Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Skip I can't believe it has been 28 years already. I think of you often. I'm retired now. Steve and I are traveling a lot. I see your sign in Jeffco and send you a little prayer. I see your taking good care of your family (and friends) keep up the great work and we'll see you again when it's time. Take care my friend.

Sgt. Kristine Schmittgens dsn 3686
St Louis Metropolitan Police

November 24, 2021

Steve, today I found the business card of yours I carried for years. Getting close to thirty years now, and we didn't know each other well, but had some good talks about you retiring to be a chief in a small quiet town somewhere. You were a good guy, and we are all sorry for your loss, you left a fond memory and a lasting impression.

Scott Irvin
The guy who fixed your cell phones way back then.

January 26, 2021

Still thinking about you Steve. I miss your contagious smile and laugh. Keep watching out for us. Miss you buddy!

Sergeant Kristine Schmittgens
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

January 31, 2017

I never met you, but I know you are one proud dad and police officer to see that your son has now followed n your footsteps. Rest in peace.

1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy#980 (Retired)
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

December 15, 2016

I remember coming to work in St. Louis media in 1993 and one of the first stories I dealt with was Detective Strehl's untimely demise. I had visited with him just weeks prior while he was off-duty at Maggie O'Briens downtown. Seems impossible that's been nearly 22 years. Still thinking about you.

Dave Keiser
Social Acquaintance

September 5, 2015

Hey Bud. I think about you every day. So many things have happened to me since you've been gone. Marraige, kids divorce. I still have so many questions to ask you. My favorite memory of you is of us playing wiffle ball every day at Grandma and Grandpa's. We would play until we could no longer see the ball. Just you and me. I haven't had anyone to look up to in years. Life has been difficult without you. Keep visiting me in my dreams. ....Brian

Brian Strehl
Nephew

August 29, 2015

Steve alway wore a smile and wAs always ready to go the extra mile to help out. RIP Steve.

jacque
DEA

November 19, 2014

Hey Dad, I can't believe it has been 20 years. Mom, Sean, Skip, the whole family and I miss you. I know you would not want us to mourn or cry for you everyday so we will remember you and go on living like you would have wanted us to do. I love you and know you are watching over all of us.

Joe Strehl
Son

November 19, 2013

Hey Dad,
I can't believe it has been almost 20 years since you've been gone. I am holding strong and I'm steering towards the RIGHTIOUS path I think I was destined in this world. You would be proud of Brother Joe and Sean, who are doing great in college and living proudly as Strehl boys. Mom is happy and so is the rest of the family. You would be proud of your nephew, Brian, who has been an excellent Policeman and a caring Father. Although it has been hard these past months without your pal Bobby around, but I know you and Cerrioti are playing 18 holes with a cigar in hand. Him, Jerry, and other of your brothers in blue always watch over us, and always have been family to the boys and I. One of your brothers I rode with on a, Ride Along, last Thursday who show me what to expect and especially unexpectedly see while doing the job. But even witnessing the dangers, the tragedies, or cruising on day that nothing happens, I know that I will love to the job like how much you love it too. Your always in my thoughts; See ya Dad.

Stephen F. Strehl
Son

August 18, 2013

Would love to leave a photo that I just saw on an easel on the fourth floor of our office

Sheldon
DEA

April 12, 2013

Steve, I see your name everyday as I pull onto my street out here in Jefferson County. I will never forget the times we had and Your friendship. Miss you friend.

MN

August 27, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

I can see that your family misses you very much. I am sure you continue to watch over your loving family mmbers and friends. I pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officr Larry Lasater

November 19, 2009

Skip, I miss you buddy. Our time in narcotics together were some of my foundest. We have you and the family covered down here so don't worry. Now that Jeff Kowalski has met up with you, I am sure that you guys are sharing stories and laughing. Don't forget to keep a careful eye out for those left behind.

Sgt Jim Carroll
SLMPD Retired

January 23, 2009

You would of been so proud that your police family is still with you after all these years. The Highway M dedication in Jefferson County where you took your last breath in this world, was such an honor for you. It let your entire family know how much your sacrifice was for the community. Your sons, at their age now, have began to feel close to your goals in life more than ever. I miss you, baby.
Love forever,
Kathy

Kathy
wife

September 12, 2008

time has passed friend, my thoughts of our friendship will never fade.

MN
friend

January 6, 2008

hey dad i just wanted to say that i missed you alot and that i wish you were her right now so that you can see me play football at DeSmet and so you can see Joe and Skip and Mom but yea i jsut wanted to say that i love you and your always in my heart i love you

Sean Strehl
Son

December 20, 2007

Steve,

I saw your memorial while looking at the SLPOA website and I looked back on my credenza at our academy graduation picture. I think about the fun, laughter and fear of the unknown we all had...and the dreams of glory. We will never forget your sacrifice.

Colonel Albert Keys
Academy Mate

December 17, 2007

"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

December 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 27, 2007

det strehl just wanted to say hi and keep watch over your brothers in blue.rest in peace

custodian
stlpd\ former custodian

June 30, 2007

We miss you each and everyday. I wish you could see your sons and how they are becoming men. I pray everyday that you can touch our lives with your eternal love, and warmth in our memories.
Love forever,
Kathy

Kathryn Strehl
wife

May 11, 2006

Steve,

November 19,1993 will forever be one of the happiest days of my live and one of the saddest. You see, my youngest son was born that morning and it was only later that I learned you were taken from us. Every year I celebrate his birthday, but I always take a moment to reflect on our friendship. I will always consider you one of the "good guys" one the department.

God bless you and your family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 11, 2005

Steve,

What can I say. You are forever missed. I still talk about working the old Riverport Concerts with you and looking for Bootleg shirts and how the security guard was looking for a Cadillac driving recklessly, boy if he could only read and know what a Cadillac emblem looked like. You did tell him the honorable thing, "We will keep an eye out for that Cadillac and let you know if we find it." Then we drove off.... recklessly. Take care my friend.

Det. Rick Severino
SLMPD

July 10, 2005

Thank you for doing your job and protecting all of us! You and your family will be in my prayers.

July 7, 2005

Steve,
My friend, my colleague! You are missed terribly. You were an exceptional Officer and just about to be promoted to Sergeant. You would have made it no doubt. You have worked with so many officers from so many different jurisdictions. I know we all have an angel in you watching over us. I wish you could be smiling in your picture because thats how we all remember you....smiling and having a good time. Thank you for your dedication and ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your friendship. You will always be remembered.

Your dear friend,
Kris

Sergeant Kristine Schmittgens
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

August 8, 2004