Steve was born September 15, 1951 in New Orleans to John and Grace Halpin. At nine years old, he became a caddie at the Cincinnati Country Club. After four years, he began working in the pro shop and golfing in amateur golf tournaments. In September 1961, he attended Purcell High School where he played football and, at the Country Club, played in golf pro-am tournaments. He graduated from Purcell in 1970 and moved up to Greenskeeper at the Club. He also entered the University of Cincinnati in 1970, majoring in Police Science. While at college, he became the Caddy Master.
On January 16, 1973, while golfing at the Club, Steve saw a ten-year-old youth bobbing in a frozen pond, having fallen through thin ice. He went into the pond to save the child but was unable to get to him. Steve had to be rescued by his friends who threw him a hose and pulled him out of the pond. Firemen responded and were also not able save the youth.
He earned an associate degree in May 1973.
Steve joined the Cincinnati Police Division on July 1, 1973 in the 59th Recruit Class. Recruit Halpin was promoted to Patrolman on November 25, 1973, issued Badge 529, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). On November 28, 1974, he was struck with a beer bottle while breaking up a disorderly crowd at a dance at 1720 Elm Street, resulting in a concussion, broken nose, and severely lacerated lip. Patrolman Halpin was rotated to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue) on January 1, 1975. He transferred back to District 1 on February 1, 1976. On August 10, 1977, during a high-speed pursuit, his patrol car was rammed multiple times. On August 21, 1979, he was one of several officers involved in a shootout with a man armed with a shotgun at 12th and Clay Streets. Also in 1979, while attempting to arrest a man on the third floor of a tenement building, he was stabbed, fortunately without serious consequence. Officer Halpin was assigned to the Central Vice Control Section on February 24, 1980. On June 2, 1981, he was involved in another shootout with multiple officers and a man who pulled a pellet pistol that resembled a .45 semiautomatic pistol. Whether it was these harrowing experiences or desire for advertising, Officer Halpin resigned on January 4, 1983 with almost ten years of service to his community and five letters of appreciation and/or commendations.
Officer Halpin eventually became an advertising executive and, in 2005, became a full partner in Morning Star Marketing and Advertising. He was also a devoted member of Hyde Park Golf & Country Club for over 35 years.
Officer Halpin died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 17, 2025 at the age of 73.
He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Diana Lynn (Grainger) Halpin (2023), and brother, Michael Halpin. Officer Halpin is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Lyann (Tyler) Babb; stepson, Ryan (Stefani) Kelly; grandchildren, Xander Babb, Logan Kelly, Jameson Kelly, and Priscilla Babb; and siblings, John (Angela) Halpin, Angela Halpin, Catherine (Taylor) Teasdale, Antoinette (Jon) Halsted, and Joseph (Peggy) Halpin.
A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Our Lord Christ the King Catholic Church, 3223 Linwood Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
© 2025 – All rights are reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum.