Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our hearts and prayers go out to you, your agency, and all of the men and woemen that dawn the badge daily. As we continue to handle our tour of duty, and as we represent the finest and bravest of mankind, may the lord watch over each and every one of us, and may He use the newest of angels that He has brought home, your officer, our HERO, to lead and guide us in our endeavors. May the Lord God be with each and every one of you!

Chief J.A. Roberts
Jonesboro, Georgia

August 18, 2005

Bonnie Talik is a good friend of mine, and when I got her call yesterday about a fellow officer being killed while on duty, I realized that we all need to keep every officer in prayer, no matter what agency of service they are in, they need God proctection while doing their service to our country.

Secretary, Helen LoPiccolo
Springfield Public Schools

August 18, 2005

Once again, a senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to Officer Sampietro's family and friends. He is too young to have died doing what he loves.

Cpl. Simon Baumler
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

August 18, 2005

Rest in Peace corporal. Another senseless tragedy due to speed. People need to slow down and pay attention to the roadway. Officers are out there to protect the public, yet it seems the public does not want to protect them at times. May god bless you and your family, for you sir have left this world as a hero. THANK YOU

August 18, 2005

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

August 18, 2005

Although I did not know Corporal Sampietro personally, I live in the same town as he and his family and know where he lived.

Let me just say that I have the utmost respect for the job that all law enforcement does for the betterment of citizens everywhere.

Corporal Sampietro was recreating an accident that took four lives just a few days ago when God came calling for him.

The accident for which Corporal Sampietro was investigating came about as the result of one driver being innatentive to his surroundings and rolling his semi-truck onto a compact car containing four innocent lives. These four lives were on their way to a funeral and had travelled from Indiana. Little did they know the funeral they would be attending would be their own.

Now we have one other soul to add to this one accident. It is extremely unfortunate.

It is IMPERATIVE that anyone who reads this UNDERSTAND what innatention while driving can do to a person, a family, or the loved ones left behind. If you drive a motor vehicle, just take a second to imagine the ramifications should you remove focus from the road to adjust the radio, rubber-neck at a crash/ticket site, or any other type of distraction that any one of us can do, and have done, while driving.

The product of innatention is the value of five lives in this case. This is five more than need be. For Corporal Sampietro, his 10 month-old and 4 year old will no longer have their father. His bride will no longer have him as a spouse.

Think about it next time you are behind the wheel.

Rogersville, MO citizen

August 18, 2005

The City Of Steele, and the Steele Police Department would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family of Jay Sampietro and to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

I personally had the pleasure of working with Jay while he was assigned here in Pemiscot county, and I know he always did a good job and was truly a caring officer who went out of his way to make this world a safer place for us all. Jay will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him, and he, his family and the Missouri State Highway patrol will be in our hearts and prayers!

Chief Michael L. Tomlinson Sr.
Steele Missouri Police Department

August 18, 2005

Another reflection left by CPL. Sampietro for another friend who was taken too early.


As I reflect on the days since May 17, 1999, I can only say that the pain gets better with time, however, it never goes away. David May was my boss and my mentor. He taught me my trade, I'm a police pilot. He showed me the ins and outs of how to be efficient and provide necessary services to the public and to the officers on the ground that count on their pilots. I miss my boss terribly, I miss my friend even more. God bless all who wear the uniform that are willing to lay down their life in the service of others. Be safe, and keep the faith!

Sergeant J. A. Sampietro
Missouri State Highway Patrol

Special Agent
DHS

August 18, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

August 18, 2005

My thoughts are with the members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the friends and families of each of the fallen troopers. It has been a rough year but know that you are not alone. The law enforcement brotherhood is there to help you and to honor those among you who have made the ultimate sacrifice to "serve and protect".

U.S. Park Ranger Luis O. Krug
U.S. National Park Service

August 18, 2005

Corporal Sampietro
Your 13 years of faithful and dedicated service to the people of this great state will never be forgotten. God rest in peace and God bless your family.

PO Steven Peek
KCMO PD

August 18, 2005

May you rest in peace Sir. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ is with you and your family.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

August 18, 2005

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH CORPORAL SAMPIETRO AND HIS FAMILY.

JEFF KING
VAMC

August 18, 2005

The men and women of the Cameron Police Department share in the grief with the death of Corporal Sampietro. The members of Corporal Sampietro's family and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are in our thoughts and prayers. Know that your work here is done Corp and we will do our best from here. Until we meet again brother!

Chief L. Corey Sloan
Cameron, MO Police Department

August 18, 2005

Corporal Sampietro

May your community and family know that your service was appreciated. Rest in peace my brother in blue.

When most would be running away from danger, my job requires me to run towards it. I do this in the hopes of making a difference for someone I may not even know. Don't they understand what I am willing to sacrifice to Serve and Protect the citizens in our community? Monetary gains, could never compensate someone who risks their life and faces danger for people they may never know.

Deputy Robert Craig
Boone County Sheriff (Indiana)

August 18, 2005

May God watch over you during this tradgic time. I will be praying for the family, friends and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. God Bless you all!

Friend of a fallen officer

August 18, 2005

I was particularly struck by this latest entry on the ODMP as my brother was also named John, but called Jay, and he, too, is listed on this website.

I am so sorry for the loss to Cpl. Sampietro's family, friends and co-workers; may he rest in peace and may you all find comfort in the good memories that you have of him and in each other. God bless all of you.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11/05/04

August 18, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Jay Sampietro, Jr., and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Sampietro, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

August 18, 2005

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Corporal John Sampietro Jr as well as to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Rest in peace Corporal Sampietro, you are gone but will never be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

August 18, 2005

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE **

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 18, 2005

God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service to your community, your state, your country.

Lt. Keith
Florida

August 18, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of the Plattsburg Missouri Police Dept., we extend our condolences to the family of Corporal Jay Sampietro and the members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

City of Plattsburg Missouri Police Dept.

August 18, 2005

Rest in Peace Corporal Sampietro...God bless the Missouri State Highway Patrol and their families...It has been a terrible year for you...

Trooper
Tennessee Highway Patrol

August 18, 2005

Corporal Sampietro..you - your family - friends & fellow co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE..YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BLUE ANGEL!!

girlfriend of a leo
MI

August 18, 2005

Corporal Sampietro, may you rest in peace.

Dispatcher
Wisconsin

August 18, 2005