Police Officer II Steven Gerald Gajda, Los Angeles Police Department, California

Police Officer II Steven Gerald Gajda

Los Angeles Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, January 1, 1998

Steven Gerald Gajda

Officer Steven Gajda died on January 1, 1998, after being shot in the head while assigned to stop people from shooting guns in the air on New Year's Eve.

He and other officers stopped at a party which seemed out of control to issue a warning. While they were approaching several gang members, the gang members fled and were pursued by the officers. Officer Gajda chased one man who appeared to have a weapon in his waistband and was shot in the ensuing struggle. Two officers on the scene returned fire, killing the 17 year old suspect who had been wanted for murder since March of 1997.

Officer Gajda is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 7 years
Badge 12940

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, December 31, 1997
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Shot and killed by other officers

Most Recent Reflection

View all 119 Reflections

I first met Steve in March of 1992 when I arrived to Hollenbeck Division after completing probation. After working with him in patrol, we later worked CRASH together. Steve was a great cop and a very funny guy; he made work a lot of fun. He lived life to the fullest and I am grateful for having had the privilege of knowing him and working with him.

I recently attended the 20th Anniversary Memorial at Hollenbeck Station. It was a very emotional ceremony and brought back a lot of memories. It was a pleasure seeing family and friends honoring and remembering Steve.

I am the team captain for the Hollenbeck Baker to Vegas running team. This year, the team is dedicating the race to Steve in honor of his courage, dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice he made. This will be my 25th and final race and I will be thinking of Steve every step of the way. God Bless you Steve.

Detective Adrian Parga
LAPD, HOLLENBECK DIVISION

January 12, 2018