Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I and John “Tim” Early grew up best of friends since 1st grade. It didn’t start off well in our initial meeting due to we got into a fight, which neither one of us could remember what it was about afterwards, and laughed at ourselves about it. The dye was cast as two peas in a pod. Wherever one was, the other was sure to be.

Fast forward years later. Tim, as he preferred being called by and I kept in touch sporadically with each of us going our own paths after high school. I was out of the state when my mom called, telling me to sit down. In a slow almost quiet voice asked when I’d talked with Tim last. By this time the feeling of something bad was overwhelming, and asked what’s happened ? Tim had been shot and killed. It changed me forever.

Immediately went home, and Tim’s father’s house. Who began to tear up as I got out of my car. The grief in his whole body as a father who’s son died before him cannot be described. A man who was a baseball coach with my dad, and keeping us out of mischief by giving positive examples to help us make better decisions in life. Was just crushed by it all.

I am now in my sixties, and still think of Tim at times. Think of his father too. Think of sergeant Sam Hicks, his family, and the sacrifice he made for someone he did not even know. To knowingly place his own life in harms way. God, has a special place in His heart for people like him. I thank you Mr. Hicks, and your family, friends, and those who knew you. Thanking God there are people like you today, giving us hope for a better future.

Today my life has been driven to help others, especially through my church. One of my brothers has been in law enforcement for about 30 plus years. Have learned about forgiveness albeit slowly for Tim’s and sergeant Hicks murderer. I and my wife know the crushing emptiness of losing a child. Almost an excuse to imply what goes around, comes around. But I prefer looking at it, as an affirmation of angels in this world who touch our lives giving hope personally, or are behind the scenes when we don’t even know them doing so in their own quiet way.
Thank you,
Detective Sergeant Samuel A. Hicks.

H. Vincent James Jr.
Friend of John “Tim” Early

March 3, 2021

Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 24, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Sergeant Hicks.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 10, 2020

I had arrested Bobby Hughes about 3 years earlier for Armed Robbery. I almost shot him as he failed to respond to orders to surrender. He later died in prison stabbed by a fellow felon. Justice finally came for Sam, although late.
I think of Sam often and wished I had ended Hughe's life the day I arrested him. I so, Sam would still be alive and enjoying his grandchildren.
Hardly a day goes by without a thought of Sam. I pray that the Family is doing well and Sam, I'm getting old now, so we will meet again soon. You were a great cop and a great guy. All of us at KCSO know that. Rest in His loving arms until then.

Reserve Deputy Luke Warfield
KCSO

December 27, 2017

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

June 24, 2015

Sam was a great cop. Decent, honest and friendly. He IS missed and not a day goes by I don't think about him. Rest in His Loving Arms Sam. We will see you soon.

Deputy
King Conty Sheriff

November 26, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year 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

November 13, 2012

Hello Officer Hicks,
God Bless you in a place of peace.
I hope and believe in your goodness in the place you now rest.
R.Roth

C/O (ret.) Robin Roth

June 2, 2011

In rememberance of you Sgt Hicks. You were very intimidating to us as children with your size and serious looks. But we were always interested to hear about what you had to do each day. I will never forget this day. It started off with a lot of excitment as we learned of your chase into the woods and ended with unbridaled sadness to learn that you were taken from us all too soon. I never drive past that site without fond memories of you and your kids. Your memory will live on.

Civilian, Rod
Friend of Son's

May 30, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.

Rest in peace!

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

June 25, 2010

Sam,

I think of you often.

KPD 440

Anonymous

January 12, 2010

Detective Sergeant Hicks thank you for your service. Your partner, Leo "Jim" Hursh, who was with you at the end of your watch is now in heaven with you, please watch over him.

Yakima County
Citizen

December 29, 2009

Thanks for serving the Evergreen State! So happy to learn you are supremely
happy with Jesus in Paradise. So sad to think of your children having to go on
without their Papa.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 24, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 28, 2008

Dad,

You are the yardstick by which I measure the word hero. A gentle giant, one who had compassion on the weak and served others tirelessly.

I'll never stop missing you but cherish the memories we had. I know I will see you again with our heavenly Father.

In honor of you I named our first child, a son, Samuel. He's a big man (tall) like you and reminds me of you in many ways. You left a wonderful legacy behind with your friends, family and so many others you touched as you protected and served.

Love your son.

Shannon Hicks
Son

April 22, 2008

You always had a wonderfully compassionate heart for all people, & it was a privilege to see how much you were able to help people by serving with excellence in law enforcement. You had so many personal challenges & yet none of them diminished your capacity to do the best, most thorough job possible to make sure people were protected & represented well in the justice system. You also honored the Lord Jesus Christ with your life. You remarried after your first wife committed suicide, & added 5 sons to your own single son & considered them your own. I know where you are & will see you someday, Hallelujah! I was so glad to see you honored & remembered on this site. Thanks to all of you who took time to make your tributes. God bless you all.

Linda Radich
Sister

February 19, 2008

"IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED, THAT MAKES HIM A HERO" I read about you today in a book written by Ann Rule. I had to come to this site to see the great Detective who had helped put away a savage rapist and killer. God Bless you and THANK YOU for keeping US safe. GODSPEED.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN

November 23, 2007

May you continue to keep watch over your family, friends, and co-workers from above...always.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

January 18, 2007

Sam, will always remain in my memory!

As the Commander of the Tax-30 (SWAT) team, we spent 3 days straight searching the woods and area where he was killed. We were finally able to apprehend and arrest his killer in those woods!

Lt. Thomas C. Regan (Retired)
King County Sheriff's Department

February 5, 2006

You were hilighted on the website
today. Time has not diminished
your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 23, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 14, 2005

Remembering you today and thanking you for your service. So sorry your life was so violently and
tragically taken.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 24, 2004