Photos for Headline Surfer / Steve Szabo, 68, a retired cop with Daytona Beach Police Department died on Sunday, April 23, 2023, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Szabo is shown in the inset pic with retired Police Capt. Paul Barnett and then-Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri prior to his leaving DBPD to become police chief in Eustis nearly three years ago. Barnett was with Capri for his swearing-in ceremony in Eustis in 2021.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Steve Szabo, a retired captain with the Daytona Beach police force succumbed today to lung cancer.
Szabo was 68 years old.
"Today we lost an amazing person, said former Daytona Beach and current Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri.
"Captain Steve Szabo was my friend, mentor, and the smartest cop I ever worked with. More important he was a great family man who looked out for everyone. My prayers go out to (wife) Martha and the Szabo family during this difficult time. He will be missed."
Capri added: "Heaven gained a guardian who will watch over us. Rest In Peace brother."
Besides his wife, Martha, Szabo is survived by their two grown children, Steve Szabo, Jr., and Christina Szabo.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood was stoic in a Facebook post talking about Szabo's passing.
"Earlier today, an outstanding public servant, father, and friend lost his battle with lung cancer: Retired Daytona Beach Police Captain Steve Szabo," said Chitwood, elected sheriff in 2016 after 11 years as Daytona's police chief.
"I first met Steve back in May 2006 when I became DBPD's new Chief," Chitwood wrote. "He was a straight shooter who told you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear. He was a valued member of my command staff, a valued friend, and an expert in his field. His heart and soul were dedicated to the organization, the community, his family, and all those he taught and mentored."
Sheriff Mike Chitwood continued, "I can attest to the fact that this man left our community and those whose lives he touched better than he found it. I was honored to be there with his family today to say goodbye. From 300 to 304, job well done, my friend. Rest in peace and I'll see you again one day. You're 10-7."
Sheriff Mike Chitwood continued, "I can attest to the fact that this man left our community and those whose lives he touched better than he found it. I was honored to be there with his family today to say goodbye. From 300 to 304, job well done, my friend. Rest in peace and I'll see you again one day. You're 10-7."
Daytona Beach police posted a statement on its Facebook page paying tribute to Szabo along with highlights of his law enforcement career:
"It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of retired Captain Stephen Szabo. After a brief illness, Captain Szabo passed away peacefully this afternoon surrounded by his family. He began his law enforcement career with the Port Orange Police Department prior to being hired by the Daytona Beach Police Department in 1994. He rose through the ranks serving in various capacities and was eventually promoted to the rank of Captain in October of 2004.
"Captain Szabo retired from full-time service in September of 2010 but remained very active within the department in a Reserve capacity. He was hired as the Captain in charge of the Reserve program in September of 2016. Captain Szabo also served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Daytona Beach until 2021. At times he would assist with Accreditation while conducting staff inspections for the department. He also served as the coordinator of the department’s internship program. His extensive knowledge and experience coupled with his willingness to serve made Captain Stephen Szabo a tremendous asset to the entire City of Daytona Beach and will be sorely missed.
"Please keep the entire Szabo family in your thoughts and prayers."
About the Byline Writer: Henry Frederick is a member of the working press and publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched in 2008 along the I-4 tourism corridor in greater Daytona Beach to Orlando from Lake Mary, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed 115 award-winning bylines in print & online. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in 2019. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade. And Before that worked the same beat for The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high-profile cases such as the George Zimmerman murder trial, Frederick has appeared on national crime shows on Discovery ID, Reelz, and the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis.