Trooper Jimmie Elliott Linegar Missouri State Highway Patrol Missouri Monday, April 15, 1985  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I must say I am honored to hear your story from your partner Trooper Alan Hines. I am also honored to work in the same area as your son now. I don't know him that well but from what I do know and hear of him, he is an outstanding Trooper and an outstanding Man. I pray that your family will continue to seek God for strength and guidance when they are feeling sorrow. It is so comforting to know that we as Christians, have a real place to call home in heaven. Thank you for your service. You are an American Hero. God Bless.

Officer Douglas
Washington PD
2008-04-02

I just saw this story on Crime & Justice on Court TV, or (True TV) now- so, so sad, & senseless- this young State Trooper didn't stand a chance, he had no where to go for cover, Just a "Routine" ck of DL's & Tags, This story turned my stomach, he should have got the switch instead of life, and touched my heart for Trooper Linegar. To his wife and children, May God be with you, and to the Missouri State Troopers and his Partner, I can tell that you still hurt, nothing like this you ever get over, you don't forget, I believe you just learn to live with, espically the Trooper that was with him on the detail, and the Investigator that did the show, you could still see the tears in their eyes. Trooper Linegar is still walking the beat, it's just now it's on Golden Streets, Be Safe, and May God Bless you as you still do your Duty everyday, you can bet Jimmie's watching and got your back!
Officer Linda Fowler
XP55 MS Hwy Saftey Patrol
01/06/08

Officer Linda Fowler
XP55-MS Hwy Saftey Patrol
2008-01-06

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-06

Jimmie, you was a great friend, and brother in the the law enforcement field. I was at the scene just after they took you to the hospital. I still live in Taney Co., and still remember you. Sandy and the kids are still in my prayers. Number 865 still lives on.

Keith Barker Retired D.S.
Taney County Sheriff's Dept
2007-10-07

Hats off to all of our men and women who wear the blue and take the everlasting oath to serve and protect..several years ago we were in the Branson/Springfield area and we came upon the memorial sign for Trooper Linegar as we were traveling to a youth basketball game from the Southeast Missouri area. My husband, a MSHP, told me of the story of Trooper Linegar and his final day on the force. I was saddened to hear the events. My husband never met Trooper Linegar and has never worked in that part of the state..but remembers the events that occurred on that tragic day. As we passed the memorial marker...I said a small prayer for his family...and sent smiles up to heaven that we will never forget our hero's in blue...Standing on his Promise.

J. Lejeune MO. Probation and Parole
Wife of MO. State Trooper
2007-03-14

On the 20th anniversary of your death, you are remembered.
While your tour is over, our's continues in your memory.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police
2005-04-15

Mr Linegar-
I have never met you, but I feel like i know you well. I see you in the heart of your son everyday that I hang out with him. From what I have heard, Mike is a spitting image of you. Your son mike has been one of my best friends now for the past 4 years. From the stories I have heard about you, mike has fallen right into your foot steps. He is a loyal friend to me and a person i can ALWAYS count on. He works hard for what he gets and is liked by all. He would do anything for me. So in a way, I feel like i have met you through the eyes of your son. I am sure you are very proud of him and you should be. You have a wonderful family. I hopefully will be joining the partol in the 84th recruit class. YOur son is also currently in process for the 85th class, (we were supposed to go to the same class, but you will have to ask him why it didn't work out). I thank you for your service and ask that you watch over me if God gives me the chance to serve. I will keep an eye on mike for you as I am sure he will do the same for me. Thanks again..you will not be forgotten.

Eric R. Kriete
Greene County Juvenile, Springfield MO
2005-04-08

54 Better Than Any Before. We still think of you often.

Sgt. Bruce Clemonds
Missouri State Highway Patrol
2005-03-25

ALTHOUGH JUST A YOUNG BOY IN TANEY AT THE TIME OF TROOPER LINEGARS DEATH, I STILL REMEMBER THE HIGHWAY PATROL IN FORSYTH WHERE I LIVED BLOCKING SOME OF THE HIGHWAYS SEARCHING CARS. TROOPER LINEGAR IS ONE OF THE REASONS I WISH TO BE A MISSOURI STATE TROOPER, MY GRANDFATHER KNEW JIMMIE AND SAID HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND A GREAT TROOPER AND IF I WANTED TO GO INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT THE MSHP WAS THE AGENCY TO JOIN. WHENEVER I DRIVE BY 86 AND 65 WHERE HE WAS KILLED I STILL THINK OF HIM.
REST IN PEACE JIMMIE

2005-03-25

I was a Branson Police officer when Jimmie was killed. He was a good and godly man whom I still miss today. Taking part in the manhunt and funeral was closure...at least in this life. True closure will come when I see him again in heaven.

Officer Robert Welsh
Warrensburg PD
2005-01-18

Trooper Linegar is one of the reasons I am in law enforcement today. I never had the privilege of knowing Trooper Linegar. I was only a sophomore in high school when Trooper Linegar was murdered by a gutless coward. I still have to this day all the newspaper articles associated with Trooper Linegar's death and the subsequent manhunt for his killer. I knew at that time I wanted to go into law enforcement. After college I knew being a Missouri State Trooper was the only career choice I wanted to pursue. During my first zone assignment in Dade County, my FTO showed me where Trooper Linegar now rests. My current zone assignment has me working where Trooper Linegar worked and lived. I still say a prayer each time I pass the area where Trooper Linegar lost his life. Although they may not remember me, I have had the privilege of meeting two members of Trooper Linegar's immediate family.

Trooper Linegar's death was not in vain. Trooper Linegar's death is responsible for at least one kid from Missouri who decided to go into law enforcement and make the sacrifices to become a Missouri State Trooper.

Rest in peace Jim.

Trooper A.K. Buff, #450
Missouri State Highway Patrol
2003-10-23