Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Sergeant May. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 15, 2012

Thanks for sharing your Reflection, it was very touching. I wish you could have met Steve. He was my partner, a great friend and a tremendous cop. The thugs feared him, he worked Gangs most of his career.

I had a dream about Steve awhile back, the only one I have had. I walked into our locker room and could hear him talking and laughing. It was so real. I found him standing in the doorway that separates our two locker areas.

He turned toward me, smiled and gave me a Maddog bear hug. I asked him how he was and he simply smiled and responded "I'm fine."
Then I woke.
RIP Maddog, miss you.

Sergeant Tim Helton (Ret.)
Modesto Police Department
November 15, 2011

I never met Steve personally as I learned about him through his story through "Operation Maddog". I too am a Traumatic Brain Injury,TBI, Survivor from a gunshot to the head when I was 16. I recovered and went into LE for almost 10 years. I read Steve's story and as a former LEO and TBI survivor I wanted to help somehow. I contacted Gail Smith at Modesto PD who got me in touch with Diane, Steve's wife. I was going to participate in a fund raiser for Brain Injury survivors called the "Pikes Peak Challenge", held annually in Colorado Springs, CO. The "Pikes Peak Challenge" raises funds for the Brain Injury foundation of Colorado and serves as a representation of the monumental challenges TBI survivors face. Diane sent me one of Steve's uniform patches with his Sergeant stripes on it. I safety pinned it to my Army rucksack that I wore in the climb. I also represented my Army Reserve unit in Denver, CO and climbed in uniform with our Battalion flag, the 244th Engineer Combat Battalion,Denver,CO. Steve's patch summitted Pikes Peak, Colorado at 14,110 feet elevation on September 11, 2008. I arranged a collage with pictures of the climb and Steve's patch and mailed it to Diane. I wanted her to have the patch back. I just read today that Steve died from his injuries in 2009 and I broke down in tears. I know that not everyone is as fortunate to recover from TBI as I have been, it's a harsh reality. I always hoped and prayed Steve would regain consciousness, however St.Michael decided Steve had fought long enough,
RIP Steve.

PFC Randall Davis, US Army Reserves
Former Norfolk PD,VA
January 10, 2011

Sergent May,
We want to say THANK YOU for all you have given to this community! I know it has been just over a year that you passed on to Heaven. I keep your family in my daily prayers...always asking Our Lord Jesus to keep them safe and continue to give comfort that there will be a day that each of you will be reunited for eternity!!! May all of us never forget the sacrifice that has been paid!!!
Diana, please know that you are one of my Hero's and am looking forward to seeing you soon xoxoxo
love and respect always

Kathy stevenson wife of
Sgt. Howard K. Stevenson EOW 1/9/05
July 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first 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 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

What a journey we've had. Because of you the lives of our families will be forever intertwined. You are missed by one and all. Soon we will see you again.

Anonymous
July 23, 2010

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Steve was one of the best street cops I ever worked with. He was the guy you hoped to see coming first if you were in a jam, and needed help. It still makes me sad to think that he is gone, and I still miss him. May God bless his family because I know they miss him too.

Tay Maniaci Master Officer-Retired
MPD
July 23, 2010

Steve, I think of you often. I learned a lot from you, especially as a new supervisor of the Street Gang Unit. You were a mentor to me and helped me grow individually and as a new supervisor. You were very knowledgeable and well respected, both within the law enforcement community and with the gang bangers. You are sorely missed and will never be forgotten. Until we meet again......Dave.

Dave Funk, retired
July 23, 2010

A year ago at 1332 hours is a date I won't forget. Just thinking about you Mad Dog. Rest well my brother.

Ed Smith
Modesto PD (Ret)
July 23, 2010

Diana, Mike and Corrine,

My family and I have recently returned from a trip to the East Coast where we had the opportunity to visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Seeing Steve's name among the others reminds us of the sacrafice he made for our community. He most definately has made an impression on me and my career and I think of him often. May God continue to watch over you all and give you comfort.

