Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He was my uncle Sam. He was funny and loving to us kids. When he passed I was in the USAF serving at a secure location. In 1994 when I retired from the Air Force. I went to a job fair where Baltimore County was looking for recruits. I asked the Sergeant that was there if had heard of my uncle Sam. He told me he had and that he was on the wall of honor. I considered a career as an LEO. At the time I was looking for the money. In hindsight I sometimes wish I would have joined. I enjoyed serving in the military and miss the comraderie.

Bill Hilbert Msgt read USAF
Grand nephew1

April 28, 2023

I didn't know much about Cpl. Snyder other than he lost his life performing what he was sworn to do in a neighborhood where he was well known and admired. I was a teenager at the time of his unfortunate encounter at what was once known as the 'Bel-Loc Diner' on the corner of Loch Raven Blvd and East Joppa Road in the area called Baynesville. What I do recall most vividly was watching his funeral cortege from the parking lot of the Parkville Shopping Center on Harford Road. That was the first time, but not the last, funeral of a fallen first responder I've ever witnessed in-person. I hope there are no more ceremonies of this kind going forward. Godspeed Cpl. Snyder, although many years belatedly, and best wishes to all of the first responders out there who put their lives on the line 24/7 to keep our communities safe from whatever harm that may arise.

Citizen David Updegraff
Member of the General Public

November 8, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 23, 2020

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Corporal Snyder.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 23, 2018

I will never forget Cpl. Sam. Having the same last name gave us a connection that will last forever though we were not related. It was always a pleasure working with you and seeing you on the street. R.I.P. Sammy until we meet again

Detective Kenneth Wm. Snyder
Baltimore County MD Police

August 23, 2017

Uncle Sam, when I retired from the Air Force in 94. I went to a job fair. At the fair were officers from the Baltimore County PD. I asked.if they knew you and the did after 11 years they still remembered you. They told me they would be honored for me.to serve on their department. That is a testament to you uncle.Sam. I talked to uncle John tonight and he told me that aunt Helen is 102 years old. The one thing I remember is the love that you shared. I know you are looking over the officers that are serving. RIP Uncle. Your end of watch was many years ago.I know you are still on patrol.

Bill Hilbert
Grand nephew

September 23, 2016

RIP Sam (I am imagining you driving around heaven in your Gremlin. Here's hoping you are putting flowers on the windshields and not parking tickets!) XO

Captain Kate Meeks-Hall
Baltimore County Police Department

August 23, 2014

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Corporal Snyder. Thank you for your bravery.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2014

I miss you Sam Snyder. Thanks for all you taught me.

Officer Michael S. Perry
Baltimore County Police (Retired)

August 23, 2013

A friend from Columbia recently suggested catching a coffee at the Bel-Loc Dinner - it brought back the memory of Sam on patrol in Parkville, where I grew up... and his being shot in the line of duty at the Bel-Loc so long ago.

I told her about Sam and what happened...
I didn't go for there for a coffee that day, and I have never been there since that day in August 1983 - it has never felt right since that day.

I was 30 then, almost 60 now - but I will always remember Corporal Sam / The Police Man.

civilian
Parkville community

April 29, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 11, 2013

rest in peace and may god bless you

pfc j pease
cmpd

August 23, 2012

Thank you, Sam, for showing this rookie the ropes.
Every day working with you back in '77 was filled with wonder following an old school beat cop around.
You knew every shop owner in Towson.
Thank you, Sam, for letting my wife and me use your beach house.
Thank you, Sam, for giving your life for our community at the age of 71.
There are none like you.
No, Sam is not forgotten but lives in treasured memories.

Rev. Patrick H. Winkler
Ex-BCPD

November 26, 2011

Today, I found this site... a wonderful tribute to the men and women, like my grandfather, who have given their lives for others. Pop Pop, you are gone, but never forgotten. Your spirit and selflessness live on.

Amy Gallagher
Grandaughter

October 19, 2011

Today I read your story to my Officer's in roll call. We wore our memorial ribbons in honor of you. Thanks for your years of service . You were thought about today. Keep watching over us Corporal Snyder.

Sgt. Mickle
Baltimore County Police

August 23, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 7, 2007

Rest in peace, you are never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 23, 2007

Corporal Snyder your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Baltimore County. You are not forgotten.

a Maryland citizen

August 3, 2004