The death of Stephen L. “Steve” Wilson came as a shock to all of us in Gallia County who knew him and loved him.

To his family, Hobart and Bev, Keith, Brenda and the extended family, let me extend the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences, both on behalf of my family and the staff of Ohio Valley Publishing.

My relationship to Steve was more professional than personal in nature, although over the years that I was acquainted with him, I came to appreciate him more and more. He had a great sense of humor, was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and had his finger on the pulse of Gallia County politics like nobody else I knew.

For scores of others in Gallia County and across our region, Steve was so much more than just “Gallia County 911 Director.” After receiving word of his passing on Wednesday evening, I visited his Facebook page where I was witness to such an outpouring of love and affection that it brought tears to my eyes, but also warmed my heart.

“A true friend to all ...”

“We will miss the Bulb ...”

“A good man was lost ...”

“I have lost a great friend ...”

“You will always be remembered ...”

“Goodbye to a wonderful boss and most of all a friend ...”

“You were an inspiration to us young emergency responders and were always a great person to talk to ...”

“I will miss our little talks and how we had the country’s problems all solved ...”

“Gallia County has lost a great public servant, the Wilsons have lost a great son, and we have lost a great friend ...”

Those are just some of the many thoughts that Steve’s friends have posted on his Facebook page, and they bear witness to the great influence he had, not only in our community, but also in surrounding counties.

Early Thursday morning, we received the following e-mail from Michael Warren, director of sales for EmergiTech. Mr. Warren said he sent this letter to all of his contacts in the 911 industry. It’s yet another example of the scope of Steve’s influence.

It is with a great deal of sadness that I have to report the passing of one of the best 911 Directors in our industry.

Steve Wilson, the 911 Director from Gallia County, Ohio, passed away yesterday afternoon.

While Steve was not a 911 Director who frequently attended Conferences or NENA/APCO functions, he was a huge supporter of public safety and NENA.

Steve was a constant host at his Gallia County 911 Center. He was also a consistent reader and user of the NENA List Server. He was a quiet unassuming person and just a great person. He was always working to know more about our industry and apply that to his job.

I can’t count the number of times he hosted visitors to the Gallia County PSAP over the years. Counties in Southern Ohio who were working to implement 911 were always welcome at his place.

All the years I worked to help Meigs County get 911, Steve was always a big help and resource to anyone.

I always wanted Steve to come along with me to a NENA Conference to give others a chance to meet him, but he was a little shy and just didn’t feel comfortable in that environment. He also wouldn’t be comfortable with all I have said about him today, but he deserved it. Those who had the chance to meet Steve would understand and grieve with me today.

My heart breaks today as he served this industry well and was even a better person.

Please keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers today.

The true greatness of a man is not measured by what he accumulates — money, power or fame.

No, the measuring rod of true greatness is the love, respect and honor poured out on that man by others, both while he is with us and after he has departed from our midst.

Thank you, Steve.