LANCASTER, Calif., Oct. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris announced today that to honor Sergeant Steve Owen, he will be asking the City Council to rename Lancaster Community Park to “Sergeant Steve Owen Community Park.”

“To honor Steve, I am asking the City Council to rename Lancaster Community Park to Sergeant Steven Owen Community Park.  He deserves to always be remembered by the residents of the City of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley.  Renaming our community park after a true hero is one small step in that direction.  Steve was killed in the line of duty protecting a community in which he was deeply embedded.  Sergeant Steve Owen was one of the best known Deputies throughout the entire Antelope Valley region. Numerous community members have attested in recent days to the positive impact he had on their lives, both on and off duty, and how he went above and beyond the call of duty in those interactions. Simply recounting those stories isn't enough to honor him. There is no better tribute than to name a community gathering place for Sergeant Owen, who defined by his actions what it means to be an involved, active and dedicated member of the community of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley,” said Mayor Parris.

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sergeant, Steven Owen was shot and murdered by Trenton Trevon Lovell, a 27-year-old with a long criminal record, while answering a burglary report.  Sergeant Owen was with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for 29 years and he worked 25 of those years right in the Antelope Valley.

“It is only fitting that Lancaster attaches the name of a great man of our city to the history of our community park. Steve fought hard for the youth in our community and his name and his work should always be remembered. The Lancaster City Council, and indeed all Lancaster residents are praying for his wife, Tania, and the Owen family. The City of Lancaster stands ready to help the Owen family, as well as the Sheriff’s department, in any way we can. God Bless Steve Owen, a true hero,” concluded Parris.

Media Contacts:
Dante Hickles (661) 949-2595 dhickles@rrexparris.com
Eric W. Rose (805) 624-0572 eric@ekapr.com