Steve Strichart and Police Chief McDonnellby Neena Strichart
When Steve and I married nearly 22 years ago, I realized that being the wife of a police officer would sometimes be quite stressful. The danger these men and women face every day, and the life-and-death, split-second decisions these folks have to make on every shift can literally be brought home with them. I felt that Steve was a seasoned professional, and with his 21 years on the force at the time of our marriage, I was pretty darned secure that he was not going to take any unnecessary chances with his life.
Years earlier, 1980 to be exact, Steve had been shot while on patrol. Part of his routine at the time was to make a drive and check out the back side of the Long Beach Arena as time allowed. On the night of Easter Sunday, Steve was driving around the back of the arena, and his patrol car’s headlights illuminated what appeared to be an individual attempting a break in through a rear door. After shining his spotlight on the man, Steve got out of the car, drew his weapon and yelled “freeze!” The suspect quickly bolted from the area, and Steve took chase on foot. When the “bad guy” turned a corner, he found himself up against a fence and, feeling cornered, immediately took a stance with his gun pointed toward the area Steve would approach— if in fact Steve was in foot pursuit!something of which the suspect was unsure.
As Steve rounded the corner, the man shot him in the midsection and fled the scene. Unfortunately, Steve was in a one-man car that night— his partner had taken the day off to enjoy Easter with his family. So, shot, stunned and alone, Steve got on his radio and called for back-up. Other officers and paramedics arrived to check out the situation and take him to the hospital. With the help of his bullet-proof vest, Steve sustained a painful hematoma to his belly area but was otherwise in good shape physically and was later given a Purple Heart for his on-duty injury. The suspect was never apprehended.
Fast-forward to this past Wednesday, when, thanks to the generosity of the Long Beach Police Foundation, retirees who had been awarded the Purple Heart in the past were presented with the newly created Purple Heart Medal. The following retirees (see below left) were honored: Â Anthony Benedetti; the late Ronald P. Burgess, Sr. (award accepted by his wife Regina Burgess); Jim Dowdell; Jim Fortier; Bill Penhollow; Dennis Robbins; Jack Starbird; and Steve Strichart (pictured left with Chief McDonnell).
Although Steve retired in 2000, I know it meant a lot to him to be remembered and honored by his beloved Long Beach Police Department. He absolutely beamed seeing and chatting with his former brothers in blue. I have a feeling this little reunion will stir up more frequent gathering of retirees. They sure have a lot of stories and memories to share.
