Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Please join me and honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman David L. Sterner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 25, 2024

Patrolman Sterner,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Ohio. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 25, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman David L. Sterner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

February 25, 2020

Semper Fi Brother in blue...You will always be in our thoughts. I’m so sorry You career was so short but believe me, your service mattered. God Bless.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol SLA #530

February 25, 2019

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Patrolman Sterner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 25, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman David L. Sterner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 57 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

February 25, 2018

Although it has been 40 yrs, doesn't seem possible, I somewhat remember the incident and remember the picture in our local paper. I have always had the utmost respect for the OSHP. I just wanted to give my respects to our local Trooper and that his name will never be forgotten here in Findlay. Thank you for your service and to our surrounding communities. GOD needed you more in Heaven for His work.

private citizen, Dave Hards

April 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.

Rest In Peace.

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

February 25, 2012

Your sacrifice is remembered today. You are and will always be a hero. Continue to rest in peace sir.

Dr. Mike A. Crain, D.Min.
Police Supporter

February 25, 2012

Thanks for your 8 months of services, David.

David

February 25, 2012

This patrolman died so young and served just a short time. The Flying Wheel now you have wings of a different type. God bless his family members he left behind and we know you are serving your new watch well over us.

William Pennywitt
Former Sheriff's dept. affiliate

December 27, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR DEDICATION

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 19, 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 8, 2008

I attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol's memorial service for the first time this past May and was moved by the dedication the Patrol has for remembering it's fallen officers. I was also greatly moved by the number of family members who come back year after year to honor their loved ones...some who have died over 50 years ago.

My boyfriend is a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. I have always been proud of his job and his affiliation with the Patrol, but am even more so after attending the service. People always use the "words" "you will never be forgotten. The family of OSHP live by those words.

Becky Muncy, Widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor

September 21, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MY SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

February 17, 2007

You were too young to leave us.Thank you for your service and may Our Lord continue to comfort your family.

February 25, 2006

Dave, although you have been gone since 1973, you are not forgetten.

Please keep watch over all of us and keep us safe.

Until me meet again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Heather
OSHP

July 14, 2005

Like my son, you were so young! You are a hero and although you have been gone for a while and, thanks to the ODMP, you have not been forgotten. Rest in peace!

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

January 19, 2004