Holly MatkinCincinnati, OH – Sharonville Police Department (SPD) Chief Steven “Steve” Vanover died on Sept. 5, over a week after he suffered a serious medical event at his residence, according to his department.
The 56-year-old police chief was rushed to Bethesda North Hospital after the medical emergency occurred on Aug. 29, the SPD said in a press release.
Chief Vanover remained hospitalized until his death on Sept. 5.
He had served as the SPD chief since March of 2018, having spent 19 years of his career working for the department prior to that time, The Enquirer reported.
Chief Vanover also spent eight years of his law enforcement career working outside the SPD.
He was extremely devoted to the construction and opening of the department’s new facility.
“The Chief was passionate about Sharonville and passionate about technology and data,” the SPD said. “We saw him eat, sleep, live and breathe in and around our new Police Department non-stop for the last two years to get it built.”
Chief Vanover was a humble leader.
“He never wanted accolades or attention, and he was never really comfortable in the spotlight, always allowing others to take the credit,” the SPD said. “Truthfully, he was probably happiest listening to a Reds game and mowing grass, spending an afternoon at the beach with his wife, or being a doting Papaw to his grandson.”
“Steve was a good friend to many of us here at the Police Department and was well known in the community through his work as Chief and as a Dare officer,” the agency’s press release read. “We love you, Steve, you will be missed by many.”
Chief Vanover leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Pamela, as well as his sons, Bradley and Matthew, and his grandson, Jordan, according to his obituary.
He was laid to rest on Sept. 11, the SPD said in a press release.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered on Sept. 6 that flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Chief Vanover’s years of service.
Sheriff McGuffey and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sharonville Police Chief Steve Vanover and the entire Sharonville Police Department. We are grateful for his service.🖤 #RIP #LawEnforcement #Ohio pic.twitter.com/0dveEdKjF5
— Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (@hcso_org) September 7, 2021
Our @SharonvillePD lost a great one. Look at Chief Vanover stepping in to keep my baby girl company while I welcomed parents & guests. #SHElem #Vikingdiff pic.twitter.com/7Sopez8zTi
— Mrs. K. Jordan (@HeirJordanK5) September 7, 2021
@sharonvilleohio RIP Chief Steve Vanover. Thank you for your service. Rest easy sir. pic.twitter.com/igvbPvMeMa
— Matt Wise (@pinch_122706) September 6, 2021
I found out that one of the people I got to meet along my journey has recently passed away. Chief of Sharonville Police, Steve Vanover, gave us a great tour of the newly built Sharonville Police Department. Thank you Chief, Rest In Peace. @sharonvilleohio @SharonvillePD pic.twitter.com/r0oJEy0vUT
— Cody O’Connor (@cdo_team) September 8, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sharonville Police Department Chief Steven “Steve” Vanover, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
