Master Trooper Stephen H. Gray Louisiana State Police Louisiana Monday, May 29, 1995  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I KNEW AND WORKED WITH STEVE FOR MANY YEARS, HE WAS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS. HE LOVED HIS JOB AND MADE FRIENDS EASILY, I KNOW HE LOVED HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN. HE SPOKE OF THEM LOT ON THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT WE WORKED MANY TIMES.

STEVE IS STILL TO THIS DAY THOUGHT OF AND TALKED ABOUT, HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOT IN BEAUREGARD PARISH.

GOD BLESS.

DET RONNIE COOLEY
BEAUREGARD SHERIFFS DEPT
2008-07-10

Today, Steve's loving wife, Paula Gray Austin, lost her 13 year battle with breast cancer. I loved Paula from the first year I met her at COPS KIds Camp. She was always smiling or laughing and had such a bubbly personality. She always shared stories about Steve and the boys, but never showed outwardly any sign of fear about her cancer. Once I found out about mine, Paula was right there to lend an ear and share her story with me. I will miss Paula Gray Austin and I there are many others that will miss her too, for she was very loved by her family and friends. She is at peace now and back with her beloved Steve.

Tammie Elliott-Gehle
W/87
2008-05-21

"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
2008-02-02

Steve is still remembered by those who work at Troop D. There are not many of us left who had the pleasure of working with him. His scrifice will not be forgotten.

The license number "D-34" has not been issued since his crash and has been retired in his memory.

Capt. Russell Haman
State Police, Troop D
2008-01-10

I had met Steve years ago on the job. He was a good friend and a fine trooper. I still miss seeing him every day that goes by. Rest in peace Steve and we will see you again soon. John G. Doyle

POLICE OFFICER 3 JOHN G DOYLE
LA WEIGHTS & STANDARDS POLICE
2007-09-30

I was an M.P. stationed at Ft. Polk when I had the pleasure of meeting Steve in 1982. I have been a Deputy Sheriff for 23 years now. Not a year goes by without thinking of my friendship with Steve. You had an impact on my decision to continue in law enforcement. Thanks for the time we spent together and your warm Louisiania hospitality towards a young solider from california.

Deputy
Los Angeles County Sheriff
2006-09-18

Though it has been over 10 years since you were welcomed into God's arms, you have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to the people of Louisiana. RIP

2005-12-27

I was a new deputy, only two months on the job, when a trooper, newly posted to our area brought in a DWI. This was when I met Steve in early 1981. At first, like his wife has earlier stated, I could not believe someone could be so naturaly compassionate to virtually all that he met. And yet, he was the consummate police officer. I looked up to him as a experienced brother officer, virtually my best friend and the brother I never had...
It has been 10 years since he died so young and so tragically. I still miss him each and every day of my life. He was a excellent State Trooper, and simply one of the finest human beings I have ever known. He was ALWAYS trying to make someone's day brighter and would help anyone in any way he could. Many people did not know what to make of someone so strong yet kind. Few made the mistake of taking his kindness for weakness for that was NOT the case.

During his career he was a top DWI enforcer, and a medal of valor recipient for directly saving a life during a special State Capitol detail.
I took a lot of cues from him in how to handle "the job", people and life as well.

I cannot say it enough how strongly he is STILL missed, even these many years later. I speak to him every day, and only hope I will get to see him again when my time is done here. I KNOW where he is, I hope I can make it there as well. Rest well my brother, you surely made a strong mark upon so many in your short time here on earth. It is so true, the good do die young...

God Bless you in your rest.

"D"

Deputy Sheriff Dwayne E. Larriviere
Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office
2005-11-07

I miss you big brother, after 10 years at times it still feels like yesterday, we received the news of your death.
Take care of my friend that was killed last week in Baghdad. He was a fellow cop in the state. You know I would have called to let you know about him. Oh yes, I haven't forgotten, 19 Feb. 2005, your 51st birthday.
I love you,
Sandy

2005-01-13

I knew Steve was a special person from the first time I met him, but it took a few dates before I fully realized how kind he was. I remember once at a mall we chatted while waiting in line to pay for some small item, and Steve noticed that a child in front of us didn't have quite enough change to pay for his purchase. Without missing a beat in our conversation, almost without even noticing it, he reached into his pocket for the little oval plastic change pouch in which he always kept his change to keep it from making noise, and handed the cashier the amount the boy needed. I'll never forget the look of gratitude on that young man's face. When I mentioned that incident to him years later, Steve couldn't recall it at first, I think because it was such an automatic reaction for him to do things like that. When he finally remembered it, I asked him why he had given money to a kid who was a total stranger. I'll never forget his response. It wasn't because he was impatient, or that he was trying to impress me (even though he did!). Steve said it was just because "the poor kid was embarrassed". That is the kind of guy he was. He touched many people's lives with little kindnesses like that. And although he may have quickly forgotten about it, this is one memory I will cherish as long as I live.

Paula Gray

2004-12-06

On 2/19/2004, Steve would have celebrated his 50th birthday. I wish that I could call him and tease him about being half a century old. Steve always told his family that he would die young and his death was premature. I miss my brother.........
Sandy

Sandy Gray Vitter

2004-02-07

I lived by MT Steve Gray. I remember on one occation where he was washing is Patrol Car and his 3 yr. old son was out helping him. On another occation, I remember him seeing a neighbor lady washing their car. He stopped and made her let him to it instead. He was the perfect example of service and is missed by all in the community.

Jason Nash

2003-11-17

MT STEPHEN GRAY AND I WERE WORKING THE SAME SHIFT ON 5-29-95 WHEN HE WAS KILLED IN A TWO VEHICLE COLLISION ON LA 14 SOUTH OF LAKE CHARLES LA. THE COLLISION OCCURED AT 940 AM WHEN MT GRAY WAS RESPONDING TO A TWO VEHICLE COLLISION WITH INJURIES ON LA 14. MT GRAY HAD BEEN WITH THE LA STATE POLICE FOR 15 YEARS AND WAS 41 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH. HE WAS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN. STEVE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND IS MISSED...

TFC V. L. Spurgeon
Louisiana State Police