OFFICER STEVEN G. WEST

ID 3876

SDPD 12/05/1985 - 10/20/1995

1964 - 10/20/1995

THE THIN BLUE LINE

Steven G. West, a 10-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, died Friday of brain cancer following a lengthy illness. He was 31.

Officer West will be remembered as both a fine police officer and an active member of his community, family members and associates said yesterday.

"Steve loved sports and kids," his mother, Faye Rogers, recalled yesterday. "He was a big Padres and Chargers fan, and he really liked basketball."

Officer West coached and refereed high school basketball, his mother said. He also had been involved with the Police Athletic League, a program that links police officers with underprivileged youths in non-police settings.

A native San Diegan, Officer West's community activities included serving as a guest speaker on several occasions at UCSD's department of sociology. He focused his talks on crime and society-related problems and issues.

He often solicited the assistance of UCSD professors and students in working on projects to combat crime in the Pacific Beach and Mission Beach areas.

"He really liked and enjoyed working with people," his mother said.

Officer West also served on the Northern Division's Neighborhood Policing Team, a concept designed to bring the community and police closer together.

After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he completed the Police Academy training program and was assigned to the Southeastern Division. He served three years there and three years in the Northern Division.

His career also included more than three years with the department's SWAT unit.

Most recently, Officer West had been assigned as a field training officer at the Police Academy, working with trainees on police policy, procedures and tactics.

Officer West also earned an associate of arts degree in education and a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, both from National University, while working in the department.

Bill Robinson, a spokesman for the San Diego Police Department, said yesterday that Officer West was popular with fellow officers and will be missed.

"Other officers knew his condition was terminal, but I think they will have a hard time accepting his death," Robinson said. "We will miss him as part of our family."

As a tribute to Officer West, flags at San Diego police stations will be flown at half-staff, Robinson said.

In addition to his mother, Officer West is survived by his two children, Michelle Nichole, 10, and Justin Edward, 8, his brother, Charles Jeffrey, and sister, Deborah Ann, all of San Diego; his father, Avery West, and stepmother, Sarah, both of Simi Valley; and his step-brother, Eric Lyle, of Denver.

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