Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remembered you May 12, 2014, I remember you on November 14, 2013 when I retired from the LASD, I will always remember you Steve. I pray for your family and friends and those of us who have family in heaven.

Blessings always to those of us left behind.

Lt. Claudine Sanchez, Retired
LASD, CLASSMATE 229

May 19, 2014

My Dearest Steve,

I sit here tonight remembering the last conversation we shared, our last laugh, the last look at your playful smile, the last kiss we shared as I dropped you off for work that night and the last "I love you's" we exchanged. I can remember the whole day like it was yesterday. My heart still beats for you and breaks because you are not here with us. I thank God everyday for the time we had together.. I live and pray for the day when we are finally reunited for eternity.

You will never be forgotten my dearest Steve...You will forever remain a part of my heart...You will always and forever be my husband and my best friend...

Loving You Always,

Dana
Wife

May 13, 2014

Well Steve this is the 19th anniversary of your death and I'm here drinking a glass of wine thinking of how much I miss you and how senseless your death was. I see your mom and know how much she misses you too. I keep thinking if you only didn't volunteer to help out that day, if you only called in sick because of your cold, if, if, if... I remember hearing about an officer shot with 9 years experience and wondering if it could be you. Heard it on KFWB and rushed to my mom's and your mom's house, and then to the hospital, but we were too late and you were already gone. You hear about things like this on the news, but never think it will happen to someone that you love. You will always be like a brother to me, we grew up together since you were two years old and learned to ride bikes together, etc. I know one day I'll see you again and I look forward to that day. Miss you and love you,
Brenda

Brenda Kapila
Friend

May 13, 2014

I miss you every day Steve. 19 yrs have gone by and it seems just like yesterday.

Deputy (retired)
LASD

May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014
It has 19 years since you were taken from us that tragic night...Your memory remains alive and well with those of us who had the privilege to know and work with you!
Last year on your anniversary, hundreds of us participating in the Police Unity Tour dedicated our ride in your memory as we rode into the National Memorial in D.C. during Police Week... Today, you are once again remembered as the riders make their way into D.C.
Earlier this year, my classmates from the FBI National Academy visited the National Memorial where we remembered and shared stories about our partners and friends that had been taken from us...
Steve, you are missed and always an inspiration to me and those within the Department!!

Joe Badali
LASD

May 12, 2014

Who pulled the first Century file number??? We did. New Years. 923's. Multiple felony hook. Some "took cover" behind a wall. We went 10-15 on our own. True partners back each other up all the way over the wall. Thank you for being there partner.

251E transplant
LASD

April 25, 2014

I worked in your unit as a bookman many times, I see the picture of your badge on the wall everytime I walk thru the hallway at century. We all are blessed to be your friend forever brother.

Deputy Hunt
Lynwood 251R / Century 212R

March 19, 2014

Having a really rough time without you, Steve...Missing you so much and wishing you were here...I Love You.

Dana Blair
Wife

March 17, 2014

Steve, you were my son John's partner and not a year goes by that he forgets you, this will be a tough day him. Go Bless, John Sr.

John Rossman Sr.
friend

May 14, 2013

Steve,
Today is Mother's Day May 12, 2013. I remember thinking of your mother the day you were killed. And your children. Having known the heart break of burying a child, I pray for your family often. I believe your are with the Lord in glory having finished your mission on earth. Your work ethic and love of the job gave us all who continued on a measuring stick.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Lieutenant and classmate 229
LASD

May 12, 2013

Dep. Blair your memory contiues to live on in those you worked with and trained. You are missed, but we are all better for knowing you. I continue to pass on your lessons to my troops.

251E Forever

Sgt. A. Maready
LASD 89-97, Redding PD 97- current

May 12, 2013

Hi Steve,
Today is the anniversary of your death and it seems like yesterday and forever all at the same time...So many dreams you never got to realize...You are missed and thought of and loved today, tomorrow and always...
Love Always,

Dana Blair
Wife

May 12, 2013

Rest In Peace Deputy Blair, your service and sacrifice is remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

May 12, 2013

Hi Dana, I dont know if you rememeber me from South Gate PD and working at Adams. I just wanted you to know I still miss Steve very much. He was a great guy and friend and you and he will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you are doing ok and if you ever need to talk please look me up.

