Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Matt was a person that everyone could count on when they needed someone to talk to. Love and miss you Matt.

Friend /Janessa Jones

September 17, 2005

Eulogy for Matt Samuels

I never thought that this moment would come as we all grieve the loss of Matt; a husband, father, brother, hero, friend, buddy, and a Sheriff. I ask myself, why did this have to happen? Then I come to the realization that God must have needed a good Sheriff in Heaven. Matt was known as a courageous man who always kept his word. Matt was a man of strong integrity, he was caring, sympathetic, compassionate, always fair, trustworthy and never unnecessarily aggressive. He was a symbol of selfless humanity. Matt lived to be the Sheriff and he died being the Sheriff. He was a respected, working Sheriff who led his deputies by example. Matt was a mentor for children, adults, other law enforcement officers, and administrators. Matt was a non-judgmental person who was well known for teaching his Deputies how to treat people regardless of how they looked or how they treated you first. He had a natural ability to gain the trust of people, even strangers, and he had a lot of pride in doing this. I can remember after the election this past November, he called me after the votes were counted, saying there was only one person in the election that got more votes than he did, and that was the county clerk. Though he was quick to say that she only got more votes because she was better looking than he was. Matt was a trophy of what a public servant should be. Matt your watch is over, we’ll take it from here. Your memory will never fade as you patrol the streets of heaven.

I think I admired Matt the most for his strong values and dedication to being a husband and a dad. The qualities that most of us have to strive to achieve, came naturally to him. Matt was very proud of his family and what they have become. In fact the three things in Matt’s life that he was the proudest of were Tammy, Heath, and Sharlee. Tammy once told me a story of how they had decided to start a family shortly after they married. Tammy said that Matt went all over town telling his friends and family that they were having a baby. After being congratulated on her pregnancy she had to clear things up by explaining that she wasn’t pregnant, they had just recently decided to start a family. Matt enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Although I think he enjoyed the camaraderie as much as he enjoyed the actual sport.

Matt’s idea of a stranger was just a friend that he had never met. He never advertised the fact that he helped so many people in so many different ways. He never talked about his numerous acts of kindness. Yet I believe that almost everyone here today has been at the receiving end of that kindness. Matt lived his life to the fullest every day. He was upbeat and constantly looked for the positive side in every person or situation. Matt lived a life of no regrets. I will miss him most of all as a friend because good friends like Matt don't happen often in a lifetime. I will especially miss his awnryness. I remember this past October was my sons first birthday. Matt gave him a package of little green army men for his birthday. When I asked him what a one year old was going to do with army men. He told me that I wasn’t a real dad until I walked across the room in the dark and stepped on army men.


I regret that the time alotted us here today does not allow us to share all of the many wonderful stories about how Matt’s great sense of humor has brightened our lives, however we should always cherish all of these wonderful memories in our hearts to keep his legacy alive forever.

Matt, having no choice we part from you, our hero and ask that you rest in peace, that you think about us and miss us because we here, down below will miss you and love you so much.

August 19, 2005

To the family and friends of Sheriff Matt Samuels and the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office: I wanted to extend my sincerest condolences on the terrible loss you suffered when Sheriff Samuels was murdered this January. Reading the reflections about him have taught me a little about his character. It is obvious that the deputies he commanded had the greatest respect for his leadership abilities. It is equally obvious that he was a compassionate man who even helped turned some people around, and that he was a fair man. How nice that he touched so many lives in a positive way. How sad that his worthy life was taken by such a senseless, brutal act. I know the difficult road his wife and two children face. God and their law enforcement family will be with them on each step of that difficult journey. Our entire family grieves with you and for you as we are on that same journeys as police survivors. This reflections is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service Sheriff Samuels gave to man, community, and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made when his life was so unjustly taken.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 17, 2005

"When I am gone, remember I'm with my savior;
then do not mourn because I've passed away.
Life holds so many griefs and disappointments,
and will you cry because I did not stay?
'Tis only for a spell we must be parted;
not many years on earth to us are given.
And when my Savior tells me you are coming,
I'll go with Him and welcome you to Heaven.
Grieve not because the eyes that looked upon you
shall never see your face on earth again;
Rejoice, because they look upon the Savior
who gave His life to ransom sinful men.
Weep not because I walk no longer with you;
remember, I am walking streets of gold.


rest in peace my brother, we SHALL carry on in honor of you!

resident of woodson county

August 3, 2005

Our sympathy to the family of Sheriff Samuels may the Lord bless you and keep you in this time of deep sadness and need. May the Lord watch over you all and give you strength to wake each day anew until you can remember to breathe again without thinking. They day will come it just may take a long while to get there again. God Bless You Sheriff Samuels for being the man that many of us strive to be and find it hard to achive. You are a true Hero to Kansas

Pratt Co. Resident

May 28, 2005

she's trying really hard matt.. watch over her and the kids.. heres a little bit of the piece they had in the paper...

Taking down meth labs is about as miserable and dangerous as work can be, Smith said. The addicts steal anhydrous ammonia, poison their own children with toxic fumes and become paranoid, prone to collect firearms, prone to fight.

Tammy says she tries to be an optimist.

About the new law, she'll say what she thinks, hope for stronger laws, and hope that people try to appreciate more the people who put on uniforms.

But after she picks up the award tonight, she will go home, and go back to guarding prisoners at El Dorado.

It's not her only job now.

