A husband and father of five, Steve Lo had been a correctional officer for about three years and had been assigned to the California Medical Facility since March 2006.
By KIMBERLY K. FU
The Reporter (Vacaville, Calif.)
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SACRAMENTO — A uniformed California Medical Facility correctional officer was gunned down early Wednesday in front of his house in Sacramento as he was heading to work, leaving loved ones in a state of disbelief.
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Neither a suspect nor motive in the attack on Officer Steve Lo was identified by press time.
Lo, 39, was found at 4:59 a.m. lying in his garage in the 8400 block of Tambor Way, Sacramento police Sgt. Matt Young said. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died.
Lo reportedly was standing near his garage and preparing to leave when he was shot.
No other details regarding the shooting were available at press time.
The correctional officer began his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Nov. 14, 2005, when he started at the Basic Correctional Officer’s Academy, department spokeswoman Terry Thornton said. He was assigned to the California Medical Facility on March 4, 2006.
“Officer Lo was a well-respected, professional officer who carried out his duties with diligence and humanity,” CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate said. “His death is a great loss to his family as well as his friends and co-workers at California Medical Facility and at CDCR.
“My condolences and prayers are with his family. We will continue to work closely with the Sacramento Police Department to ensure the person or persons responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.”
Lo’s CMF brethren voiced similar sentiments.
“He was very well-liked, very well-respected,” said department spokeswoman Lt. Mary Brewer, who knew the fallen officer well. “Officers, they know what the risks are when they go to work. They train for that. ... But this was in front of his own home. This was just so shocking.”
Officials alerted employees on the day and evening shifts to Lo’s death, Brewer said, and had counselors on hand to ensure that everyone was coping well. Officials also reached out to Lo’s family, Brewer said, letting them know that they were ready and willing to lend a hand.
Lo is survived by his wife and five children.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding the officer’s slaying.
“We are forever grateful for Officer Steve Lo’s dedication to serving our state while working at the California Medical Facility. Maria and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy and his commitment will never be forgotten,” Schwarzenegger said. “We send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s family, friends and fellow officers as they mourn this terrible loss.”
In Lo’s honor, flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff.
Also in recognition of Lo, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association announced Wednesday night a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture, arrest and conviction of those involved in the officer’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss,” said CCPOA President Mike Jimenez. “Our hearts are with Officer Lo’s family, friends and co-workers during this extraordinarily difficult time. Officer Lo put his life on the line every day by working inside a California prison.
“We don’t know that his murder is related to his work as a correctional officer, but we take the killing of any peace officer very, very seriously. We owe it to him and his family to help the police find the killer and bring him to justice.”
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is establishing an account for Lo’s family. Donations may be sent to CPOF at P.O. Box 348390, Sacramento, CA 95834-8390, care of the Steve Lo Memorial Fund.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
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