Line Of Duty

Leo Robert “Bobby” Volk, Jr.

Leo “Bobby” Volk was born May 8, 1949 in the Los Angeles area to Leo Volk, Sr. and Oma Juanita (Richey) Volk. The family moved to Ceres where he grew up and Bobby was a graduate of Ceres High School and Modesto Junior College.

Bobby met the beautiful Miss Janet Ruth Hopper and on April 19, 1969 they were married in Stanislaus County. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Scott, on August 21, 1970.

Bobby joined the Police Department on September 10, 1970 at the age of 21 and he was assigned to the Patrol Division.

At approximately 1:00 am on the morning of May 21, 1973, a call was received at the Police Department of a single car crash involving an MPD unit on Yosemite Blvd near Conejo Avenue. Officers and rescue personnel responded to the scene and it took 40 minutes to extricate Bobby from the wreckage of his patrol car.

CHP investigated the crash and it was subsequently determined that Bobby was on North Conejo Avenue and he turned east on Yosemite. A vehicle which had been behind Bobby on Conejo turned west on Yosemite. Bobby made a U-turn, activated his red lights and sped after the westbound vehicle. 

Witnesses said the patrol car suddenly veered to the left, and the left side of the vehicle smashed into a concrete block just off the roadway on the south side of the street caving in the driver’s side and pinning Bobby inside. The patrol car then spun backwards into a power pole also on the south side of the street. 

Bobby was transported to the hospital where he would be undergoing surgery. Fellow officers and deputies drove to the Delta Blood Bank in Stockton so they could give blood for Bobby’s surgery. Bobby underwent surgery at about 3:00 am. He died just before 8:00 am in Scenic General Hospital 13 days after his 24thbirthday.

He was survived by his wife Janet, their two year old son Scott, his parents, his brother Tommy and his sisters Roberta and Laverta. 

In 2015 Officer Dan Starr contacted the family and asked permission to name his K9 after Bobby. The family was honored and today “Volk” patrols the streets of Modesto as the legacy of Leo Robert “Bobby” Volk, Jr.

Bobby is at rest in Ceres Memorial Park,  Sec 111, Tier G, Grave 3,    Resthaven E Side at #111 .

 Officer Volk is honored at the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington, D.C., Panel 21-W, Line 13. 

 Steven Edward May

Steven Edward May was born on July 14, 1956 at Children's Hospital in Modesto.  He began his career in law enforcement in October of 1976 with the Escalon Police Department.  In 1977 he joined the Ceres Police Department and on February 6, 1979 joined the Modesto Police Department at the age of 23.

Steve was promoted to Sergeant in September 1994.  He was passionate about reducing gang violence in our community.  He dedicated the majority of his career to gang supression and investigations of violent crimes committed by gang members.  Steve understood the importance of focusing on intervention and prevention in the reduction of gang violence. His unique approach to gangs laid the foundation for today's current efforts.  Steve was an inspiration to many and a true leader who will always be greatly admired.

On July 29, 2002 Sgt. May suffered major injuries in a vehicle collision during a high-speed pursuit through Modesto's airport neighborhood.  Throughout his time in the hospital his wife and kids remained steadfast at his side everyday until he passed away on July 23, 2009 in the same hospital he was born in after 24 years of dedicated service protecting the community in the City of Modesto.

Steve had a creed that he lived by and would pass along to his fellow officers.  When they would question if something they should do was right or wrong, he would tell them to ask themselves this; Is it ethically, morally, or legally right to do? Steve said, "If you can answer ‘Yes,’ to all three of those, you'll probably be okay."  

Steve will always live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the legacy he left at the Modesto Police Department. Our agency is forever thankful for the dedication, service, and sacrifice of Sgt. Steve May. 

Steve is at rest at Lakewood Memorial Park, Pioneer Garden, Section 32N / 24W, Site E2.

Sergeant May is honored at the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington, D.C., Panel 58-W, Line 27. 

Larry Dean Crom

Larry Dean Crom was born June 3, 1938 in San Joaquin County. He began his career in law enforcement on September 24, 1963 when he was hired by the Modesto Police Department as a Parking Enforcement and Fire Officer. 

On August 1, 1964 he was promoted to Patrolman and subsequent title change to Policeman.

On April 22, 1970 Officer Crom was assigned to perform parking and traffic

officer duties downtown Modesto in a police traffic scooter. He was struck by a station wagon driven by a female who was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.

Officer Crom received severe head trauma and a broken hip due to the collision. He was transported to Scenic General Hospital, which at the time had the only real emergency trauma room in the City of Modesto. One of the Modesto Ambulance crew who cared for Officer Crom that day was eventually a Sergeant who retired from Modesto Police Department.

Due to the serious head injuries suffered by Officer Crom in this incident he became an invalid and needed care and assistance for the rest of his life. He was never able to return

to work and was medically retired on May 1, 1971.

Over the years, contact was lost with Officer Crom. In 2005, members of the Peace Officers Memorial Group were contacted by the caregiver of Officer Crom. This was during the time Sergeant Steve May, EOW 23 Jul 2009, was hospitalized after being struck broadside by a suspect fleeing other officers.

The caregiver stated Officer Crom was intrigued by the similarities of his own incident and that of Sergeant May and asked if he could visit him. A background investigation revealed

this incident and Officer Crom was “found” after many years.

Since then, arrangements were made for him to attend police functions, tour the police facilities, and meet officers both young and old. A Modesto Police ball cap was given to him and he always wore it proudly.

Officer Crom died 28 Feb 2017. A significant condition contributing to his death was the neuromuscular condition caused by brain damage suffered by Officer Crom in this incident.

Larry's cremains are in the care and custody of his eldest son.

Officer Crom is honored at the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington, D.C., Panel 51-W, Line 32.