Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Savage, it has been 38 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 18 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

January 22, 2024

Marge, my dad Edward worked with you. I know, he thought the world of your family.

Michelle charbonneau
Friend

October 15, 2022

CT trooper killed 34 years ago on way home from work while helping driver

Posted on January 22, 2020 CT POST

On the 34th anniversary of the death of Connecticut State Police Trooper James Savage, the agency took some time to remember the fallen officer.

Savage was hit and killed by a driver on Route 8 in Watertown on Jan. 22, 1986.

The 42-year-old trooper had just wrapped up a day with the agency’s traffic squad and was headed home when he stopped to help a driver. He was only 15 minutes from home.

As Savage walked up to the car, a salesman driving on Route 8 was traveling in Savage’s direction.

State police said the salesman looked over at some paperwork on the passenger front seat of his car, causing his car to drift toward the shoulder as the road took a slight curve.

Savage was struck by the driver from behind. Savage died at the scene.

He started the academy in February 1968 and would later be assigned to Troop L in Litchfield. From there, he was transferred to Troop H in Hartford in December 1971.

On the anniversary of his death last year, state police said Savage’s career “revolved around traffic enforcement.”

“Your service to this department and this great state will never be forgotten,” state police said in 2019.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

January 22, 2020

Jim was a wonderful person and a Cops Cop....My late brother Peter and I both knew Jim as Auxiliary State Troopers at Troop A and while I served as a Special Police Officer for the Town of Wolcott. His smile, his sincerity, and thoughtfulness made him a person who was wonderful to know and work with......Thank you James...Rest in Peace...David W. McKay

DAVID W MCKAY AX55 #3473 Shield 16 WPD
Friend

April 2, 2018

I’m Jim's brother in Law. I can't believe 30 years since we heard that boisterous laugh of his. Jim was fun to hang around. R.I.P.

Retired civilian
Brother in law

January 22, 2016

Trooper Savage,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Connecticut. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 22, 2014

TFC. Savage... You are not forgotten!!

Sgt 132
CT State Police

May 9, 2013

Rest in Peace, Trooper Savage. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 1, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and you will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever..

Rest In Peace

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

January 22, 2012

Never Forget

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police

January 22, 2010

So sorry for your loss. This is a very fitting way to remember your loved one.
R.I.P. Trooper Savage.

Anonymous

October 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day.

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police

January 22, 2009

RIP.You maybe gone but you will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 16, 2008

"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

December 9, 2007

On the very same day that Trooper Savage was killed, another fine officer was born. That officer is my husband. The thin blue line continues, but will always remember the sacrifice James Savage made. He is NEVER forgotten.

Wife of an officer

May 15, 2007

Jim,
our whole family misses your laughter and drive for life. You will never be forgotten. We love you.


Janet Fellows

He was my brother in law

May 24, 2006

Brother Savage,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 16, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

October 14, 2004

Rest Easy, your not forgotten

October 10, 2003