PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Sergeant Steven Gaughan

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero, Sergeant Steven F. Gaughan, June 21, 2005 during a traffic stop in Laurel.

Sergeant Gaughan was born on June 16, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on March 12, 1990. When he graduated from the academy, Sergeant Gaughan was assigned to the District III station. He 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 car on Laurel Bowie Road in Laurel. The car fled a short distance before stopping on South Laurel Drive. The passenger, who was armed with a loaded handgun, jumped out of the car and began running away. Sergeant Gaughan and members of his team chased after the suspect. During the chase, the suspect opened fire, wounding Sergeant Gaughan. He was flown by the United States Park Police Aviation Unit to Prince George’s Hospital Center, where sadly, he died a short time later. The suspect was arrested on the scene and later convicted of first degree murder.

Sergeant 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 46th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this profession within Prince George's County.

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