State Park Peace Officer Steve Bier

Here is Steve. 

Steve had a great sense of humor and a tremendous love and dedication to the desert of Southern California.  He was knowledgeable about the desert flora, worked with volunteers, and lead the annual count of Desert Bighorn Sheep.  “He was everywhere,” said Ernie Cowan, the president of the Anza-Borrego Foundation.  “He had an incredible breadth of knowledge about things in the park and an amazing dedication.  He would spend time during his days off doing what he did every day as a ranger.”

In California, there are two series of state park peace officer, the park ranger and lifeguard.  Each is a POST-certified police officer with statewide authority.  Most people undervalue the park officer, but these servants perform public safety duties, conduct patrols of vast wildlands, perform search and rescue, manage crime scenes, conduct investigations, and much more. 

Steve was dedicated in every way to the protection and preservation of natural resources for future generations.  “He was unique individual,” Cowan said.  “He was larger than life in many ways.” 

On 29 March 2018, Steve Bier was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  He left behind a wife, also a park officer, and a son. 

This year, I also ride for Steve. Please help me honor him here.