Trooper Amos L. "Spud" Helms, Oregon State Police, Oregon

Trooper Amos L. "Spud" Helms

Oregon State Police, Oregon

End of Watch Wednesday, December 30, 1931

Amos L. "Spud" Helms

Trooper Amos Helms succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on October 18th, 1931, in La Grande, Oregon, as he and another trooper approached a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle used in a bank hold-up.

He and the other trooper had been notified of the car, which was parked at a filling station at the corner of Greenwood Street and Adams Street. The occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the officers as they approached it.

Both subjects fled the scene but were captured after a massive search. They were convicted and sentenced to life in imprisonment without possibility of parole for the murder of Trooper Helms. One of the men was granted a conditional pardon in 1942, and the other was paroled in 1950.

Trooper Helms had served with the Oregon State Police for six months.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, October 18, 1931
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Convicted of Murder

bank robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 80th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your memory will always be honored and revered as time never diminishes respect. Like others who have posted on your memorial, I am outraged that your killers were paroled.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 29, 2011