Officer John Walters
South Gate Police - friend

April 25, 2013

It would have been your birthday today (April 23rd)...
Thinking of you and missing you still......
I love you, Steve...

Dana Blair
Wife

April 23, 2013

miss and love you always...mags...your lil sis...

margaretdiserio wilkerson
sister in law

February 22, 2013

Sir, I am currently on training at Century. My locker is right across from yours. Every time I suit up, I look at the plaque that is mounted to the locker you once used. I stand there where you once stood and think about what you gave. Every OG at that station that worked Lynwood with you say you were nothing but the best deputy.

Trainee
CEN

October 16, 2012

Steve, I still think of you often, it was an honor, and joy to ride with you at Lynwood Station in late 1988, 1989. We had a blast. Your smile was infectious, and I so much appreciated your great sense of humor. Time flies by, not sure how i ended up on this page tonight and thinking of you, but here I am. Having worked with you and shared so many laughs, your death really hit me hard. Still think of you my brother.

Sergeant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept

June 25, 2012

My Dearest Steve,

Another year has come and gone and I still wake up each morning hoping and praying that this is all just a horrible nightmare that I will wake up from...Then, the reality of you not being here hits me and another day without you begins again...I love you and miss you so much...more than words can ever say...I can still hear your laugh and see your smile...
With each day, week, month and year that passes I think of all the dreams and goals you never got to realize...You had so much life to live...I wish I could have traded places with you...I would in a heartbeat.

I read the messages from your partners and friends (and even those who never had the honor and opportunity to know you) here and it makes my heart smile to know you are still thought of and remembered...Thanks to all of you for loving Steve, too.

I went to San Francisco and attended the Supreme Court Oral Argument's of your killer's appeal and will continue to be present at every court date until I watch your killer take his last breath when his death penalty sentence is finally carried out.

People said it would get easier, but it doesn't...How do you go on when half of you is missing? I cannot wait for the day when we will finally be together again...

Loving You and Missing You Always,

Dana Blair
Wife

June 19, 2012

To My Beloved Mentor,

Deputy Blair...you are fallen, but never forgotten. Your memory is enshrined in my heart and the hearts of those that had the unique honor to have known you & served with you. You were an inspiration to many, your legacy lives on through your fellow LEO's, family & friends. Heroes live on forever...Until we meet again, Deputy Blair.

CONDE- Explorer Class 40
LASD-Lynwood, CA

May 16, 2012

For the past 14 years I have taught school in Downey. Each day I travel northbound on the 710 towards Lynwood, then transition to eastbound 105 passing the Garfield exit. I can practically see the house you and Dana (and a few others) fixed up. Each day I pass by, I think of the both of you and wonder. For a second each day, I smile with the memories of the great man you were, and wince at the thought of a life and happiness cut short. You've not been forgotten...
Sometimes a flood of memories comes pouring in... Tam's, Lucy's, Vasillios, Circle K with Andre Pineset.... So many others... You were and remain, "The King"

Don Lords

May 15, 2012

17 years is a long time. You are never forgotten. I am a better person for having served with you. You my Brother set the standard at Lynwood. "10-33 give me the patch, 251e is in pursuit"! What I would give to hear those words again. RIP Brother.

Jeff

Jeff Jones

May 14, 2012

Steve,
We grew up together and had many wonderful memories. I still remember your favorite bunny that you would show walking by my window, our secret club, our little Christmas tree we put in our club house. I'm here typIing this tonight, crying, missing you so much. I still remember hearing about you on the radio and rushing to the hospital. I was too late. I read what Lieutenant Sanchez wrote and I'm glad that you were not forgotten. You died doing what you loved. You will never be forgotten by me. You're always on my mind. I hope we meet again.

Brenda Kapila
Your friend and neighbor

May 13, 2012

Steve,
You have been gone a long time and I miss you. We were together in the academy, jail, and at Lynwood and I miss all of the fun times we had at Lynwood and at car shows. I still have the photo you gave me of my favorite car. I wrote something for you 15 years ago and wanted you to have it. Thank you for being my friend, Jay.

