Funeral held for Detroit Capt. Kenneth Steil

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Mourners gathered Friday morning to pay respects to Capt. Kenneth Steil, a Detroit police officer who died last week after being shot five days prior.  

The funeral was held at the St. Joan of Arc church in St. Clair Shores.

Steil, 46, wore the DPD badge proudly and served the department for 20 years when his life was cut short.

Detroit police Chief James Craig promoted Steil to Captain during the funeral.

While on duty, Steil was in pursuit of a carjacking suspect who allegedly opened fire when Steil came around the corner, hitting him in the shoulder.  He was taken to the St. John Hospital where he spent five days recovering. On the fifth day, Steil was to be discharged, but complications from a blood clot arose which led to his death later that day. 

He is remembered by his team and community as one who lived his life with courage and passion. He was affectionately known as “Shark” for his skills as a member of the DPD underwater diving team.

“He was a master diver, who would go down 200 feet and would swim with the sharks,” Craig said.

A letter recovered from the hospital written by Steil just 24 hours before his death was a testament to his optimism and strength.

“I have never been prouder to be a member of the Detroit police department.  All of the support as made a huge difference and keeping my mind off the pain and keeping my spirits up.”

Steil is survived by his wife Joanne and two boys William, 5 and Alexander, 3.

In May 2014, Local 4 cameras were attached to an underwater dive as Steil and other members of the DPD recovery team lift five vehicles out of the Detroit River.