Detective Jim Rokaitis

Detective Jim Rokaitis
Modesto P.D.
July 23, 2010

Where has time gone, it seems like just the other day I was walking the patrol building as saw Sgt.May.
We passed on the street or maybe it was on a call. His laugh was always hearty and came from down deep as I recall.
Steve was passionate and always wore a smile. He was tough on the outside,soft in the center, yeah that was just his style.
Steve loved the chase of bad guys and always gave his best. When it came to hunting them down, finding them out, Steve was relentless.
We have his memory, his honor, the bar he did raise. Now he's in heaven, giving God all the praise.
So know this my warrior brother, your shift on earth is done. You've won your fight and gave your all and God is proud of his other loving son...RIP my brother.

Wil
MPD
July 23, 2010

Today marks the first anniversary of Steve's death. Steve was a great friend, coworker, father, husband, son and cop. We will never forget his sacrifice or that of his family who have to go on without him. Steve will live on forever in the memory of those of us who loved him. We hold his family in our hearts, today and always.

Gail Smith
Modesto Police Department - coworker and friend
July 23, 2010

To Sgt. Steven E. May, his family and his fellow officers with the Modesto Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Sgt. Steven E. May’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Sgt. Steven May and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
July 23, 2010

To the family of Sergeant May:
I live in nearby Sonora and I am the daughter of Deputy David Grant who was also killed in the line of duty. I am so sorry for your loss and wish I had the words to help you through such a difficult time in your lives. On May 7th, I will be in Sacramento to honor Sergeant May with a song. I will be thinking of Sergeant May and your family. It is an honor to sing in memory of him.

Jennifer Grant
Daughter of Dep. Grant EOW 5/31/04
April 12, 2010

Steve,

You passed away this summer. We just came to Cali. when you let go.. I think of you often... Rest in peace brother.... I remember the times we spent together and the time you spent recruiting me for MPD over CPD.... I remember you working the TPU and I working for CPD...Go Rest High brother!!!!

Anonymous
February 8, 2010

Merry Christmas Sgt. May,
I know this is the first Christmas that your beautiful wife and family are forced to spend without you. My heart breaks that the miracle we all were praying for did not come to pass. I know that God in His Great Wisdom knows why he needed to bring you home! I keep your family in prayer and am thankful that they are believers and know in their hearts that they will see you once again in perfect love. My God watch over all of us that are waiting for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thank You once again for your brave sacrifice We will never forget you.
love Howard's family

Kathy stevenson wife of
Sgt. Howard K. Stevenson EOW 1/9/05
December 26, 2009

To the Family and Frieds of Sgt. Steve May:

I recently read of the death of Steve and I would like to express my heart felt sympathies over his passing. As a former director of the Criminal Justice Trainnig Center and POST Police Academy in Modesto, I hired Steve as an adjunct faculty member on the recommendation of then Sgt. Al Petrides. It was an excellent decision. Steve was an excellent police officer, instructor and role model to recruit and veteran officers alike. I morn his passing.
I pray that the many wonderful memories of Steve you have in some way assuage the grief of his family and friends.

May the Lord's love embrace and protect all of you.

Dr. Ron Martinelli
Temecula, CA

Dr. Ron Martinelli
Fmr. Director Modesto POST Academy
November 12, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Sergeant Steven May,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Sergeant Steven May. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Sergeant Steven May is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Co-Founder of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
September 26, 2009

To Sgt. Steven May, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Steven's death and extend my sincerest condolences sn the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the May family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Steven's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Steven gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 23, 2009.

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

Anonymous
September 8, 2009

Sgt. May,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Modesto. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
August 28, 2009

Rest in peace Brother Steven, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs OK PD
August 13, 2009

I grew up in Modesto and I come to think that you, Sergeant May, were working the beat in south and west Modesto, protecting and serving the community so I could make it this far. Thanks for your hard work. God bless your family.

Small world.

Border Patrol Agent Gabe Pacheco
US Border Patrol
August 12, 2009

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.

Motor Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA
August 10, 2009

The members of the Slidell Police Department would like to extend our condolences during this time of need.

Alayna Wilcox
Slidell Police Department
August 7, 2009

To all the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, God bless you. Thank you all for the work you have done and are still doing. I don't know any fallen officers personally, but my prayers are always with you all. And not just to the fallen heroes, but to all who risk your lives on a daily basis, I thank you with all my heart. GOD bless you all.

SHIVAN
civilian
August 4, 2009