Memorial Wall Dedicated To Fallen LASD Deputy Steven Belanger

WALNUT, CA — One year after his death, a memorial wall and portrait were dedicated to the memory of fallen deputy Steven Belanger, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department said.

The officer was shot in the head almost 24 years ago, while in the line of duty and finally succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 6, 2018. Though years have passed since Deputy Steven Belanger donned his uniform for the last time, his sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Belanger began his career as a deputy in March of 1988. He was a second-generation Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, who followed in his father's footsteps. Seven years later, on the afternoon of December 10, 1994, Belanger was shot in the head by a suspect while on patrol in Rowland Heights.

Though Belanger survived, the bullet was permanently lodged in his brain, sheriff's Deputy Lillian Peck said. Confined to a wheel chair, he needed round-the clock care. "He survived, but his life, career and family were forever changed," she said.

He was 29-years-old at the time of the shooting, married and father of a 1-year-old daughter, according to the department. His retirement, ongoing health issues, and untimely death... were all related to the shooting," the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs said at the time of his death.

On Wednesday, one year after his ultimate passing, the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station unveiled his portrait. It will hang in the hallway, with a plaque, honoring those local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"He was the first deputy at that station to lose his life in the line of duty, and the memorial wall will be dedicated to him," the department said in release.

The recently renovated hall was funded by the Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the Professional Peace Officers Association, the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, of the 4th District, the Rotary Club of Walnut Valley, and station fundraising events.

Attending the event were family members of Deputy Belanger, Assistant Sheriff Tim Murakami, as well as Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department executives, and personnel.

Photo, courtesy LASD