Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember hearing about this as a kid and seeing his statue in the Greenwood County courthouse. I think about his story often whenever I think about what it means to be a hero.

Thank you for your sacrifice Officer Samuels.

Jacob J
Citizen

July 14, 2022

Even after all of these years it still hurts like hell! Wish you could have been here to see me walk down the aisle and to see my kids grow up. They would have loved you as much as I did! My son loves that he is named after you! Miss you so much Matt

Morgan Deal

January 19, 2021

Thinking of you and your family today. Can’t believe it’s been 16 years.

Kandy Marks

January 19, 2021

I did not know him but the brotherhood of the thin blue line dictates I owe him respect and prayers. Another good man taken too soon.

Clyde Ginn
RLEOTA Mississippi Director Retired

January 19, 2020

Can’t believe another year has passed without you. Still miss you giving me pop and candy bars while mom did juvenile intake. My son was finally old enough to learn about where he got I’m his name and he’s so proud to be named after you. Just wish you were still here. Watch over us all! Love you Matt!

Morgan Neeley

January 19, 2020

Sheriff Samuels, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 9, 2019

I can’t believe yesterday was 14 years since you were taken from us. I know you are missed everyday, not only by the ones you loved but by the entire county, both past and present, who had the great honor of knowing you. I know you are looking down from heaven watching us all, probably shaking your head at some of our antics, but still proud. We will never know why God chose you on that fateful day, but I know you are patrolling the streets of heaven, just as you did the country roads of Greenwood County.

Jennifer Best, NCSHP wife
Former Greenwood County resident

January 20, 2019

Another year has passed without you in it.....Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and smile. Love and miss you Matthew.

Tami J. Jackson
Respiratory Therapist/Paramedic

January 20, 2019

WELL, MY OL FRIEND, STILL MISS U, WISH U WERE HERE, NOT A BAD HUNTIN SEASON THIS YR! THE DAY THIS ALL WENT BAD IS COMING CLOSE, WE WILL NEVER FORGET U6,YOUR FRIEND AND SOMETIMES THE CHITS,,,FREDDY STUBER.,

Fred Robert Stuber
FRIEND

January 4, 2019

I remember hanging out on the corner of Main and River and Matt would always come around and chat with us awhile. Likely making sure we were not up to "no good" lol, but it sure was fun to talk to him! Another memory, him catching me after curfew one night and taking me home to my Mom and saying, "Martha, his your daughter again!"
He was one of the reasons I joined the Navy, later became a dispatcher, and ultimately changed my life for the better.

Sharla Speer-Ellithorp
Fellow Eurekan

January 17, 2018

A salute to you for your service and sacrifice. May God continue to keep you in his kingdom, and that you watch over your loving family from there. May God continue to bless your family and colleagues.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 19, 2017

Tomorrow I get to go to the Kansas Law Enforcement memorial and see your name on it again. Just one more reminder that you're really gone. 11 years and I still miss you as bad as I did in 2005. Me and my dad talked about you the other day. About all the times you were there for me when he wasn't and how before he graduated KLETC you were trying so hard to get him to come over to Greenwood county and work.. We all still miss you a lot. Life will never be the same.. We love you Matt.

Morgan
LE Wife

May 6, 2016

~Not a day goes by, that I don't see you or hear your voice. I was blessed to work along your side, when the page went out. Life will never be the same as we knew it and that my dear cousin...my friend, is what hurts us most.~

Paramedic/Respiratory Therapist
Cousin

January 21, 2016

Happy Birthday Matt!

John

October 23, 2015

Wow, Matt,it's hard to believe it's been 10 years today. Our little community will never forget you

Kandy Marks

January 19, 2015

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Samuels. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Fellow Kansan

September 2, 2013

Nobody's left anything here for you in awhile. Your not forgotten. I hope you know that. :)

Someone who remembers

March 21, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 26, 2012

I can't believe its been this long since you left us. I go to visit you every chance I get. I miss you.. we all do. You were such an amazing man and Sheriff.. I'll see you again.. continue watching over us all. Love you Matt.

Morgan
friend of matt

May 15, 2012

Matt, We think of you often and I miss your sense of humor.

Jim Oliver
Friend, Former Greenwood Co. Deputy

January 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventh 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 your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

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

January 19, 2012

It's hard to believe it's been 7 years. It hasn't gotten any easier to deal with or accept. I'll spend today like I have every other January 19th, watching the clock and remembering how that horrible day went down.

Patrick Romans
Greenwood County Sheriff's Office

January 19, 2012

Wow...6 years ago today and it seems like it was just last week. I miss you so much. Watch over us. You're always in my heart. I love you Matt.

Morgan
friend

January 20, 2011

Another year my friend. You are missed......

Jim Oliver
Friend

January 19, 2011