Patrolman Sammy Charles Long

Patrolman Sammy Charles Long | Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas
Patrolman Sammy Charles Long

Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, November 21, 1976

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Sammy Charles Long

Patrolman Sammy Long was shot and killed after making a traffic stop on a driver for a traffic violation on US 67 near Rankin, Texas.

The suspect, who was AWOL from the US Navy, opened fire with a .32 caliber handgun as Patrolman Long approached the vehicle, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then took Patrolman Long's service weapon and shot him in the back six times as he lay on the ground.

A citizen, who was an avid deer hunter returning from a hunting trip, was stopped in a rest stop 150 yards from the traffic stop and witnessed the shooting. The man immediately retrieved his hunting rifle and shot the suspect at a range of 150 yards, killing him.

Patrolman Long had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for 18 years and was stationed at McCamey. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 18 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed by citizen
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Even though I never met Trooper Sammy Charles Long, his story resonates deeply with me. His role as a community protector and symbol of law and order reminds me of the local hero in the small town where I grew up, Trooper Ray Munsell. In today's society, it seems that the respect for local heroes or individuals who made a genuine difference in our lives is missing.

Sammy Charles Long, a true legend of a Texas lawman, tragically lost his life. He was admired for his stern yet fair and compassionate approach to serving and protecting the community, something that is missing in today's society.

Rene R Ramirez Jr
Texas Department of Public Safety-Communications Supervisor-ICT

July 18, 2024

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