LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell along with Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department personnel joined family members and friends to pay tribute to a fallen brother, Deputy Steven Belanger on February 8, 2018.
In March, 1988, Steven Belanger took a solemn oath of office to faithfully discharge his duties as a freshly-graduated peace officer. He was a second-generation Los Angeles County deputy sheriff who followed in his father’s footsteps. In fewer than ten years, while in the course of those duties, Steve was critically injured by a suspect. His life, career and family’s life were forever changed.
During the course of his patrol duties on Saturday afternoon, December 10, 1994, in Rowland Heights, Steve was shot in the head by a passing suspect, with the bullet lodging permanently in his brain.
Steve was known as a hard-working cop and motivated, upbeat guy. Even after such a harrowing act, his demeanor inspired and even comforted those around him. Friends and coworkers who came to visit left feeling even more hopeful. Steve was a courageous man who fought through his daily challenges to live and be with his friends and family.
On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, Steve succumbed to his injuries. We, his LASD family members, paid tribute to him during today’s funeral ceremonies. He will rest near his departed father, Deputy Edward Belanger, in the Pomona Valley Memorial Park mausoleum.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said, “It has been 23 years since that tragic December evening when Deputy Belanger was simply doing his job; stopping someone who posed a threat to our community….Furthermore, his sacrifice will define what it means to live a purpose-driven life….Few can say that, every day, they have the opportunity to save lives and make a memorable and lasting difference.”
