Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Matt,
Thank you so very much for what you have given to each and everyone of us in Greenwood County. You were the most awesome man I have ever met. I learned from the best! You were the most patient person I have ever met. I had the pleasure of learning firearms with you...boy what a task you had to pull off! You always said that you could teach anyone to shoot with a little time....you proved just that with me! God Bless you for the patience and time! By the way... I still have that one bullet! I will never admire anyone as much as I admire you! You were always there and never closed the door. All we had to do was give you a call and you were there anyday at any time. You were always a friend, but when you meant business...there was no doubt. I never heard you raise your voice at anytime I have known you. But man could you fool a person as to whether you were teasing or serious! I will never forget the time you and I and Tammy were out at the range shooting to qualify.....I will always wonder if you giggled at me behind my back like you did Tammy when she was learning to shoot that revolver. You created a really great department, one that can't be beat! You have left a legacy in all of us, and working with the guys, I can always see a little bit of you. You have left a mark on all mankind! Even the criminals loved you. I can only hope to be half the LEO you were, and gain half the respect you left this world with. I swear I am related to your twin.....and what he didn't already have....you gave him. Thank you Matt for all that you have done for him.....you are one awesome man....and the hearts are empty because we lost you. But full because of what you have taught us not only by words but by your actions as well. You will be with us always!!! Thank you again Matt for all that you gave and all that you did. You have touched so many and done so much.

SRO/Deputy
Greenwood County SHeriff;s Office

February 13, 2005

On behalf of the University of Kansas and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC), we express our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Tammy, Heath, Sharlee and members of Sheriff Matt Samuels’ family; to Matt’s many friends and law enforcement colleagues, and to the citizens of Greenwood County.

Sheriff Matt Samuels was a 1988 graduate of KLETC’s 101st law enforcement basic training program and the KLETC New Sheriffs’ Orientation School in 2000. It is with everlasting friendship and a deeply saddened heart that we will always remember Matt as one of our own who gave the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life in the line of duty.

In the next few weeks, we will dedicate a fallen officer plaque in Sheriff Matt Samuels honor and memory on the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Wall of Honor. May the memory of Sheriff Matt Samuels never be forgotten.


With respect,



Ed H. Pavey, Director
and the staff of
Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Ed H. Pavey, Director
Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

February 11, 2005

My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Sheriff Samuels. I recently spoke with another Sheriff (personal friend)in Kansas; who advised me of the incident. I'm very saddened of this, but also confident that Sheriff Samuels always carried out his duties as a law enforcement officer.

Deputy Sheriff Patrick Henry
Erie County Sheriff's Office; Sandusky, Ohio

February 11, 2005

My heart aches as I hear of another officer killed in the line of duty!! The heartache this causes is almost unbearable - yet somehow you go through this numbly. Let others help you in your grieving even if it just someone holding you - that goes for each and everyone of you be it the parents, wife,child,friend or co-worker - you all need love and support. Know you are not alone - those of us who have been through this terrible event hold you in our hearts and prayers. With love and concern - the mother of slain officer in 1998

February 10, 2005

God Bless the Samuel's Family and the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff Samuels will not be forgotten.

Wife of Officer
Newark CA

February 10, 2005

We have all lost a great person and friend. I wish I had known you better. I knew real well, your father, uncles and other family. Used to run around with them and work with them. I started with the BUSO in 1962 and retired in 1995 because of an injury. Everyone I know spoke VERY HIGHLY of you, how you were with the people, expecally the youth. A lot of us forget that we were young at one time, and made mistakes while we were learning. Bud Lorance was my training officer and spoke very highly of you many times before he passed away. Look forward to meeting with you and your father again. RIP brother

Wayne Wilson, Ret. C.O.P.
kansas

February 10, 2005

May you rest in peace now that you are in a safer place. May you watch over all of us to help guide us thru the day. May you be remembered for who you are, and the lives you touched.
God rest for you are not forgotten.

