“I get a call from the Elk River Police Department,” said Blaine Police Chief Brian Podany. “They told me that both Officer Nanney, Steve Nanney, he and Susie had been killed in a motorcycle crash.”
Chief Podany first met Steve Nanney several years ago and, like many that came into contact with Officer Nanney and his wife Susie, they quickly became close.
“Everybody here was close to Steve, and everybody here was close to Susie too, because she was part of our family as well.”
Steve and Susie were originally from Missouri, but had lived in Minnesota for the last ten years as Steve worked in Blaine and Susie taught at the University of Minnesota. Steve spent the last three years as the school resource officer at Blaine High School. As Chief Podany put it, this was the perfect post for Steve.
“We talked to the kids, and we talked to the staff member at this school, and he just had a natural gift to be able to connect with them and make an impact.”
Hundreds gathered this week at Blaine High School to pay tribute to Steve and Susie. Those in attendance shared stories and shed tears as they grieved together.
“Unfortunately sometimes tragedy brings us together, and that is bringing us together here,” said Podany.
Steve and Susie’s family with help from the police department have set up a memorial fund. Donations to the fund will be given to some of their favorite causes including the Special Olympics, educational scholarships and youth traffic safety education. You can make a donation at any 21st Century Community Bank.
21st Century Bank
9380 Central Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55434
Attn: Blaine Police Federation FBO Officer Steve and Susie Nanney
https://21stcb.com/locations
All branch locations will accept donations.
