The Professional Peace Officers Star and Shield Foundation

On October 5, 2016, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department suffered a monumental loss. Sergeant Steven Owen, a 29-year department veteran, was responding to a residential burglary call in Lancaster when he was shot in the face by a suspect on active parole. Despite being rushed to the hospital by fellow deputies, Owen succumbed to his wounds. His family made it to the hospital and were at his side when he died.

Steve was a legendary law enforcement officer. He received the Medal of Valor and multiple awards and recognition for heroics throughout his career. He also spent time serving the community on his own time, as a mentor to young people and as a football coach. Steve died as he lived — serving his community. That is why we are coming together as a community to support Steve's family. Many of us worked with Steve and even more of us came to know and respect him.

All of the funds raised here (minus gofundme fees) will be personally delivered to his wife, Tania via the Star & Shield Foundation (StarandShieldFoundation.org) . It is crucial that we get this support to her as soon as possible to offset expenses the family will be faced with, to offer peace of mind, and to show her that we all honor Steve's legacy at work and in the community he served.

Steve represented the best among us. His courage and dedication are well-documented. He defended the public, even to the end.

Thank you for joining us today in supporting Steve's family. 

This request is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), through its charitable foundation, The Star and Shield Foundation. You can learn more about PPOA by going to www.ppoa.com.