Today we remember the life of Patrolman Robert G. Steele – the first of our patrolman to die in the line of duty. Cadet Trevor Ward of the 75th Advanced Academy information about Patrolman Steele’s life and legacy:
Patrolman Robert Steele (Badge: 178) of the Montana Highway Patrol centered around the core values that the Highway Patrol still embodies today – Service, Integrity, and Respect. Patrolman Steele gave the ultimate sacrifice for his community and country at the age of 30. He was our first patrolman to die in the line of duty. He lived a life of apparent selfless service, giving everything, he had for the betterment of all those he interacted with. This reflects on the legacy and impact that Patrolman Steele has left on those around him. Chip Kern, Patrolman Steele’s cousin’s grandson and the Stillwater County Undersheriff stated, “He was a big influence on me getting into law enforcement”. Kem also commented that “even though I didn’t know him, his story and my grandmother’s stories about him always touched a chord in me.” During one of the memorials Sgt. Scott Ayers (former Billings detachment sergeant – retired) stated: “We haven’t forgotten Robert Steele, … We haven’t forgotten Bob.”
Original source can be found here.
