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Incident
Officer Stephen LePiane was killed when his cruiser was broadsided by a drunk driver at approximately 2:00 am at the intersection of old Highway 10 and Mullen Road. He was following another officer as backup on a traffic stop when a vehicle ran a stop sign at a high rate of speed and struck his patrol car on the driver's side door. Although he was wearing his seatbelt, the impact caused him to be ejected from the vehicle. The other officer observed the accident in his mirror and immediately turned around. The 25-year-old driver was apprehended and later convicted of negligent homicide. He was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay for Officer LePiane's funeral and the value of the police car, which amounted to $12,500.00. Officer LePiane had served with the Missoula Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, father, and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer LePiane gave the Missoula Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Missoula community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer LePiane.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Missoula Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Stephen is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Stephen was 32. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Stephen had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Stephen was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephen was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.5% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Fridays: 17.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Missoula Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Missoula Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Stephen among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Missoula Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
