Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jay, I still laugh every time I proof read one of my reports and see the word "that" used too many times, and your picture hangs on my police car sun visor as a reminder of a decade of fun.

Carlos Kerley Jr
Springfield PD

February 3, 2007

Jay,

I wish you could have been here when Jeannie and I were married. Yes, “Missouri Highway Patrol Lindsey” is now “Missouri Highway Patrol Burns.” I can only imagine the comments we would have had to put up with out of you and oh how I wish we would have had to!

It has been almost two years since you left us and our hearts are still heavy with sadness. Although you changed troops and our visits were few and far between, they were special. We miss you and your sense of humor. You are constantly on our minds and in our hearts, as our Jen and the boys.

Jeannie and I were in Washington DC a few weeks ago. I was tied up on business but Jeannie was able to get to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall and get copies of your name and pictures of the wall.

The only thing I can think of to say here, to those reading these reflections, there are no words to express the type of friend your were or how much you cared for your family and friends.

Tom Burns
Deputy, Butler County Sheriff's Department

February 1, 2007

I've been told that my dad (trooper Kevin Floyd) and Jay were ironically exactually alike, Jay I wish i would've gotten the pleasure of meeting you, although I feel like I did. When Jay died, dad went up there and worked for some of Jay's friends so that they could pay their respects to their friend. Then when dad died only a month later, that was one of the things that went through my mind. I always find myself asking God what was he thinking for taking two great men from this earth. Maybe he was bored and needed two men like them to keep him up all night talking on and on about the embarassing events that had happened in their lives. or in dad's case what their friends had done. I can just hear them talking about Matt, Will, Jake, and me, both with pride just glowing from their faces. They are probably fishing, golfing, and whatever else there is to do in Heaven just waiting for the rest of us to get there. Jennifer and my mom Cheryl are the strongest women I know, I hope everyone else can see that too. I can't believe it's been a year for Jay and almost a year for for dad. on those days the world lost to of the biggest heros that it will ever see. Even though i never knew Jay, I have a love for him and his family. Jay... Keep my dad in line up there, give him crap if you beat him at even the smallest little thing, and make sure everyone knows when he does something stupid.

Telena Floyd
survivor

September 9, 2006

Jay, not a second goes by that I don't miss you in one way or another, I miss you being home, with the boys and Jennifer. I always knew they were OK you was there. It has been a year seems like yesterday the pain is as real today as it was then. Everyone is trying to do for Jenn and the boys but try as we may all of us are not as good as you were with the boys. I find my self asking out loud HOW DID HE DO IT? You had so much life and was good at it. Just wanted you to know I kiss the boys good night for you when they are at my house and I tell them daddy talks to us in our dreams. Jenn misses you and I just don't know how to help. God only knows why you, can't keep from asking.
Jay I love you. Miss you more than words could ever say. My heart is broken, I not only lost you on the 17th I watched Jennifer die right along with you. Everyone tells her time will make it better, I am not sure what watch they are using. Until your family joins you, we will keep them wrapped in love. Hugs and lots of kisses for the boys, and of course daddy stories. Ol Dollar is still in the garage as I write it will probley drip oil or do something in your honor. Miss you now and forever.

sandy
gramma

September 2, 2006

Can't believe it's been a year. Still doesn't seem possible that you're not with us anymore, Jay. I think of you everyday and yesterday even more. Miss you terribly!

Watch out for those railroad fires up there!

JP
Troop D

August 18, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Corporal John (Jay) Sampietro Jr. and his fellow officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol:

On this the first anniversary of Jay's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Jay's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by his friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Jay was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Jay gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 17, 2005.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 17, 2006

As I got out of bed this morning, my old friend Jay was the first person on my mind. I have been thinking about you and your family a lot lately, of course it being rodeo time always brings you to mind. I wish that I could be with Jennifer and your boys today. I have not gotten to know them but I know that you would want all of the love they could possibly have around them today. You are the absolute best person I have ever known in my whole entire life. You made me a better person and I am thankful to have had you as my friend for many years. Our friendship is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am praying for your family today. Love, Dede

Dede
Friend

August 17, 2006

Jay-
It's been a year now, but still seems untrue. All of us here at 911 miss you very much.

Jennifer, Matt and Will-
Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Jason
Webster Co 911 & Southern Webster Fire

August 17, 2006

My thoughts are with you family today on this first anniversary, keep watch over them and help them with their grief. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol protecting the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Father of Fallen Officer

August 17, 2006

Today is the one year anniversary of your tragic death. It seems like only yesterday that we got the news of your accident. It is still hard to grasp the thought of you being gone. The rodeo was last week and there is a monument place in front in your honor. Your friends and family in Sikeston miss you so much. You still are and will always be "our hometown hero". Till we meet again, rest in peace and watch over the guys at Sikeston DPS in their daily duties.

Jennifer, Matt and Will, our thoughts and prayers go out to you daily. Just know that Jay will NEVER be forgotten by anyone here in Sikeston.

Wife of Sikeston DPS Officer

August 17, 2006

Dear Jennifer and family,
As the one-year anniversary of your tragic loss approaches, please know that you have the prayers and support of many in your extended law enforcement and COPS family. I pray for your continued strength as you move forward one day, one hour, or even one minute at a time.

Corporal Sampietro, your service is appreciated and your sacrifice is honored.

Michelle Walker
Widow, CHP Lt. Michael Walker EOW 12-31-05

August 16, 2006

Jay,

Just thought you would want to know, We beat the fire dept today in softball. Sure missed your sense of humor there. Yes, I am still listening to 70's Saturday. Think of you often.
ps. Ol dollar sure looked pretty in the parade today!

-me

July 3, 2006

Thinking of you on your birthday. We miss you so. - "Northburg"

June 26, 2006

Happy Birthday Jay. You are missed and we think of you daily.

June 26, 2006

Happy Birthday, Jay. You are missed so very much.

June 26, 2006

With honor and respect we heard your name read in Washington.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 17, 2006

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known you'd ever say goodbye
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance.....

.....And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance - Garth Brooks

There you are Brother!

John 15:13

See you there someday.....Flasher

Lt. Gordon W Crawford
Kennett PD

April 2, 2006

It's been almost 7 months now and it all still seems like a bad dream. Rest in Peace Jay.

March 13, 2006

Dear Cpl.

I remember the day you came to Webster County. Everyone was wondering what the new Trooper was going to be like. Our thoughts could never compare to what the truth actually was.

I only had the pleasure of working with you for a short time, but you never forgot a name. You are a model Trooper and Father.

I am sorry that I could not make it to your funeral. I had to patrol that day, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will see you again and we will catch up then.

Sincerely,
Deputy Matt Sanders #138
Chrisitan County Sheriff's Department

Deputy Matt Sanders #138
Christian County Sheriff's Department

March 8, 2006

Trooper Sampierto I just heard the punishment the idiot got that hit you. 7 days in jail that is it. What a joke. Oh yeah and 3 years supervised probation. What has happened to our system. Rest in peace brother.

February 23, 2006

MISS YA EVERYDAY BROTHER JAY, JUST NOT THE SAME WITHOUT THE GODFATHER. REST EASY MY BROTHER.

OFFICER CHUCK BROWN DSN 1306
STRAFFORD POLICE DEPT.

February 18, 2006

My name is Roberto Sampietro, I live and work in Milan, Italy, as Chef Surgeon in a Big Public Hospital. My uncle John emigrated in U.S. (Memphis) in 1909, he was the grand grand father of Jay. I knew him in 1970 when he was a little baby in Memphis. My family and I we are honoured to have a so great reletive

Roberto Sampietro

February 7, 2006

I met Jay in the summer of 2004 when he pulled me over for having a lead foot. A year later, I began working for Webster and got to know him a little better. He never did let me forget the night he stopped me. I guess he thought it was funny to address me as "Speedy Gonzolez". I miss hearing that. Jay was a great guy, and I feel honored to have known him.
To Jennifer, Matt, Will, John, & Gerrie, my prayers are with you.
Jay, God bless you bro. We sure miss ya.

Deputy
Webster County Sheriff's Dept. (Missouri)

January 5, 2006

Jennifer, Matt, Will, John and Gerrie you are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Sikeston, especially during this Christmas season. We all love and miss Jay even more each day. Little things are always there to remind us of him and we miss him dearly. Again you are in our thoughts and prayers.

December 12, 2005

I wish to offer my sincerest condolances to the family of Corporal John (Jay) Sampietro Jr. I totally understand and know from my heart and persoanl experience what they are going through, and what they are feeling with this approaching holiday season. I met Corporal Sampietro a few times there in Webster County. He had encouraged me to apply for the Missouri Highway Patrol. I applied through Troop D there in Springfield with a recruiter. The weekend before I was scheduled to go to Jefferson City to test, I too lost my family there on Interstate 44 approximately 3 miles from where Corporal Sampietro went down in the line of duty. God Bless your entire family Corporal. Those of us still here will watch over them and take care of them, just as you will watch over those of ours who went before. You and your family are always in my prayers and in my heart.
Stephen King
Lamar, Missouri

Stephen King

December 11, 2005