A True Warrior, Forever in Our Hearts”
Steven Todd Salmon, a retired police officer and a true warrior in every sense of the word, passed away on 11/25/24, at 62. Todd was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many. He lived a life marked by courage, service, and love. Todd’s strength and resilience inspired those around him, and he was always ready to lend a hand, teach shooting or hunting skills, or share a great story or a laugh.
Todd was an outdoor enthusiast from a young age, enjoying hunting, fishing, and trapping throughout his life. He took pride in keeping the catfish farms of the Mississippi Delta free from predatory birds, even going so far as to influence the winter migration patterns of cormorants. He never missed an opportunity to destroy a nuisance beaver dam or round up a stray coyote.
Todd’s journey as a protector began at the tender age of 17 in Tennessee being too young to join the military. He worked at the Madisonville Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, and Sweetwater Police Department. From there, he moved to Mississippi and worked at the Starkville Police Department 1987-1990 in patrol and Field Training Officer. He began his service at the Cape Coral Police Department in 1990 as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Officer with partner Axl, Firearms Instructor, and SWAT Team Sniper. Todd served with unwavering dedication, rising to the challenges of his roles until he retired in 2015. During this time, Todd was also a professional competitive shooter winning 14 National and 5 World Championship titles between 1997-2005.
After retiring from law enforcement, his journey began as an International Man of Mystery. He lived a life committed to justice and a selfless desire to make the world a safer place. In 2005, he began contract training for the U.S. Government law enforcement and military personnel on multiple skill sets associated with law enforcement and military needs in firearms, drug enforcement, and anti-terrorism. From 2008-2014 he worked exclusively in Afghanistan training and managing training teams for the Afghan Border Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of International Training’s SW Asia Regional Training Team. From 2017-2019 Todd was the Program Manager of a Security contract for the restoration of power infrastructure in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. From 2019 until his death, he delivered skills training to multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East for the U.S. DOS Antiterrorism Training Assistance Program. He touched many lives and became great friends with people throughout the world.
Todd was preceded in death by Steven Pat Salmon, father, and Shannon Smith, mother. He is survived by his children, Kegan (Lauren, children August & Maycee) Salmon, Riley (JR Lyncheski) Salmon, former spouse, Kerry Barth Shields, brother Bruce (Nicki, children Cody (Ashton, daughter Ada), Tate (Gracie, son Charley) Salmon, sister Toshia Workman, stepmother Pam Salmon, stepsister Audrey (children Tyler, Jamie, Matthew – deceased) Hutchinson, stepmother Donna Crisp, and best friend, brother beyond blood, Leonard Richardson, Jr. His family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support, photos, and stories during this difficult time. The world is a better place for Todd’s service and we are all better for having known him.
A memorial service to honor Todd’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, with visitation from 2 – 3:30 pm (short service at 3:30), at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be mailed to: CAPE CORAL POLICE K9 FOUNDATION, INC, 1100 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990 a [501(c)(3) organization, in Todd’s memory, continuing his devotion to service and love of four-legged partners.
Rest in peace, Todd. You were our warrior — your fight is over, but your legacy endures.
