Remembering Fallen Officer-Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan

Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan, lost this day in 2005 during a traffic stop in Charlie Sector.

Sgt. Gaughan was born on June 16, 1964 in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the Prince George's County Police Department on March 12, 1990 and upon completion of his Academy training was assigned to the District III Station. Sgt. Gaughan was later transferred to the District VI Station where he served as a patrol officer and as a member of the Special Assignment Team.

On the morning of June 21, 2005, members of the District VI Special Assignment Team attempted to stop a vehicle on Laurel-Bowie Road in Laurel, Maryland. The vehicle fled for a short distance before the passenger, armed with a loaded handgun, exited and fled on foot in the 11800 Block of South Laurel Drive. Sgt. Gaughan and other members of his unit gave chase. During the foot pursuit, the subject opened fire, wounding the Sergeant. Sgt. Gaughan was flown to Prince George's Hospital Center by the United States Park Police Aviation Unit and succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Sgt. Gaughan served the Prince George's County Police Department for 15 years and was the 24th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 45th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan was 41 years old and survived by his wife and two young children.