Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Gray,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for citizens of Merced. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 15, 2024

Officer Gray,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for citizens of Merced. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 15, 2024

Hey Steph, just wanted to say happy Father’s Day. Thinking about you a lot today. Thinking about your family and what a great job you did for the time that you had with them. They are such good people you’d be very proud. I know Michelle is. Anyway, thank you very much for everything you did for me.

Joe, partner/ friend
Merced PD

June 18, 2023

Rest In Peace brother. Thinking about you this day. Thanks for showing me the way. Stopped by with the wife and visited the memorial last night. Rest easy.

Retired
Merced PD

April 15, 2021

Almost 100 years after your great, great grandfather made the ultimate sacrifice you did the very same thing in the name of public safety. Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 14, 2020

Officer Gray, 16 years ago today you where horrifically murdered while conducting a traffic stop. Continue to rest easy

Mark Mottola

April 15, 2020

Hey Stephan, I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you today, and every day. I appreciate everything you did for the city, and how do you made everybody appreciate things better. Your family is doing great because of the foundation that you placed underneath their feet. Another year is coming up and you are never forgotten brother. Never forget 57-16

Retired- partner
Merced

March 22, 2020

My husband and I passed your memorial in Merced as we traveled through the area. You are remembered today, Officer Gray. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Tina L. Holtz
Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, NY (Ret.)

Bill Makuch
NYSDOCCS (Ret.)

Deputy Tina L. Holtz
Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office (Ret.)

March 9, 2020

Hi Stephan, it’ been awhile and so much is going on. I know I don’t have to tell you how amazing your children are, but they are. Are your children are meeting the challenges in their lives hat on. Isaiah is a great man taking care of the family while you’re gone. It’s right behind each one of his sisters as they’re caring on in their lives. Cameron is doing so well with her volleyball and school. She is such a good girl, and is taking on the new challenge in her life head on. She’s going to do well in her new school next year. Recently I learned of a new challenge Landis is going through and although the news she received is never good, the news I’m hearing from this time is very promising. It’s a good thing you’re up there looking over her. I know she’s going to be fine. Michelle is guiding them all in the right direction, and I don’t have to tell you but an amazing person she is. As always we all still love and miss you very much and if there’s anything I can ever do for you send me a message. Love always.

Joe - friend
Merced retired

December 26, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 14th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family, friends and coworkers for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 15, 2018

Scubs,

It's been awhile since I been here, but I think of you almost everyday. Still hard to talk about your passing, so I keep it inside and deflect the topic. I was recently talking to a friend who encouraged me to face some things. This job plays an awful toll on some of us. Not all, but from what I can see, a large number. Day in and day out we try and do the right thing, by helping people and making our piece of the pie safe. We joined this line of work because we accepted the challenge and wanted to make things better. I am sure there are a few rouges out there but 99.9% of the people that raise their hand and promise to serve and protect, do it to help and make a difference. A lot of negative rhetoric towards officers these days. We are faced with all kinds of new people who don't and never did want us around and, a president who condoned their behavior. You would be just as disgusted as I am. Working counter-terrorism is a whole new ball field. Almost makes this job worse. Seeing what is out there and the impact their actions can create can make a grown man weep. I am coming to the back 9 and if all goes well, hopefully starting a new chapter. Remember our golf play in Monterey? With a little time, I would have corrected your slice..LOL. There are a few things I would have done different. Chief handled the situation horribly and I needed to get out. What a POS. I feel like I ran, rather than help. Not sure where my mindset was but obviously not where it should have been. I regret leaving and I am truly sorry for that. You haven't been to see me lately, but I know you have more important things to take care of. Still not able to watch the tribute DVD the guys made, but someday I will. I have never had a friend like you and I never tried to replace you. No one would come close. I need a work out partner man. It sucks to workout alone. These cats in the gym these days are morons. Just wanted to touch base with you. I miss you and love you buddy.

Friend

January 19, 2017

Thinking about you today! I hope you are singing your heart out in heavens paradise. I miss you.

