Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP. You are never forgotten. We are continuing the fight against crime.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

January 1, 2017

I didn't know Steve ... I never even met him ... but during my 30 years with LAPD I had friends who gave it all. You will be together again I'm sure. Stay strong and never forget the great memories you have

P 3+1 Richard Leuschner
LAPD

December 31, 2016

This notification popped up in my Facebook news feed because someone shared it. I thank you for sharing it, as I will never forget that night.

I was new on the job with just 3 months under my belt. That was the first help call I can remember. It was then that I realized that even the LAPD tough guys I looked up to were human. I saw so much emotion that night and it sticks with me through my career.

I have never read these reflections here before and I am so moved by Mom writing to him, and us. Thank you ma'am.

I recently visited the California Memorial in Sacramento and found his name, along with a few others. It was a very humbling experience that led us there after a couple of our LAPD Officers decided to run there from ourAcademy. They did it to honor the Officers we have lost and the families they leave behind. Project Endure got me thinking of those we have lost and I am greatful to have worn this uniform to honor them. I will continue to do so until my body no longer allows me to do it.

Thank you again, and please contact me anytime at Olympic Station if you ever want to participate in our charitable functions.

Police Officer Shad Stilkey
LAPD active

December 31, 2016

19 years already! It's so hard to believe that you have been gone that long. You would think that anyone who had 19 years to recover from a painful experience they would feel better. Well, that is simply not possible! Losing my first born child was the most devastating thing I have ever had to deal with. There are still days that tears flow down my face and it takes a moment to realize it's because something reminded me of you. I miss you precious more than anyone could ever imagine. Over the years I have done whatever I could in memory of you. I'm getting older and tired now. I pray that someone else in our family steps up to keep things moving forward. I don't want anyone to miss out on learning who you are and what you stood for. You were the kindest, most loving person I knew. Your ability to make people laugh was priceless. Ah, priceless, that is the best way to describe you. I love you Steve and miss you so much. Continue to rest in peace until we are together again.

For all Eternity,

Mom

December 31, 2016

18 years ago today I lost a part of myself. How is it possible that a person could continue to survive with a broken heart? I love and miss you so much son. You made me laugh like no one ever could. You made me cry like I never cried before. The best thing you ever did for me was you made me a Mom, your Mom. Today your my precious Angel. Until the day we are together again, continue to watch over all of us. Happy New Year son. God Bless your soul.

For all Eternity
Mom

January 2, 2016

Tomorrow would have been your 47th birthday. But instead of celebrating another year of life with you I'm forced to face another year without you. This New Year will mark 18 years since that tragic night. Your family has learned to deal with it as best we can. But I for one find myself bursting out in tears for the simplest of reasons. The same picture I look at every single day and night will sometimes trigger pain in my heart that can not be controlled. I love you son so much and I know one day we will be together again. Until then, Happy Birthday My Little Pumpkin.

Lovingly
Mom

October 29, 2015

Steve,

I am riding the Police Unity Tour for the first time this year. I will honor you during this ride. I am grateful to have had you & your family in my life, long ago.

Debbie Martinez-Romero

Deputy
LASD

April 4, 2015

Officer Gajda:

I never met you, but I always pass by your memorial sign on the CA-60 East around Indiana Ave.

I looked up your story after wondering about your memorial. Every time I pass by the sign I wink at you knowing you are proud of all your LE officers protecting Hollebeck and beyond.

I am thankful to know you protected our city with pride and I know your mom loves you very much.

Continue Resting in Paradise.

- IA

IA
Los Angeles Resident

February 22, 2015

For Steven Gajda,

On this New Year's Eve, we all remember working the gangster

streets in Hollenbeck Division and your ultimate sacrifice.

Rest in peace, partner. We will always remember you.


Lawrence "Frank" Hickey, ex-Hollenbeck rookie and LAPD, retired.

P-2 Lawrence "Frank" Hickey
LAPD, Retired.

December 31, 2014

Another Holiday Season without you my son. This time of the year is so bittersweet for me. The first few years I felt dead inside. Then our family began to grow with one new child after another. Christmas than became joyous once again. But the pain deep in my heart is still just as alive today as it was 17 years ago. The one thing that makes it easier to face is knowing how much you loved Christmas. And also knowing how much you loved your family and would want us to continue celebrating this wonderful Holiday. Miss and love you so much.

