Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Buntrock was in a helicopter crash only months before the plane crash that killed him. In that crash he hiked miles in deep snow back to the highway to get help.

He was not scheduled to fly on the day he died, but stepped up and covered for an officer that had gotten sick and was supposed to fly that day.

Sam,
The fact that you got into a plane after surviving a helicopter crash only months before really speaks to your bravery. You are not forgotten, and neither is you sacrifice. I currently am the Conservation Officer that covers the area where you were killed, and will think of you every time I am in that canyon. Rest In Peace Brother.

Kolby White - SCO Montpelier
Idaho Fish and Game

December 6, 2024

Officer Buntrock,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Idaho. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 29, 2024

Rest in peace Conservation Officer Buntrock. I'll bet you were related to actor Bobby Buntrock from the 1960's show Hazel. He sadly passed from a car accident over thirty years ago.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 29, 2022

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 29, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 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

May 29, 2012

Rest in Peace, Conservation Officer Buntrock. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 7, 2012

Officer Buntrock you are remembered for your dedication to duty. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

January 22, 2012

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Buntrock.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 29, 2007

Rest in peace. Thank you for your great service to the people and wildlife of the great state of Idaho...10-42...

Officer
Idaho State University Department of Public Safety

November 9, 2003