Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

October 18, 2004

"This we do that others may live"

Rest in peace, brother, you'll never be forgotton.

Police Officer
Union City Police Dept.

June 21, 2004

You are so missed
I remember your smile and how it would bring a smile to one's face. You seemed to have this magic that would bring out the best in people. You had a sick sense of humor, but it was never tasteless. It was your own sense of humor, the way you used to laugh at your own jokes and because of this, one would laugh at your jokes. I can't wait to see you in heaven and you have a new joke for me.
Brother, you will never be missed or forgotten, I promise you that. Your family will always be in my prayers. Rest in peace and Godspeed.

patrolman
CPD

February 10, 2004

most people would tell you that law enforcement is a dangerous job. i never listened. I was always afriad when there was a domestic call or when i heard dispatch say use caution with someone. My husband was a little man but his size never mattered to him. He wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to make the small town we lived in a safe place for everyone. i never thought that directing traffic would be the worst thing that he could do. I just want to say to all the officers that read this "To be careful out there and watch out for other drivers and be careful so you can go home to your family" GOD BLESS

Wife of Officer Toby Dirickson
EOW 11-2-03

January 2, 2004

WHAT WOULD JOHNNY DO?

My Sunday school teacher once told me that someone had asked this question: “Other than Jesus, if you could name anyone you felt was a hero, who would that be?” My answer would be my brother Officer John Charles Samra, who lived his life as Jesus did.

Matt.25:31-46 – For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you invited me in, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me…
As a police officer, John continuously came to the aid of others in need. During one of his evening shifts, he found a lost child roaming the streets… Another young boy had his bicycle stolen; he wrote up the report and the next day, he bought the child a new bike.
He fed his friends and family by cooking for them (as well as cleaning up afterwords). My brother John was often spoken about by others who said he was so generous that he would give you the shirt off his back and the belt off his pants (for a fellow officer in the Color Guard). When elderly citizens needed medical assistance, he took them to the hospital and stayed with them to comfort them, not unlike all other policemen, but especially like Jesus, Who said He will never leave us or forsake us…
Looking back, there are so many similarities between John Charles and Jesus Christ. Not only were their mothers both named Mary, but they even shared the same initials, J.C. They both lived to serve others, saw the good in others when most people could not, never spoke poorly of anyone, and ultimately laid down their lives for others by dying a horrible death at a young age.
John lived his life in the Spirit. He possessed the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22) He was also an adventurous young man who enjoyed motorcycling, camping, and skiing.
John was brought up in the Catholic Church and was taught these great values by his parents Mary and Michael, Sr., who truly practice what they preach – loving, giving, caring, serving, compassionate… We do not grieve as others who have no hope. (I Thess 4:13-18)
Like Jesus Who came to seek and to save, (Luke 19:1-10) John believed in carrying out his duties to protect and serve. He did these with respect for people of all walks of life, of various ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. Though he could not perform miracles as Jesus did, he came to the aid of anyone who came into his life. He participated in the Special Olympics, Safety Day for Clifton city children, Otto the Auto, and even volunteered to be Detective/Sgt. McGruff, a dog, because of his love for children.
All these he did because he was living out his life as Christ Jesus said… Do “Unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matt. 7-12)
What would Johnny do? Johnny would do as Jesus taught us to do, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable… Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or -seen in Me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)
Today we have been deprived of watching our son, our brother, our uncle grow up and continue to bless our lives, as he became a blessing to all who came in contact with him. Our family is truly thankful that John was part of our lives even if it was for such a short time.

Rest in Peace, baby brother John. See you in heaven.

Love, MaryEllen
11-24-03

MaryEllen Mikola

December 18, 2003

Rest in peace my brother—You will not be forgotten. You have done your duty.

You, your family, and all those that have been affected by your passing are in my family’s prayers.

See you some day my brother.

CPL Jodie L. Warren
Prince George County Police Department, Virginia

December 13, 2003

We began our tours as police officers on the 21st, our graduation day. Rest easy, for we have taken to the road to patrol for those who have come before us. Bless you and your family for your sacrifice.

76th Basic Class
Vermont Police Academy

December 6, 2003

My deepest sympathies go out to Officer Samra's family, friends and co-workers. May he rest in peace.

S. Cullinane Smith
Widow of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department

December 5, 2003

Rest in peace from your fellow motor officers in the Houston Police Department Solo Motorcycle Detail.

Lieutenant Larry Lakind
Houston Police Department

December 4, 2003

We are truly saddened at John's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

December 4, 2003

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

December 1, 2003

I was saddened to hear about the loss of Ofc. Samra.
After 22 years in this business, I never want to forget the
dangerous side of what we do on a daily basis.

I feel for the family, the friends and the members of the
Clifton Police Department.

May God Bless and look after all of you.

Ofc. Samra is a hero in my eyes.

MPO John Pennington
Fairfax County, Va. Police Dept.

November 30, 2003

Well done thy good and faithful servant. You have labored over many and been faithful over few. Your work on earth is done. Its time for you to come home.

Anonymous

November 29, 2003

"...The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena...", is perhaps a fitting thought about this tragic loss. May God bless your family and comrades left behind and you as you rest in peace, our brother.

MSB-Metro Nashville PD

Anonymous

November 28, 2003

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER SAMRA, HIS FAMILY
AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

November 28, 2003

Rest in Peace Motor Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD

November 28, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother Samra. God Bless the Samra family and the Clifton Police Department. You will not be forgotten.

Federal Officer Schrade
Bronx, NY

November 28, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of P.O. Samra.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him, I am certain that he has earned his seat in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

November 27, 2003

You made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers in the Clifton Police Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

November 26, 2003

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure John did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and John be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Samra's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his family. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that John is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain John was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

November 26, 2003

I miss you.
My Friend , My Buddy, my Pal.
One of the realest people I knew. You never cared about what people thought. You made your own judgements. You'd give the shirt off your back for a friend.
I miss your twisted sense of humor. The way you never quite grew up. You never let the job burn you out, you just kept going. You loved the job. Always ready to jump in and help.
I miss having coffee, playing cards, hanging out.
I miss hearing your voice and laughing with you.
I miss just knowing you are there.
You always had my back.
My truest brother and my dear friend

Did you see us?
We were there
It broke our hearts
but we didn't care.

you weren't alone
and we said goodbye
though we tried real hard
not to cry

we didn't stop death
and we couldn't save you
with your great big heart
so strong and true

you had to go
no matter how we tried
If only our love could have saved you
you never would've died

Anonymous

November 26, 2003

To the Samra family and to the Clifton police department.
From myself and the entire Newark police department we send our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of P/O John Samra. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Rest easy my brother we'll take over the watch now. May the lord hold you in the palm of his hands and may the rain fall gently on your grave.

P/O L. Oyola
Newark Police Department

November 25, 2003

Warrior - you have given the ultimate sacrifice and it will not go un-noticed. To the fellow brothers and sisters in blue that work and knew Officer Samra, may GOD be with all of you in this terrible time of need. Know that he is now with his creator and watching over all of us wearing the badge.

GOD BLESS

Brother in Arms of Deputy Kevin Sherwood
EOW 09-Oct-03

Sgt, John S. Wilson
Clare Co Sheriff Dept - Michigan

November 25, 2003

Rest in peace motorman. You served with bravery.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

November 25, 2003

My sincere condolence to the family, friends and members of the Clifton Police Department.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

November 25, 2003