Bay Area Police Officer Died In The Line Of Duty, His Death Was Not Recognized For Decades

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department believed they only had one officer die in the line of duty for decades but learned there was another death in 1958 that was honored Thursday in Washington D.C., police said.

Several San Mateo Police officers attended Thursday as Steven E. Clark's death was officially recognized and his name was added to the Memorial Wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in D.C.

May 15 is Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, and for years the SMPD thought there had only been one officer who died in the line of duty, which was Sergeant Gordon Joinville who was shot and killed on May 23, 1968.

Five years ago, the SMPD learned of Clark’s death. Clark was killed on August 19, 1956 while working a stock car race at the former Bay Area Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo. There was an on-course accident and Clark attempted to provide aid and protect citizens who had rushed onto the track when he was struck and killed by another car.

“Sadly, and for reasons still unknown, our agency was unaware of his death for many years. But, as soon as we learned of it, we took steps to honor his memory, just as we have Sgt. Joinville and correct this oversight,” a SMPD press release stated.

In 2024, the California Reserve Peace Officers Association posthumously gave Clark the Award of Valor.

Police Chief Ed Barberini, Captain Dave Peruzzaro, Lieutenant Matt Earnshaw, and members of our Honor Guard attended the ceremony where Clark’s name was read during the Roll Call of Heroes at the Annual Candlelight Vigil.

There will be a public memorial for Joinville on May 23 at Joinville Park in San Mateo and the same is planned for Clark in August, police said.