Waldo Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch: Friday, April 16, 1976
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 1 day
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by train
Date of Incident: April 16, 1976
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolmen Steven Poetker and Sonny Allen were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing near Waldo.
The two were returning from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden, Arkansas. They had just joined their department chief in a chase when the accident occurred. Patrolman Poetker had graduated from the academy at 1:00 pm, and the accident occurred shortly after 2:00 pm. The department only had three officers at the time of their deaths.
Patrolman Poetker was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.