MA and can't believe that he was taken away from his family and children. Being the wife of a police officer and the mother of two young children, my heart just aches for Steve's wife. My prayers are with Steve's family. He was a wonderful spirit who touched so many lives. God Bless you all.

Pam Driscoll
July 14, 2005

Steve,

My brother really talked alot about you and your ability to make people laugh. I hope you are together with my brother. My entire family and I wish you eternal peace and joy. My brother is proud of you and I will surely miss you both.

Bernie Novabilski
July 11, 2005

Thank you for the friendship, service, and sacrifice, you made this world a better place. You were a good friend and will always be in our hearts.

Mother of PGPO
July 11, 2005

Steve,

I will miss you my friend. The hockey rink will never be the same.

Lt. Talik
PGPD
July 11, 2005

Sgt. Gaughan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Prince George's County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 10, 2005

Steve, You were an amazing person. The loss of your life is a true tragedy. You will be missed beyond belief.

PGPD Wife
July 10, 2005

As an academy classmate of Steve's I remember his great laughter and his zest for life. I pray that his family receives the grace they'll so desperately need in the days, months, and years to come.

For all my other brother/sister LE officers ... Be safe ... 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

F.C. Ruffatto #1745

Detective (Retired)
Pr Geo's Co. P.D.
July 9, 2005

You have given the ultimate sacrifice. You will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.

PFC Tiru #2673
PGPD
July 9, 2005

Steve, It is still hard to beleive that you are gone. I remember your laugh, your smile and your jokes. I am truly blessed to have had you a friend and brother. You always called me Jules and that meant alot to me. Now you are a true angel with our friend Nova. I am glad that I had a chance to say goodbye that ending at the hospital. I will see you again. Peace my brother......

Julie M Patterson
Prince George's Co.Police Dept.
July 8, 2005

Steve, you have given all that anyone can ask for. Thank you for being a true police officer. You never stopped being the real police. May God be with you and watch over your family. We will take it from here Steve. Your memory will live on sir.

Sgt. Robert Clark
Prince George's County Police Dept.
July 8, 2005

Sgt Gaughan, your sacrifice reminds me that we must live life to the FULLEST--by giving our all to those around us: family, friends, brother and sister officers, and community. Our time here is short. May you rest in peace.

PO3
Montgomery County Police (MD)
July 7, 2005

After some seventy two years on God's green earth I can finally say: "I personally knew a living and breathing "HERO". We are constantly exposed to the tales and exploits of those who paid the ultimate price and are honored posthumously by our bestowing the honorary label of "hero" as a prefix or suffix to their name. In most instances this belated honor befalls those who find themselves in a life or death situation that was not of their choosing. I do not wish to denigrate any of these brave individuals. Any person who gives his or her all for the benefit of our nation or their fellow man, deserves to be so honored.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2005 Corporal Steven Gaughan of the Prince George's County Police Department expired in the line of duty. He died doing what he was most happy doing. While the majority of law abiding citizens seek only to avoid evil and the bad elements in our society, Steve was busy tracking down the bad guys. That was his thing. He was like a John Wayne and all those fable good guys, who make each of us feel somehow more worthy as we reflect on their exceptional acts of bravery.

I met Steve Gaughan through his close friendship with my son-in-law, also a PG County police officer. At numerous social functions including my daughter's wedding, Christmas and birthday parties, et al... Steve always made his presence felt. He was a people person from the get-go. His sense of humor and hearty laughter was truly infectious. There was never a dull function when this guy was in attendance. He lit up the room!

Steve's devil may care attitude aside, it was readily apparent that this was a man you would want covering your back in dire circumstances. Behind that infectious smile and warm facade was an individual I could never picture behind a desk as an administrator. He was born to serve in the trenches and relished that role. He was the gallant warrior that General George Patton would have welcomed at his side in combat. These two fearless souls will now meet face to face. They were cut from the same fabric. Each had no fear of meeting the enemy on their own turf. Most often than not, they prevailed.

Corporal Gaughan leaves behind a widow, Donna (A former law officer herself), and two children, Daniel and Rachael, who were adopted from Russia after encountering much red tape and personal expense. Witnessing Steve with these two youngsters initially was like watching a big bear attempting to tame two rambunctious kittens. As with all else he encountered, he would overcome the language barrier and become a doting and exemplary father. Now these two youngsters, who excaped from an Iron Curtain future-must face a future in America without the always protective Dad shielding their flanks.

Steve Gaughan: It was my great fortune to know you in life. I pray we can find an appropriate way to memorialize your passing. We are all diminished by your death in the line of duty, but you will forever serve as an example of what one valiant person can do when they commit their life to the cause of mankind. You did good, Big Guy!

You will be missed Steve, but rest assured...You will never by forgotten!

Gerry Ponder
Bowie, Maryland
July 6, 2005

May God be with the Gaughan family each and every minute. May He also give comfort and strength to every police officer serving our community. Thank you, Sgt. Gaughan, for your service. Though you are temporarily separated from your family now, know they are being well taken care of. Be at peace with God and I'll be praying for your wife and family.

PGPD wife
July 6, 2005

Brother its time to rest thank you for your service to the people. Watch over us as we now patrol the streets. Thank you. Bob

Sergeant Robert Denault
Department of Defense Police
July 6, 2005

Steve, You were sitting at my desk laughing just an hour before you went on your assignment that ending it all. I still remember every word of our conversation. I will truly miss you and you will never be forgotten. Thanks for making us laugh Garnet. Rich

Corporal Richard Hart #1277
Prince George's County Police Department
July 5, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Prince George County P.D

Fallen but neber forgotten.

Bryan Laure
Haltom City Police Department
July 5, 2005

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
July 5, 2005

It is a special gift to bring joy and laughter to others. Steve Gaughan had this gift. He was a beautiful person and a child of God.

Cpl Ross
PGCPD
July 5, 2005

Rest in peace Steve we will Keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Matthew 5:9

Patrolman E. Kraft
Grove PD Oklahoma
July 5, 2005

Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Kevin Wallace
Georgetown Police Dept. KY
July 5, 2005