Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Had breakfast with "Sammy" many times at the Bellevue, Tennessee Waffle House. He would tell the waitress he wasn't hungry when he came in and then proceed to eat everything on your plate. Always smiling, always cutting up. A joy to be around. He had a death grip and would always extend his hand when he met someone. He would take them to the with that grip! Good guy, good LEO, good family man. Miss you buddy!

Officer Gary M. Smith (retired)
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

April 26, 2024

If this is the same guy (and based on the photo it may very well be), we were in the Navy together on board the USS Waddell DDG 24 home ported out of Yokosuka, Japan in gunfire support off the coast of Vietnam. I believe he had a twin brother, and his elderly father was a very religious man (and very strict)! Sam was a very likeable guy (everyone liked him), but he was very intimidating. He loved to play with his Boatswain's knife (he could not remain still for too long). I remember one time when he tried to catch a rather large venomous 'killer' snake with a grappling hook out of the waters of the Danang Gulf. Fortunately, he was not successful! He was so wild (but innocent) that one of our shipmates, the late Walter Rash nicknamed him, Jethro after the Beverly Hillbillies TV character! Rest in Peace!

John Thomas Ciappetta SH3
United States Navy (shipmate)

May 21, 2023

I vividly remember this. I was a THP dispatcher with the Nashville district. I worked day shift that day. The dispatch office was off McCrory Lane west of Nashville close to the Cheatham county line. Although the accident had just occurred in Dickson county, I noticed there seemed to be a lot of activity going on as I headed to work. When I got there and was told what happened to Holcomb, my heart sank because we lost a trooper’s trooper. A wonderful man that everybody loved and respected. All these years later, my prayers continued to be with his family.

Trooper Paula Snapp (Fulkerson)
Tennessee Highway Patrol

March 12, 2023

Sadly I remember this …. I had only been at Jackson Police Dept. About 3 years …. RIP and continued prayers for your family .

Sgt.(Ret.) Deborah Stanfill /Deputy
Jackson Police Dept/Madison Co. S.O.

November 23, 2022

Rest in peace Trooper Holcomb.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2020

God bless you

Mark Mottola

March 27, 2020

Trooper Holcomb, I knew your father. I met him in a time in my life that I was investigating a career in Law enforcement. Let me tell you after that hand shake and man what a hand shake I was forever a, " Hawkl-A-Maniac", this man was the model I lived by as a Police Officer in Berry Hill TN. and Goodlettsville TN. You see Hawk was working a PT job at the, "One for the Sun concert" at hermitage landing I was a security guard there. After a couple of days with him there was no turning back. I was going to be a Cop.....period point blank.! I thank the day I met Hawk and mourned the day he passed. HE WAS THE TRUE PRO WE ALWAYS WANT TO BE LIKE. I know that since Hawks passing heaven is a lot safer.

God bless you,

Patrol Officer
Berry Hill, Goodlettsville Police Departments

November 26, 2014

We have known the Holcomb family for many years, and consider them as our second family. Hawk was dedicated state trooper. He loved being a trooper more than anyone that I have ever known. He also was a guy that loved his wife, children and God. Being around him was, well, shall I say a experience. I have so many fun Hawk memories it would be hard to name one. They would undoubtedly make a good book. I only know how intensely proud he would be of the way Marilyn has raised their children. He would definitely make one fun grandfather. He will always be in our hearts, we were blessed to have been a part of his life.

Gary & Sharon
Second family

March 4, 2013

Uncle Hawk,
There isn't a day that passes that I don't think of you. We have all grown up, gone to have families and careers of our own, but we all love and miss you deeply. You will forever live in our memories, many times larger than life. We have passed those memories on to your extended family: your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, and your great-nieces and nephews.
I now have 5 boys of my own, and I know you look down and smile upon them. Three of them love to hunt, just like you. My oldest desires to be a police officer, and I am so proud of him for that. None of them can sing on key, much like you (now you know why we never wanted to ride in that yellow jeep with you). Your love for your children, Aunt Marilyn, and extended family remains strong.
We love and miss you, Uncle Hawk. We can't wait to see you, Grandma, and all our other loved ones when we get to heaven. Until then, Uncle Hawk.
With all my love,
Kristie Allen McAulay

Kristie Allen McAulay
Niece

October 6, 2012

Hawk!; I wouldn`t know how to talk to you if I called you Samuel. We shared many fun times together while we worked on the T.H.P., and I will never forget them. When Lt. Woody came to me and asked if I would drive your car after you had gone to patrol for God; I had to think about it. Then I told him I would drive it in memory of you. I never got into that unit; that I didn`t think of you; and I could always hear you saying Hey; I love a man with a good hand shake! Rest in peace; Your friend forever.

Retired State Trooper
Tenn. Highway Patrol

May 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your daughter and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I am sure that you are proud of all your chidren and their accomplishments.

Rest In Peace.

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

March 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your daughter and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I am sure that you are proud of all your chidren and their accomplishments.

