 | Trooper Amos B. Helms
Oregon State Police
Oregon
Tuesday, December 29, 1931 |
Amos,
In 1985 I started researching the events leading to your encounter and subsequent shootout with suspects John Owen and Keith Crosswhite. I learned that while you lay in the hospital fighting for your life, you were encouraged by the successful apprehension of both suspects by a very determined posse comprised of both law enforcement and community members. For awhile, it appeared you were going to fully recover, however infection set in and 73 days later, God took you home.
I'm pleased to inform you that Owen was found guilty of 2nd degree murder and Crosswhite pled guilty to the same charge. Both were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole however something went wrong, and a terrible injustice occurred when both were later paroled after serving only 10 and 18 years respectively.
Today,a memorial plaque commemorating your service to the state of Oregon proudly hangs from the squad room wall of the State Police office in LaGrande. A identical plaque is also on display at the academy in Salem.In addition, a granite marker was placed at the intersection of Adams and Greenwood in LaGrande some years ago to remind people of a shootout that occurred on a cool October Sunday afternoon 76 years ago when a young State Trooper approached two desperate armed robbers and was shot down before he had the chance to draw and defend himself.
Your funeral was the largest ever held in LaGrande and your fellow troopers pitched in and had a bronze plaque placed on top of your headstone. It reads "Amos Lee Helms staunch friend, Able Officer, shot down in the performance of his duties. This plaque inscribed by his fellow members of the Oregon State Police."
You see Amos, despite the passing years and memories that may have faded some, your's is still very much alive and will remain so because the events that took you from us are captured forever as a part of our history.
Rest easy and again, thanks. Bob Senior Trooper Bob Routt (Retired)
Oregon State Police
2008-05-03
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE VANDNEBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2007-12-29
Trooper Helms,
On today, the 76th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of that state of Oregon. Just like some other people who left previous reflections-I can't believe that the scumbags who murdered you were both paroled in less than 20 years.
R.I.P.
Anonymous Anonymous
2007-12-29
As Oregonians and Proud Members of the Law Enforcement Family. We would like to Thank-You for your service to all of us.
We know you made a difference in this world, and we are proud of you!
We know you are there to Welcome Our Angels in Blue when they arrive.
God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them! Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon
2005-05-28
Thank you for your courage, dedication and sacrifice. Unlike your killers, when you met our maker, you could hold your head high. May you rest in peace and may your family find peace that you or your story are not forgotten. God Bless You. Sgt. Scott Ryon
Washington County Sheriff's Office, Or.
2005-04-19
It is an outrage that any person who kills a police officer would be paroled. I can only say that I hope these two murderers truly had remorse for what they have done to this Trooper. Rest in peace. You are a true hero to your community. Rest in peace Brother. Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
2004-06-10
No trooper who gave his life should be without a reflection..... Thank you Trooper Helms..........72 years later, you're still a hero.........Rest in peace.......... Anonymous
2003-10-05
 Return to top
No Reflections may be electronically reproduced without permission from the ODMP. Please use this contact form for further information or to report violations. | 
