Officer Down Memorial Page

Hello Officer Hicks,
God Bless you in a place of peace.
I hope and believe in your goodness in the place you now rest.
R.Roth

C/O (ret.) Robin Roth
June 2, 2011

In rememberance of you Sgt Hicks. You were very intimidating to us as children with your size and serious looks. But we were always interested to hear about what you had to do each day. I will never forget this day. It started off with a lot of excitment as we learned of your chase into the woods and ended with unbridaled sadness to learn that you were taken from us all too soon. I never drive past that site without fond memories of you and your kids. Your memory will live on.

Civilian, Rod
Friend of Son's
May 30, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.

Rest in peace!

Michelle - wife of US Marshal
June 25, 2010

Sam,

I think of you often.

KPD 440

Anonymous
January 12, 2010

Detective Sergeant Hicks thank you for your service. Your partner, Leo "Jim" Hursh, who was with you at the end of your watch is now in heaven with you, please watch over him.

Yakima County
Citizen
December 29, 2009

Thanks for serving the Evergreen State! So happy to learn you are supremely
happy with Jesus in Paradise. So sad to think of your children having to go on
without their Papa.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 24, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
April 28, 2008

Dad,

You are the yardstick by which I measure the word hero. A gentle giant, one who had compassion on the weak and served others tirelessly.

I'll never stop missing you but cherish the memories we had. I know I will see you again with our heavenly Father.

In honor of you I named our first child, a son, Samuel. He's a big man (tall) like you and reminds me of you in many ways. You left a wonderful legacy behind with your friends, family and so many others you touched as you protected and served.

Love your son.

Shannon Hicks
Son
April 22, 2008

You always had a wonderfully compassionate heart for all people, & it was a privilege to see how much you were able to help people by serving with excellence in law enforcement. You had so many personal challenges & yet none of them diminished your capacity to do the best, most thorough job possible to make sure people were protected & represented well in the justice system. You also honored the Lord Jesus Christ with your life. You remarried after your first wife committed suicide, & added 5 sons to your own single son & considered them your own. I know where you are & will see you someday, Hallelujah! I was so glad to see you honored & remembered on this site. Thanks to all of you who took time to make your tributes. God bless you all.

Linda Radich
Sister
February 19, 2008

"IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED, THAT MAKES HIM A HERO" I read about you today in a book written by Ann Rule. I had to come to this site to see the great Detective who had helped put away a savage rapist and killer. God Bless you and THANK YOU for keeping US safe. GODSPEED.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN
November 23, 2007

May you continue to keep watch over your family, friends, and co-workers from above...always.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)
January 18, 2007

Sam, will always remain in my memory!

As the Commander of the Tax-30 (SWAT) team, we spent 3 days straight searching the woods and area where he was killed. We were finally able to apprehend and arrest his killer in those woods!

Lt. Thomas C. Regan (Retired)
King County Sheriff's Department
February 5, 2006

You were hilighted on the website
today. Time has not diminished
your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 23, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 14, 2005

Remembering you today and thanking you for your service. So sorry your life was so violently and
tragically taken.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 24, 2004