Sgt. Steve Owen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department died two years ago Friday after being shot in the line of duty.

Owen began his career with the Sheriff’s Department in 1987, and worked at many stations during his nearly 30-year career, including the East Facility, the Lynwood Station, and the Antelope Valley Station.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2011, and worked as the Lancaster Community Appreciation Project Sergeant until his death in 2016.

Owen was affectionately known as the “Bullfrog” by his coworkers, and was well known for his work ethic, according to officials.

“He worked hard, mentored local kids and younger generations of deputies, strongly honored a commitment to family, and loved his wife,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Lillian Peck said in a statement.

A 24-hour vigil was held Friday to remember Owen. Deputies from several units, as well as many community members and friends joined his wife, Retired Detective Tania Owen, in paying their respects to the late sergeant.

On Oct. 5, 2016, Owen was responding to a burglary on the 3200 block of West Avenue J-7 in Lancaster when he was shot and killed by an armed suspect, according to officials.

“The suspect then ran past Owen’s collapsed body to the front of the building where he then jumped into Owen’s cruiser,” read a statement from the Blue Lives Matter website. “Fortunately, another deputy was close by. The deputy opened fire when the suspect put the car in reverse to attempt to run him over.”

Officials say that the suspect then collided with another cruiser, injuring the deputy inside. He proceeded to flee the vehicle, running into a nearby home. A teenager inside the home contacted law enforcement to tell them where the suspect was.

“SWAT responded and forced their way into the home but the suspect was able to flee out the back,” the Blue Lives Matter statement read. “He jumped a fence and ran into another back yard where he was quickly surrounded by authorities.”

The suspect, Trenton Trevon Lovell, has since been order to stand trial for his alleged involvement in Owen’s death. He recently appeared in court to begin his arraignment hearing, with further proceedings scheduled for Nov. 14.

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