“And the Bagpiper Played”
The morning is dark. A thick, grayish, smoke-like mist fills the air. It is frigid and covers my body, sending a chilling embrace down my spine. I feel cold and numb as I stand on top of the rich green hillside. I am overlooking the large crowd that has gathered and find myself separated from the group in distance as well as spirit. For this moment in time has touched my soul...
I find myself wandering, unable to stay conscious of the affair at hand, roving back in time...It was the year of 85 and we were but an obscure piece of a puzzle. A hundred cadets engaged in the vigorous training of the Sheriff's Academy. One combined goal, to pass a crucial test. For during such an endeavor, bonds, friendships, and trust emerged and developed. This is where I met Steve. A young kid with the look of innocence and the strong desire to do his part to help. We instantly became friends and never would have imagined where this path for justice we had chosen would lead.
Our first assignment was the Central Jail and our next phase of the process. A "Society within Society" and a different meaning to the term "Rules". For within this system, we discovered the significance to words like honor, respect, and trust. We began the method of learning, understanding, controlling, and evolving. We began to understand the criminal element, but it was only a comprehension that touched the outer edge of the surface, for we entered the next phase of our journey, “patrol”.
The streets, the ghetto, the “front line”. Neither the academy nor jail could prepare us for what lied ahead. We started anew with grueling and intensive training that taught us the skills necessary to survive this conflict.... if not war zone. We had undertaken a battle to save and preserve what is good, wholesome and right. We were to protect and comfort the citizens who had fled the streets and hid in their homes from fear. We were to cease the spilling of innocent blood and to stop the never ending violence.
Our hearts raced, the black and white’s siren wailed, the anxiety almost too much to endure. That was the 5th "GUNSHOTS FIRED" call we responded to in less than an hour and I could not seem to stay unnerved. Time did pass and I am amazed at how we grew with confidence, strength, composure, and skill. We were now in control of the events that would take place. We focused on another shots fired call and saw the helicopter overhead as we arrived on scene. The entire area illuminated with the spotlights. The suspects had fled the scene and left numerous bodies in disarray across the street. Blood was everywhere, people screaming and weeping uncontrollably, as their loved ones lay dying on the ground. Nights like this occurred all too often. It had been over three years since the day we completed training and I remembered smiling to myself as I saw you "hook" another gangster for possession of a gun. We did focus… we learned what was taught to us by the ones who had been there before us. We became hardened, immune, and were able to maintain control and make a difference. We developed skills and a passion for the streets. I remember when you accepted a position with the specialized gang unit “G.E.T.” and utilized your unique skills for arresting gangsters.
But control is not always a factor when it comes to the streets, for sometimes, some things are beyond our grasp. Destiny plays its part and often manipulates life, in a strange and twisted way. I was not present that fateful night, though I can picture the ordeal in my nightmares.
CRACK...CRACK! I find myself jolted back to the present and see the Honor Guard at attention with rifles aimed. "Ready... aim... fire" orders the Commander...CRACK! As reality strikes me hard, my tears begin to flow. I can see the helicopter formation approaching overhead as they begin the "Missing Man" tribute, one helicopter falling away from the squadron, signifying the "Lost Soldier." And as the bagpiper forces the song from the pipes, I whisper softly to myself, "The ultimate sacrifice...to give up your life for the people you swore to protect.

Jay Ritter, Retired
LASD Lynwood

May 12, 2012

Steve,
It's EM shift on May 12, 2012, 0120 hours at MCJ. As I sit here reviewing paperwork you came to my mind. It is now 17 years since the Lord called you home. Why, only He knows. Your death made this job and the dangers real to me. You were the first person I knew who gave the ultimate sacrifice for becoming a Deputy Sheriff.

I will always remember your charming smile and fun laugh in our acadmey class of 229. You are remembered by many who had the chance to work with you and those of us who knew you when we first started this profession. Having suffered my own personal loss, I know the pain your family has had to endure, but God is Faithful with His Grace and Mercy. May your loved ones know that Steve Blair will never be forgotten by those of us who knew him.
Rest in Peace and until we meet again in Heaven.

Lieutenant Claudine Sanchez
LASD-CLASS 229

May 12, 2012