Local and state law enforcement communities are mourning the passing of an influential, beloved and legendary member of their ranks.
Ernie Steff, 77, died on Friday at his home in Roundhill.
Steff has been honored in death by multiple law enforcement agencies, most poignantly by the Grayson County Detention Center (GCDC), Leitchfield Police Department, Kentucky Jailers Association, and Daviess County Detention Center.
A lifelong public servant, Steff is remembered as a devoted member of law enforcement who served with compassion, caring and a deep abiding love of the people he worked with and the public he worked for.
His influence, as a training officer at the Grayson County Detention Center and co-worker at multiple law enforcement agencies, was profound and not likely to ebb from the consciousness of the thousands of lives he touched and shaped in his decades-long career.
Perhaps Grayson County Deputy Coroner and Grayson County Detention Center Capt. James Embry (who celebrated 10 years at the GCDC on Tuesday) expressed the sentiment of so many others when he succinctly and emphatically stated: “The man is a legend and one of a kind.”
Steff served with distinction with the Leitchfield Police Department, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Grayson County Detention Center – where is impact as an instructor will be felt for decades to come – Louisville Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Clarkson Police Department.
He additionally served his country in the Vietnam War.
The Leitchfield Police Department, focusing on Steff’s unparalleled legacy, said about the legendary figure:
“The men and women at LPD were all influenced by Ernie professionally whether they know it or not. Ernie will be deeply missed he leaves behind a legacy in law enforcement and public service that is unmatched, unheard of even, especially in today’s time.
“He served his country during war time, he served the city of Louisville during riots and civil unrest that our generation has not experienced, and he brought his experience and knowledge back to Leitchfield and Grayson County to impact how we serve here.
“Ernie Steff, you were the picture of public service and heroism. We pray for the family and pray that we all strive to be more like you when the badge goes on.”
The Grayson County Detention Center, which perhaps feels Steff’s death the deepest, said his love of community was a defining characteristic of Steff’s career.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of our long time friend and co-worker Ernie Steff. Ernie spent his entire adult life as a public servant and loved his community and everyone in it. Please keep his family and the GCDC staff in your prayers in the upcoming difficult days.”
The Kentucky Jailers Association, echoing the Leitchfield Police Department, noted Steff’s impact on those around him will be felt in perpetuity.
“The Kentucky Jailers Association is deeply saddened to share the passing of our longtime colleague and friend, Ernie Steff. Ernie dedicated his entire adult life to serving others and did so with compassion, loyalty, and unwavering love for his community.
“His impact reaches far beyond he walls he worked within and his kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.
“Please keep his family and the GCDC staff in your prayers as they navigate the difficult days ahead. May his service and legacy continue to guide and inspire us.”
The Daviess County Detention Center noted Steff’s eagerness to help when he could.
“Ernie was a public servant, who was always willing to help others. He was active in providing valuable training to GCDC and Kentucky Jailers Association.”
Undoubtedly proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and demonstrating that Steff’s positive influence not only reached from Pikeville to Paducah but also resounded in his own home — His son, Ernie W. Steff, who works as the school resource officer at Warren East High School, was recently bestowed the Golden Apple Award by the Warren County Board of Education for his “outstanding contributions to our students and community.”
What better way for a son to honor his father.
Ernie Steff, from those law enforcement members you trained, worked with, influenced and molded into caring, compassionate professionals, they’ll take it from here.
(Photo: Grayson Co. Jailer Jason Woosley honoring Ernie Steff as an influential training officer at the GCDC)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
