Durham County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, November 14, 2020
Add to My HeroesTerry Sampson
Lieutenant Terry Sampson died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an exposure while on duty.
Lieutenant Sampson had served with the Durham County Sheriff's Office for 29 years.
The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 600 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.
Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.
Bio
- Age 60
- Tour 29 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Monday, November 2, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 42 ReflectionsI am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Lt. Sampson when he died in the line of duty from Covid. To the Sampson family, fellow deputies , and all who call Terry beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.
This is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of dedicated service Lt. Sampson gave to the Durham community and the residents of North Carolina , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 14, 2020. As a survivor, all line of duty deaths sadden me, but this death really touched my heart for Durham is the birthplace of both my late son and myself. Rest In Peace, Lt. Sampson
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