Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho
End of Watch Wednesday, May 29, 1974
Add to My HeroesSamuel B. Buntrock
Conservation Officer Samuel Buntrock was killed in an airplane crash near Montpelier while conducting an elk survey in the Caribou National Forest.
He and two members of the United States Forest Service were in a Cessna 182 that had taken off from Pocatello in the morning. A search was initiated after the plane failed to return. The wreckage was located in a canyon near Montpelier later in the afternoon. Officer Buntrock, the pilot, and both Forest Service employees were killed in the crash.
Officer Buntrock had served with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for two years. He was survived by two aunts, four uncles, and cousins.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsOfficer Buntrock was in a helicopter crash only months before the plane crash that killed him. In that crash he hiked miles in deep snow back to the highway to get help.
He was not scheduled to fly on the day he died, but stepped up and covered for an officer that had gotten sick and was supposed to fly that day.
Sam,
The fact that you got into a plane after surviving a helicopter crash only months before really speaks to your bravery. You are not forgotten, and neither is you sacrifice. I currently am the Conservation Officer that covers the area where you were killed, and will think of you every time I am in that canyon. Rest In Peace Brother.
Kolby White - SCO Montpelier
Idaho Fish and Game
December 6, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025