Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Sumpter,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 15, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 15, 2019

Gary Sumpter was my Dad. I was 9 years old when he was killed in the line of duty and I remember it like it was yesterday. When I think about my Dad, his death , unfortunately, overshadows my memories of him alive.
He had a great sense of humor and loved the outdoors. It was always a great time when his 2 younger brothers, Robert (Bob) and Wade all got together. His death was hard on them and I know they, like my younger sister, Julie, and myself, never got over it.
He was shot by a 17 year old boy from a prominent family after a high speed pursuit involving Oregon State Police, Newport Oregon Police, and my Dad, a Toledo Oregon Police officer. The suspect turned his car broadside on the highway and opened fire on a State policeman as he rounded the curve in the dark if night. Officer Clayton Durr was hit in the face by a 30.06 bullet. He brought his patrol car to a stop and fell to the ground while exiting the car. The suspect came towards him With his raised rifle as my Dad stopped his patrol car. My Dad shot at the suspect, who ran behind his car and returned fire. The Newport officer came to a stop behind my Dad and his headlights lit my Dad up from behind. His car door was no protection against a rifle bullet and he was shot through the badge.
He radioed for Newport to turn off his headlights, that he was hit a long with the State Patrolman, and with suspect still shooting, crawled 20 feet past the back of his patrol car and died on the gravel Siletze Highway.
The suspect drove about a mile away and shot himself. It was a senseless tragedy affecting many lives for to this day.

Michael V.Sumpter
Son

January 5, 2019

I remember hearing my grandpa talk about his brother sometimes as a child. I'm sure I have some pictures of him somewhere amongst old family photo albums.
Gary was my moms dads brother

Kayla Sumpter

October 24, 2018

Looking at these EOW memorials, I decided to look at the day of my birth. That was this day. I cannot imagine what it must have been like for a 7 year old to lose a father. Have you thought of posting a picture of your father?

Detective M. Martinez
OCPD

August 1, 2016

Gary Sumpter was my father and I lost him when I was 7 years old. He will always be my hero. Thank you to those of you who left these lovely messages. It means a lot to me.

Julie Sumpter Earls
Daughter

August 3, 2015

Gary I remember you coming into Fraklin Chevron and you was always polite and kind to this young man at 16. I remember Gary always driving his Toyota Landcruser but the night I remember Gary leaving Toledo with his light flashing and heading out to aid fellow officer Miss you Gary

John Strode

November 24, 2014

We few in Toledo are working to create a fallen officers memorial. We are looking for any relatives of Officer Sumpter. Anyone with this information should call Toledo Chief of Police at . Gary you gave all you had and it counts,we love you and thank you and yours.

Bill Rendall Horse Patrolman (ret.)
Ca.,State Federal and county Parks

November 19, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

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

March 15, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 15, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 16, 2008

Patrolman Sumpter,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Toledo.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 15, 2005