Your Friend

August 1, 2016

Stephan....Recently there has been some really bad news about police brutality and excessive use of force..But I always look our time together at MPD and our days at the academy. It's those memories that remind me that it's women and men who serve their community like you did, with honor, professionalism and care that make cops heroes. You will always be my hero..I will never forget your smile, laughter and strength.

Tony

Tony Garcia
Merced PD Co-worker '97

April 13, 2015

Michelle -

Kathleen and I think of you and your kids often. The anniversary of that tragic day never passes without us thinking of Stephan and your family. It amazing how much time has passed since we got to know both of you through Wal-Mart and Gottschalks. He was the best employee I had and took to that line of work, like a fish to water. He was a natural and ALWAYS had a smile on his face. You'll always be in our thoughts!!

Brad

Brad Brigham - Wal-Mart / Employer
Friend

April 7, 2015

Stephan......after all these years I can still see you roaming the station with your big smile, hearty laugh and singing a tune. You always called me "Papi" and I remember our days at the academy with great fondness. I love you brother and will never forget!

Tony - Friend
Merced PD Co-worker '97

November 26, 2014

Stephan, I was so proud tonight. I picked up my granddaughter tonight, she was spending the night with us. On the way home she told me that she had a project due at school soon. I asked her what her project was on, she said that she was writing about her HERO. I asked her who her hero was, (thinking it was me, haha) she told me that she was writing about yon, Stephan Gray. I was so proud. It just tells me that there are so many you are a hero to. I had to share this with you wife. Love you brother.

Joe - Detective friend
Merced PD Co-woker

November 23, 2014

Today was a tragic day, two officers are down from a senseless act. This brought so many heart breaking emotions for me, it took me back to the day you were taken. My prayers are with your family and the family of lost officers today. May God continue to watch over your family and keep them safe. May your memory and love carry them through the difficult times. I think of you often, Rest in Paradise!

Me

October 25, 2014

Remembering you and your family.

Carol Espinoza
Mother of Officer Isaac Espinoza, SFPD, EOW 4/10/04

April 19, 2014

Stephan it was an honor knowing you... RIP Brother

While you may be gone you will never be forgotten

Floyd Padgett
MCMC 507

April 17, 2014

We want to stop by on this 10 year anniversary to thank you once again for your service and sacrifice. Officer Gray please know you will Never be forgotten in the hearts of those who love you and your family.

Our son was so grateful to be able to attend the beautiful dedication ceremony for Sergeant Leap and Stephan Gray on this 10 years anniversary. He wanted to express to everyone including, Michelle how wonderful the ceremony was...

To your family we want to let you know you are always in our prayers and we know you are keeping the beautiful smile on Stephan's face alive as he waits in the Heavenly places watching over all of you

family of
Sgt. Howard Stevenson E.O.W 1/9/05

April 15, 2014

On the 10th anniversary of your death you are still not forgotten and will always be a hero in the eyes of many. Praying for your family and brothers in blue today. Thank you sir, for your dedicated service.

Brandon
Aspiring Police Officer

April 15, 2014

You are on my mind today as you are often when I reflect on the friendship we had! I know you are watching over your family and friends. I can't believe it has been 10 years that you have been gone. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers! May your soul always rest peacefully in heaven!
God Bless you my dear friend!!!

Your friend!

April 15, 2014

RIP brother, was just browsing todays EOW and found you. May God be with you and the ones that are left behind.

MPO Gent #2247
DeKalb County PD, GA

April 15, 2014

Stephan,
I used to see you serve and protect where my brothers and I grew up. You called me, The Kid. I was given the chance to help keep your brothers safe when the organization let me wear a headset. ...I've been given a chance to be a patrolman, near by. Recently I went through an experience and I know you were there. Watching my back. Just as you did when I used to sit at the console closest to your picture in Dispatch. Say Hi to Lee Smith for me. Thank you. 5259 / R10

The
Kid

October 28, 2013

Today you would of been 44!!! I couldn't help but wonder what these past 10 years would of brought, and felt robbed of that opportunity for us all this morning when I woke up. Know that I am thinking of you and that we love and miss you with all of our heart....

michelle gray
wife

August 21, 2013