She works part time at the horse track in Eureka, cooking hamburgers, smoking meats, selling concessions with her sister. It brings home a few more dollars.

She says she endures some tough days.

Matt had said he'd be dead by 56. But the last time he said that, she figured up the years; he was only 42.

She'd counted on having him another 14 years.

May 23, 2005

matt- not only were you a sheriff but you were a friend to us! I don't know what i would do without you in my life. Matt I had fun time when you coahed softball and I was on your team. Hey Matt where is my snickers candy bar? just wanted to ask you again..Matt use to ask me that almost everytime that i saw him. Matt i will never forget you. You are a part of me and always will be. I love you and miss you! You help teach me about life as a teenager and what i would be expecting in life. No matter where i do with my life i will always remember you. Thanks for everything!!!
Miss you alot!!

Andrea French
Friend of Matt!! live in eureka

May 12, 2005

matt,
there making a bust of you to put up near the courthouse, what a tribute befitting a hero. now you will never ever be forgotten..

An Officer's Wife

April 30, 2005

I had the privilege of meeting Matt's wife and sister at the KNOA conference recently, and I was amazed at their ability to deal with Matt's loss. Sometimes I think that I just could not go on if something like this happened to a member of my family. But I know that isn't true. It's times like these, when those of us who are left, have to press on and fight the good fight. Rest in peace Matt. Keep an eye on us, and we will see you again.

Detective Jason Gill
Sedgwick County Sheriff Narcotics

April 15, 2005

By reading these reflections it is easy to understand that Sheriff Samuels was a well respected officer and human being. This is the kind of deputy and person that I strive to be.

May his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he will be forever memorialized for his deeds.

Rest in Peace, Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff
IN

April 12, 2005

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sheriff Samuels. I never got to meet him, but it is said that you can measure the character of a man by the thoughts of those they left behind, if this is the case, I would say that we lost an american hero. Bless and keep us, and guide us in our duties hero, we'll take it from here.

SSGT Gerald Brown
kansas dept of corrections

April 7, 2005

You will always be remembered! Thank-you for the support you gave my husband and I through our irresponsibale period. You helped us see the light before it was to late and I'll always be gratefull to you and God, for sending a sheriff like you. All my love and prayers to your family.

friends

April 5, 2005

Matt is and always will be Greenwood County's Gardian Angel! We will miss him greatly!!

Amanda

March 27, 2005

HAPPY EASTER MATT

March 27, 2005

Godspeed Sheriff Samuels. Your work here is appreciated and will not be forgotten.

SPD retired

March 23, 2005

Matt I really miss you from the bottom of my heart. Please tell Grandpa Samuels hi and I love him for me. I'll never forget how you teased me about KSU and how I teased you about KU. Although I still liked KU, just a little. I'll never forget the times we spent together. I hope God knows what angle he has up there. I LOVE YOU. XOXO

Mtt's nice, Sky Linsey

March 20, 2005

Matt you are an awesome brother. I want you to tell daddy hi for me. You guys can catch all the big ones now. I will be here for Sharlee and Heath.(Tammy too) I hope God knows what he has up there now. The two best men in the world. I LOVE YOU!

To all the people and officers who have wrote to Matt, I thank you for all your great messages. He was a great person and brother. (spoiled) If you know him you know what I mean.

Matts sister Wendy

March 17, 2005

Matt you are a very good friend of my dad's. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and everyone else. Your such a great guy and thanks again for everything. We love you and miss you.

Austin Evenson

March 13, 2005

The world has lost a "Very special person" The heavens have gained a "Bright shinning star"..........
Matthew, I will miss you not only as a cousin, but as a co-worker. You were always there to lend a helping hand to our EMS Crews and I was always glad to look up and see the twinkle in your eyes and smile on your face. I love and miss you, so very much.
God Speed....Tami J.

Tami Jackson RT/MICT
Greenwood County E.M.S.

March 7, 2005

Our police explorer post dedicates each meeting to a fallen officer who who died in service. For our class of search and arrest we are dedicating our meeting to you sheriff samuels. Great job and rest in peace. God Bless your family

Stephen and Anthony Binz
Holly Hill Police Explorers

March 5, 2005

My heart goes out to our fallen brother and his family.I never met Sheriff Samuels but I wish I had. May God protect and care for you and your family and your department. Our paryers are with you.Till we meet for heavens Roll Call. Take care my brother

Police Officer
Kansas LEO

March 4, 2005

Matt, not a day goes by that i don't think of you and our friendship. I miss you and the jokes you played on me. I never had the opportunity to tell you how much i respected you and your abilities. It goes without saying that you will be missed by all but will never be forgotten. Tammy, Heath and Charlee you will always be part of our Sheriff's Family.
Take care and rest my friend.

Sheriff Randy Rogers, President Kansas S
Coffey County Sheriff's Office

March 3, 2005

God bless you.

March 1, 2005

i am sergeant howie stevensons neice and i just am writing to the police officers who gave their life to protect as my uncle did. you are greatly appreciated and i am praying for your family as well. god bless

sovauhna ferguson

February 22, 2005

God bless you my brother. We have never met be we are of the same blood. Your family is in my prayers. Watch over me and your fellow brothers with a keen eye and a hand on your gun. Have patience, we will be in heaven with you and shortly. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and patrol the streets of heaven together.

Deputy Sheriff Luke Rehwoldt
Osceola County Sheriff's Office , Florida

February 16, 2005