Inspector PA Gust
United States Customs Service-Detroit

February 10, 2005

Growing up in Eureka wasn't the easiest or the most exciting. Matt understood that teenagers will do what they do and was always very good with us and very understanding. He was close with my uncle and he will be greatly missed. God bless you, Matt on your next journey and may your family be safe.

Molly Branden

February 9, 2005

WE DEDICATED OUR MUSTER IN YOUR MEMORY. YOUR SERVICES AND SACRIFICES SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER...

DEPUTY PATRICK FRAZIER
ESCAMBIA COUNTY (FL) SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 9, 2005

Matt was a great man and respected by everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tammy, Heath, Sharlee and the rest of the family.

Leslie McCoy

February 8, 2005

Matt was a wonderful man. A man of honor, sincerity, generosity, and responsibility. He cared about others both in feelings and words. He is truely a hero and a great man. He will be missed by all. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. He will be missed by all.
Tammy

Tammy Kerwin
KDOT

February 8, 2005

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

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

February 6, 2005

I carry a challenge coin with me on duty. God bless out police officers, keep then safe both day and night. Give them the STRENGTH and COURAGE to enforce all that is right. Matt reflected Strength and Courage......... I just hope that I can continue to live up to the expectation.

Deputy Jim Oakley
Greenwood County Sheriff Department

February 6, 2005

Our thought go out to you and your family. God Bless.

Cst Stefaniuk
Calgary Police Service, Canada

February 5, 2005

GOD BLESS. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR LOVE ONES.MY YOU WALK WITH GOD ON HIS BEAT IN HEAVEN. THANK YOU FOR JUST DOING YOUR JOB THAT SO MANY PEOPLE WOULD NOT DO. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

OFFICER DAVID BREAUX
GONZALES CITY POLICE LOUISIANA

February 5, 2005

Good bless the family of this fallen hero.

Jared Rollins

February 4, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are a hero to us and we will always remember you and what you have done.

Sheriff Gerald Ingalls
Chase County Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2005

It's difficult to hear of an officer dying doing his/her duty. It's more difficult to learn he/she died at the hands of someone he/she had tried to help numerous times in the past. Rest in Peace.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI Agents Association

February 3, 2005

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!

Patrol Officer
Topeka Police Department

February 2, 2005

Deeply sorrowful, I leave another reflection about a brave soldier killed by a cowardly enemy. I hope the community will show appreciation for the sacrifice Sheriff Samuels has made, and outrage for this violent attack. To the citizens in this community, I ask that you do your civic duty and punish this ruthless criminal for the brutal murder of this decent husband and father. With swift justice, sentence this murderer to the most severe penalty. Sheriff Samuels, may the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and fellow officers in the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

February 2, 2005

I had the privelege of knowing Matt Samuels since I started working in law enforcement in 1987 and we have lost one of the best. I rode with him last year when we were doing a drug task force search warrant and he told he to buckle up because his car only had 2 speeds, fast and faster. He always had a way about him that made you smile. God speed Matt!! We will miss you.

Kathy Kress, Dispatcher
Woodson County Sheriff

February 2, 2005

The Walton Police Department sends its heart felt condolences to the Samuels family and Greenwood Sheriff office
God blessings to all of you

Chief E.M. Reed
Walton P.D.

February 2, 2005

On behalf of the men and women who serve for the City Of Lake Saint Louis Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Samuels' family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
Lake Saint Louis, Mo Police Department

January 31, 2005

May God bless & grant peace to the family of Sheriff Matt Samuels and the members of the Greenwood Co. Sheriff's Dept. Keep up the fight!

Deputy Jerry Dirks
Rush Co. Sheriff's Dept.

January 30, 2005

Sheriff Samuels,

Brother, I know that leaving your family and loved ones behind was not your intention. When I read your story I came to two conclusions about your character. First, you are a leader who had the respect of your men. Your men would and did follow you through violent situations. Second, as a leader, paying the ultimate sacrifice was not on the agenda, however, I know that you would rather go in first and take the fight to the enemy. Rest in peace Sheriff.

Respectfully,

Patrolman
Kokomo Police Dept.

Patrolman
Kokomo Police Dept., Indiana

January 30, 2005