Lovingly Mom
Mother

December 17, 2014

To the family and friends of Officer Gajda, I offer my heartfelt condolence and am so sorry for your loss. Even more than fifteen years later I can't imagine the pain you must feel at having suffered through such a tragedy. I am currently a recruit at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Academy (class # 403), and the bravery and courage Officer Gajda demonstrated that fateful night serves as a reminder to me everyday of the sacrifice and dedication required by police officers to keep the public safe. He is a true hero and I can only aspire to be as courageous and strong as he was that night almost twenty years ago as I embark on my career as a member of law enforcement.
God bless.

Recruit Parcella
Inglewood PD recruit

September 29, 2014

Steve, it has been 17 years and the tears still flow from missing you!!. I know they date it 1998 but we both know you were gone before that....I was so looking forwared to New Years and going to the Short Stop haha......I was looking forward to 1998 being a great year and then.....Laura's voice came over the radio...My whole life changed at that moment. I still have that wood door stop you made with your new saw that you were excited about. I still have the Beavis and Butthead toilet paper you had in your locker...I still even have your hairspray you used to make that perfect dooooooo you always had . I think of all the pranks we pulled on the boots...I think of MacDonalds, when I was collecting the 101 Dalmation toys and You and Toyo smoozed the girls at the register to get me more of them. I remember your funeral....It was a nightmare and I looked up at some birds flying by and said "Steve if you were here you would find a way to make me laugh"...the next thing I know, a giant thunder sounded and a rain cloud suddenly poured down on Bernie and Company....I knew it was you!...The only comfort that I had through all of the nightmare was that you told me you had become a Christian ( and you told me not to laugh)...and I knew you went to Heaven and were OK. I know you are in a better place. I know you are up there cracking jokes about all the crap that goes on every day down here.
I Love you and Miss you much my friend

Hollenbeck Queen
LAPD

May 15, 2014

Steve,
I can't believe it's been 15 years since your name was added to the memorial wall in Sacramento. I just left the candle light vigil tonight and it felt like it was yesterday that I was here with my family, your mom, grandma, dad, brothers and others. I must admit, tears were flowing from my eyes this evening thinking about you. I was telling stories about you to some of the younger officers tonight. There isn't a day I don't think about you bro. I miss you Steve.

Sergeant Alexander Ortiz
LAPD-Hollenbeck friend, partner and alumnus

May 5, 2014

Steven, I and my fellow OCB CRASH officers responded to the incident afterwords and secured the scene. It changed my life in many ways, in particular, every new years I think of you. It made me change the way I do certain things both on and off duty. I still grieve for you even though I didn't directly serve with you. I have never forgotten you, I have told your story often, mostly when I make officers double up on new years because I worry about their night. I love you brother.

Chief Mike Grant
Retired LAPD, now chief of Stallion Springs Police

January 24, 2014

I have the same name and worked the same trade for 11 years. How wicked to read this post, then reflect on the described event which took my brother in name and trade. My anger must seem somewhat miniscule compared with the loss felt by all within his circle. God bless.

Cpl Stefan Gajda (ret)
Canadian Military Police

January 4, 2014

It's so hard to believe it has been sixteen years since we lost you Steve. So much has happend in those years. We have lost loved ones, welcomed new members to our family, and even changed locations. But the one thing that will never change is how much we miss and love you. Through the candlelight vigil that is held every year in your honor your family has finally found the strength to smile on New Year. So many people pay tribute to your herioism throughout each year. Some through the candlelight prayer vigil and others through the Steve Gajda Memorial Golf Tournament. One thing if for sure son, you touched a lot of lives in your short 29 years. I couldn't be more proud of you..Till we are together again, rest in peace my child

Christine Hester
Mother

January 1, 2014

DEAR MRS GAJDA
I KNOW THE DESTRUCTION KILLERS CAN CREATE AND HAVE
LOST A BROTHER BECAUSE OF ONE. I READ YOUR MOTHERS WORDS AND FINALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT MY MOTHER WENT THROUGH.A PART OF HER DIED WITH MY BROTHER AND I UNDERSTAND THAT NOW BECAUSE OF THE BEAUTIFUL WORDS YOUR MOTHER WROTE TO YOU!! I THANK YOU MA'AM
AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR SON DID MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DID MATTER TO MANY. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK MAYBE GOD JUST WANTED TO SHAKE HIS HAND AND TELL HIM THANKS FOR
PROTECTING HIS FLOCK!! I WILL SAY A TOAST TO YOUR SON
WHEN I GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS LIFT A BEER TO MY FACE AND SAY THANK YOU TO HIM AND ALL WHO WENT BEFORE! GOD BLESS YOU ALL

