Comments/Citation:
On September 29, 2001 at approximately 8:00 AM while patrolling US Hwy. 67 just north of Leadington Missouri, Deputy Steven R. Ziegler, Officer 989 of the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, was involved in a serious vehicle accident that resulted in his death.
Steve was south bound in the passing lane of the highway. At the same time a vehicle pulling a 16 foot utility trailer was in the driving lane of the north bound lanes of the highway. The trailer became unattached, crossed the passing lane and median of north bound hwy. 67 into the pathway of the patrol car.
Steve was unable to safely maneuver his patrol unit from danger without colliding with other traffic. The trailer struck his patrol car in the left front driver's side, causing it to spin out of control. Eventually both vehicles came to rest in the median, with the trailer coming to rest on top of the patrol car.
Deputy Ziegler was transported to the Mineral Area Regional Hospital and then immediately flown to St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, where on September 30, 2001, at the age of 32, he passed away as a result of his injuries.
Steve had worked for the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department for 8 years and during most of that time he was a Field Training Officer. He also worked for the Bismarck Police Department as a Patrolman. His dedication and work in the Law Enforcement community was admired by all.
Our friend and fellow officer left behind a wife, Racheal Lea Ziegler, a 13 year old son Eric, a 9 year old daughter Loren, a 3 year old daughter Madison, a 18 month old son Cole, and countless other friends and aquaintences. He will be truly missed.
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