Officer Down Memorial Page

I FIRST MET TROOPER SMITH IN 1999 IN MAYES COUNTY WHEN HE ASKED ME IF I HAD ANY PLANS FOR DINNER IN WHICH I JOINED HIM AT THE DUTCH PANTRY IN CHOUTEAU. I REMEMBER AFTER THAT FIRST MEETING RESPONDING ON CALLS WITH HIM IN WHICH HE WAS THE CONSTANT PROFESSIONAL. I ALSO, SADLY, REMEMBER EATING WITH HIM AT DEL RIO YEARS AFTER SEEING HIM WHEELCHAIR BOUND. I REMEMBER THE LAST THING HE SAID TO ME WHEN I LEFT THAT NIGHT, REGRETFULLY THE LASTTIME I SAW HIM, WAS STEVE SAYING, "STAY SAFE". THAT HAS ALWAYS STUCK WITH ME THROUGH THE YEARS, NO MATTER HOW HE WAS DOING HE WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED FOR OTHERS. REST IN PEACE, YOU ARE TRULY MISSED.

SGT. ROD HOWELL
CHOUTEAU P.D. WORKED MAYES COUNTY, OK. WITH STEVE
April 30, 2012

You and your family fought a long and hard fight. Those that love you will never let your memory be forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 9, 2012

A Hero may fall but shall never be forgotten. A true hero you were. RIP Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 9, 2012

You are remembered today on the sixth anniversary of your E.O.W. Thank you Trooper Smith for your service to this great nation, and citizens of Oklahoma. You will never be forgotten sir!

D/S Andrew D. Roedel
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
February 9, 2012

Never forgotten. You sir were a true fighter. RIP.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada
February 9, 2011

Steve and I worked together for many years. He believed in me and my abilities as an officer when I didn't believe in myself. With his guidance and encouragement, I promoted to the highest level a uniformed officer can achieve. Thank you Steve and I will miss you always.

Chief of Security(retired) Lynn Martinez
Ok DOC
June 18, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 9, 2010

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 19, 2009

To Trooper Steven Smith, sons and other loved ones:

On this the third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

Steve, I know that you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Trooper Smith. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Steve gave to his community and the citizens of Oaklahoma, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 9, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 9, 2009

The only thing good about this story is that you are in Heaven with Jesus, you
are healed and at total peace with the cares of this world far from you. You and
your murderer have both met God, one rejoicing and one facing eternal torment.
I'm glad you are now safely home, but I feel for the pain this continues to bring
your children. May the Holy Spirit comfort them, heal them and bring them
peace.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
October 2, 2008

RIP and continue to watch over your loved ones.God called you home and now you are no longer in pain.

Anonymous
September 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
February 7, 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 9, 2008

Steve was always a great guy. We responded to several accidents together. Steve always went above and beyond.

God Bless Steve and his family.

Ron Tatum, former paramedic
Mayes County Ambulance (MESTA)
November 17, 2007

God bless you! And may you rest in peace!

Deputy Michael Bondurant
Logan County Sheriff's Office OK
October 23, 2007

I participate in a 300 plus bicycle ride from NJ to Washington DC with over 400 police officers. Every year we pick a name of an officer that has paid the ultimate sacrifice and ride in his name so he will NEVER be forgotten.This year another rider and I picked Steven to ride in his honor and memory. We leave for the bike trip in 7 days. Just knowing that I am pedaling 300 miles in Steven's memory gives me more motivation than you know. All proceeds raised go to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. God bless all in BLUE!!!!

Ptl.Edward Noonan
Chester Twp. Police Department
May 2, 2007

Rest in peace brother. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Cpl. Ron Lockhart
Ft. Smith P.D.
March 28, 2007

On this, the first anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
We honor your service to the citizens of the state of Oklahoma and we send our condolences to your family and to our brothers and sisters serving with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Rest in peace troop.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police
February 9, 2007

A year has come and gone since you were called to heaven.
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice,you are a true hero.Rest in Peace Trooper.

Joseph Palmer
Future State Trooper
February 9, 2007

The first anniversary has arrived of your EOW. My thoughts are with your loved ones today. I know you suffered for so long and were finally called away. You are a true hero and your memory will never die. You will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 9, 2007

May Our Lord ever bless you and your loved ones.May He give you rest and your loved ones strength and comfort.

February 9, 2007

Why did he shoot you when he knew he was took much of a coward to face up to his crimes? No one will remember him but your positive spirit will live on through family and friends you left behind. Thank your for all you did.

wife of a michigan deputy
February 8, 2007

As the first anniversary of your EOW approaches, your sacrifice is honored and remembered. You will always be remembered as a hero.
Rest in peace, sir - you certainly deserve it.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
February 1, 2007

Never forgotten for making the supreme sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs
January 26, 2007