P.O. T. KUCHARSKI # 11902
CHICAGO POLICE DEPT

November 20, 2013

45 years ago today you were placed in my arms, my miracle, my son. I don't understand how it can still hurt so much. I have your picture in my room and your face is the last thing I see before going to sleep and the first thing I see when I wake. Steve you are remembered and talked about all the time by your family and friends. When you joined the military right out of High School, I missed you but I knew you would be coming home to me. The pain of knowing that I will no longer see you walk through the door and share your love and humore with us is more painful than I could ever explain. There are no words to discribe the feeling of emptiness. A mom is never supposed to bury her child. You would be proud of your brothers. They have incredible families and they continue to teach their children all about their Uncle Steve. I miss you more than words can say...Happy Birthday my little Pumpkin!

Eternally Mom

October 30, 2013

Fifteen years ago today I said my final good bye to you along with 4,000 others. Rest in peace son, until the day we are together again know I love you with all my heart!

Mom

January 9, 2013

My heart goes out to Officer Gajda's entire family and the community he worked hard to protect. I am grateful to Margarita "Mago" Amador for calling our attention to his service and the sad tragedy of his passing.

Abel Salas
Publisher/Editor, Brooklyn & Boyle

December 31, 2012

How could fifteen years go by so quickly? So much has happened since your departure son. Weddings and births. All three of your brothers have fallen in love, married and had children. But the best thing is they ALL know about Uncle Steve. Tonight we will gather in your honor at Hollenbeck just as we do every year. Losing you my sweet son was the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. But you are still the last face I look at each night and the first one each morning. The one good thing about the years going by is I get one step closer to being with you again. I'm doing my best to stay healthy because I still have a lot to do here on earth. I want to see your daughter walk down the aisle. My darling Steve you are still missed by so many. I still come across people whose life you touched. On December 17th I met a man who was a classmate of yours. He told me how hard it was to hear about the shooting that took your life. He was a young man that you would party with, so he knew you pretty well! Well son, here's to another New Year. I will continue to be strong and face it without you.

Eternal Love,

Mom

December 31, 2012

Hi Son,

Everyone felt your presence at Brian and Heather's wedding. I know there was an empty spot in your brother's heart with you not standing there with him and Mark. But he knew you would never have missed his special day for anything! Your namesake nephew walked for the first time down the aisle with your gourgeous daughter Brittany holding his hand. The wedding was amazing and having our whole family together for such a long period of time was priceless. Brittany and I got to spend some long over due time together. We laughed, we cried but most importantly we had an incredible amount of fun together. Ruben Rodriguez was Brian and Heather's photographer and after the wedding we all went down to the Irish Pub in the Hotel. Ruben was saying how incredible it was to think about all the times you and him went out drinking after your shift. And how unbelievable it was that he was now injoying drinks with your daughter. Sabrina and Brittany pampered me. They did my hair and my makeup. Brittany did Heather's make up and it was perfect! Brittany wants to make you proud and follow in your footprints my sweet son. She is moving here to California early next year. We love and miss you so much. This is the time of year that gets hard for all of us. Your birthday is just around the corner. And then it begins...all the sad memories. But nothing or no one can take away the beautiful forever memories we all have about you. We have so much to talk about face to face when we are together again.

Forever Lovingly,

Mom

October 19, 2012

Mr. Gajda
I promise sir.... that my father did everything in his power to save your life sir.

NREMT-Paramedic

June 23, 2012

To My Very Great Friend! Steve Gajda! Rest in peace!
I was not aware of what happened until today when I noticed your name on a freeway memorial dedicated to you. I greatly miss the good times you and I shared along with your brother Mark in High school as we plasyed some baseball and we would walk to 7/eleven and then the bus stop to ride home. To Mark and the whole family my prayers are with you !

Your High school friend;
Hector

Hector
Highschool friend

February 5, 2012

To My Very Great Friend! Steve Gajda! Rest in peace!
I was not aware of what happened until today when I noticed your name on a freeway memorial dedicated to you. I greatly miss the good times you and I shared along with your brother Mark in High school as we plasyed some baseball and we would walk to 7/eleven and then the bus stop to ride home. To Mark and the whole family my prayers are with you !

Your High school friend;
Hector

Hector
Highschool friend

February 5, 2012