Sgt. Steven J. Dodson

Steven James Dodson was taken eternally into the arms of Jesus Monday evening at Naples NCH Healthcare Northeast following a medical episode he suffered that day.

Steven was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, on October 2, 1969. He graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School in 1987. He earned an associate’s degree from Palm Beach County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of South Florida.

Steven started umpiring baseball at 16 years of age for the Palm Beach Gardens Athletic Association and graduated from the Harry Wendelstedt School of Umpiring at Daytona Beach in 1994. Steven continued to umpire for high school, college, senior professional leagues and rookie leagues for over 20 years; he particularly enjoyed umpiring games at the Miracle League Stadium in Fort Myers. Steve’s passion was anything to do with baseball. He visited 22 major league baseball stadiums and has traveled to 45 states.

Steven joined Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 26, 1996, as a Patrol deputy. He was promoted to corporal and assigned to the East Naples Patrol District in August 1999. He was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Immokalee Patrol District in December of that year.  Sgt. Dodson also acted as the Field Supervisor as needed and was a member of the Immokalee Patrol District Focus Team. He graduated the CCSO Leadership Academy in 2007.

Steven earned multiple awards during his career, including a Command Recognition, a Lifesaving Award, three Teamwork Awards, three Unit Citations, five Letters of Commendation, and a Good Conduct Award. He was named Deputy of the Quarter in July 2005. He was a 20-year veteran of the sheriff’s office.  The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a dedicated member of the agency. In Sgt. Dodson’s honor, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk has authorized that agency members cover their badges for a period of time.

Steve is predeceased in death by his father, Ted R. Dodson.  He is survived by his mother Phyllis Dodson Martin and her husband Thomas; brother Michael; his fiancée Maria Raley (son Carl).sisters Deborah Fain (Tayton); Carrie Blecha (Jason) and Barbara Hughes (David); nieces Victoria and Aliyah Dodson.

 Funeral arrangements are: Visitation from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with funeral service beginning at 4:00 PM at North Naples United Methodist (6000 Goodlette Rd, Naples). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steven’s name to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA. 02215.

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