Sergeant Howard James Snider, Ames Police Department, Iowa

Sergeant Howard James Snider

Ames Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch Sunday, June 17, 2012

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Howard James Snider

Sergeant Howard Snider drowned in Lake Geode while attempting to save his daughter who was in a boat that was drifting away from the dock as the result of strong waves.

He jumped into the water without a life jacket to bring the boat back to shore but suffered a pulmonary embolism and sank below the surface. His body was recovered two hours later.

Sergeant Snider was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Ames Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 23 years
Badge 824
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Drowned

off duty, water rescue

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 17, 2025