Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A terrible chill ran throughout our city when news of Officer Reuther's death spread from one person to the other. The chill was more than a standard Michigan February day. Seventeen years ago, this week, Milan lost one of their finest through the senseless act of another. In a split second violence, broke the hearts of family, friends and community. Time goes on, but we will never forget the service of Steven Reuther. You shall forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you.

The Milan Area Chamber of Commerce

Norma Shull Smith
Milan Area Chamber of Commerce

February 4, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 1, 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

November 26, 2007

Just wanted you to know that I still think of you, old friend. After 28+ years of service it is still not the same without you.

Chief Ramon Beltran
Harford PD

May 17, 2007

Steve, thanks for all the good times we shared at the PD, memories are something nobody can ever take. God Bless You Steve, (jb)

October 27, 2005

You are surely missed by your friends and family, It was a pleasure to spend a part of your life.

The way you conducted yourself as a Police officer and loving husband and father for your girls, will always be an example of how we should live.

Thank you.

Officer
Private

August 1, 2004

At the age of 14 I became a police explorer with the Milan Police Department. The officers of the department became like older brothers to me and many of them mentors. One such officer was Steve Ruether. Many nights I rode along with Steve and was always impressed with his ability to find and arrest drunk drivers. Steve had a quick wit and was always funny and was able to calm a situation with his humor. Not only did Steve in an effort to train me has a cop offer his professional experience, he also mentored me on how to be a man. Thank you Steve.

Anonymous

January 2, 2004

Steve, We still miss you...one of my first trainging Officer's Rest in Peace

Anonymous

January 2, 2004

His friend long before and during his career,until we cross over the river..and meet again....I pray

SAINT MICHAEL, the Archangel. Defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Police Chief Paul Muinch
Hartford City Police Dept.

Steve was a very good friend of mine. He was probably one of the best people that I knew. We went thru the police academy together and made a bond to stay together throughout our careers. However a psychotic person decided that Steve had to die, just because he was a police officer. I continue on to this day, I will never forget the day that I was notified of his death, I was a Detective/Sergeant investigating a suicide when I received the telephone call. I will never forget you. Steve.

Sergeant Ramon Beltran
Hartford Police Department