Golf tourney honors fallen Merced officer

It’s been 11 years since he was killed in the line of duty, but if the tone of a golf tournament that carries his name is any measure, the memory of Stephan Gray is fresh in the minds of those who knew him.

Nearly 125 people teed off during the eighth annual Stephan Gray Memorial Fund/Merced Police Officers Association Golf Tournament at the Rancho Del Rey Golf Club in Atwater on Saturday. That’s a full house, according to organizers.

Michelle Gray puts on the event to honor her husband, who was a well-liked Merced officer killed in the line of duty April 15, 2004, Tax Day. She said the tournament is a fitting tribute because her husband put his golf clubs away, saying he wanted to spend more time with his young children.

“He said he’d pick them up again when (the children) could play with him,” she said, her voicing cracking with emotion.

He never got that chance.

The proceeds from the benefit, which average about $10,000, are split between the Stephan Gray Memorial Fund and the Merced Police Officers Association, according to organizers.

Gray said she uses the money from her memorial fund to put on the ceremonies held during the year in her husband’s honor, with some also going to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation.

The money is also used to help people struggling to afford to put themselves through the police academy at Fresno City College, where her husband trained.

When Stephan Gray was in that position years ago, Michelle Gray was working two jobs and he left his job to go to the academy. Paying for the equipment and schooling can be difficult, she said.

“We were totally in that situation,” she said.

Many California cities, including Merced, have struggled in recent years to keep all of the police staffing positions filled.

Detective Joe Deliman, president of the Merced Police Officers Association, said the Merced Police Department has several openings.

“It’s hard to find candidates,” he said.

Deliman said the association uses its money from the tournament for charity events it holds during the year, some of which benefit local children.

As years pass, new officers come to town who never worked with Gray. Deliman, who did work with him, said it’s important new officers know about Gray.

“This is the way that we keep our memories alive,” he said. “This is the way we can support (Michelle Gray).”

He said the credit belongs to the people and businesses that support the tournament.

Gray said she’s happy the tournament continues to thrive.

“Really, the coolest thing is everybody comes out year after year,” she said.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Golf tourney honors fallen Merced officer."