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Steven J. Molitor
Incident
Patrolman Steven Molitor suffered a fatal skull fracture during a struggle with a suspect. He and his partner were exiting the Ram's Horn Restaurant at 3:30 a.m. when they observed two people tampering with their patrol car at 17410 Mack Ave. The suspects resisted arrest when confronted by the officers, and during the ensuing struggle, Patrolman Molitor suffered an apparent heart attack. As he fell to the ground, he struck his head on the suspect's car door, causing a fractured skull. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to the head wound. Patrolman Molitor had been with the Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Molitor gave the Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Molitor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Steven is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Steven is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Steven 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 1985, 4 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Steven was 41. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Steven had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Steven was 41. 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. Steven had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steven was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Steven had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Thursdays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2.2% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety has 5 officers remembered here, Steven among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Grosse Pointe Park Department of Public Safety are honored on badge.nw.