Rest In Peace.

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

March 27, 2012

Dear Trooper Holcomb,
I am glad to have stumbled onto this site- now I see you are not forgotten. You are missed, you are loved, and I look forward to the day when we can rejoice together in His Kingdom.
What would you think of me now? I am all grown up. I got pulled over a few years ago and seeing that man in your uniform-wow, I cried so hard I could barely drive home. I remember your uniform hanging on mom's bedpost for months after you were gone. My memories of you are so few-but so very precious. I think of you as someone who was Real and full of Life. I love hearing stories about you.
A lot of people forget, it seems, that you have 2 daughters. I know you haven't. We may not wear a badge, but your girls have character and we have accomplished a lot. Melissa is so much like you, as real and full of life as I imagine you being. I know you would be proud of us girls: we love the Lord, we take care of our mother, we work hard and yes, even your daughters have learned to give a firm handshake. I love you, Daddy.

Camille Holcomb
Daughter of "Hawk" Samuel Freeman Holcomb, Jr.

November 19, 2011

Thought about yo again today old friend as we burried another one of our Dickson County Troopers.I went to all 3 of your childrens High School graduations and you would be proud of them all. Little Hawk is filling your shoes now as a Tennessee Trooper and you would be proud of your grandson. Was afraid to shake his hand because your handshake may have been passed on.lol. Miss you greatly my Brother and we will meet again someday

Lt. Preston Donaldson
thp.

May 12, 2011

Officer Holcomb, Today is the 20th anniversary of your death. I pray your family has found some comfort in knowing that others have not forgotten you. You gave your life while protecting the lives of others. God Bless

Ohio
summit county

March 27, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 26, 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

January 30, 2008

The first time I met Hawk was at our church. I remember the exact spot he sat that Sunday and I was the first one to talk to him. With that haircut I knew he had to be law enforcement or military. He was reluctant to tell me where he worked, as most officers are, but finally did after I told him my occupation. Then he crushed my hand with that handshake. I miss that. The next week he brought his wonderful family. We all became close Christian friends.
Little Hawk, remember those ski trips? I hear you are a fine Trooper and I wouldn't expect anything less. Your dad, family and we are proud of you.
Little Hawk, remember your dad's quote,"I like a man with a good handshake."
I retired from M.N.P.D. two weeks ago, so remember to wear your vest, watch your back and their hands, and keep us safe.

Sgt. Gary L. Thompson/Ret.
Metro Nashville P.D.
Sp.Opns./Canine Section

Sgt. Gary L. Thompson
Metro Nashville P.D.

May 1, 2007

We had another Memorial Service yesterday. Since you left us in 1988 we have had 9 others to give the Ultimate Sacrifice keeping the State of Tennessee Safe, two of these nine also worked Dickson County and Troop "D" as you did.

You can be proud of your family as they all are doing well. "Hawk", Little Sam, as I always called him is working with us, stationed in East Tennessee, and is quiet a fine young man. He was there yesterday as well as your wife who had Little Sam's kids. Two cute children I might add.

Man I really miss that hand shake and your commanding voice, even though I wouldn't let you get my hand to shake anymore because of the pain you always inflicted. Take care and keep a close watch over us all as we continue to keep up the THP.
Chip

Captain Chip Miller
Tennessee Highway Patrol

May 19, 2006

Dear Trooper Holcomb: Just wanted to remember you on the anniversary of your death. Keep everyone safe down here. Thank you for your dedication to duty

LoVae Pray Martines
civilian

March 27, 2006

Trooper---I had the good fortune of working along side your son while he was here in Fairfax and can say you are dearly missed. You must be looking down upon Little Hawk with a huge smile.

Fairfax County PD

July 10, 2005

Your son is a fine Trooper and a outstanding young man. I am sure you would be very proud of him. I will watch out for him like you would have so rest easy you watch from above and I'll watch down here.

April 10, 2005

Hawk I just found this site, and it has been a long time since we talked. It was two nights before you pasted that we sat at MR.B!s B.P. station, and talked for two or three hours after shift, and solved all the problems of the Highway Patrol. It!s still here, the problems are bigger, and you need to be here to help straighten them out. Remember: I love A man with a good grip: Till we patrol together again.

Trooper Larry Gladden
Tennessee Highway Patrol

March 15, 2005

Dear Trooper Holcomb, I met your wife Marilyn and your three childre in 1989, the year that they came to DC to honor you, ever since we have remained friends and have visit each others homes, even though we are in Florida and your family is in Tennessee. This week I visit with two of your children in DC and I am so glad of the work that Marilyn have done with them they are three beautiful and wonderful kids, and we are very proud of your son today he is 23 and a Police Officer in Fairfax, how proud you most be as we all are.

God Bless you and please keep watching over them.

Terry Miyares
Officer Emilio MIyares, widow
Hialeah Police Dept. Florida
killed in line of duty 11/6/86

Terry Miyares, officer's widow
Hialeah Police Dept.