News Release



For further information please contact: Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett

(573) 840-9500

August 26, 2005

E20050804



EMPHASIS: Corporal Sampietro Memorial Service to be Held in Sikeston





The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces plans to conduct a memorial service for Corporal John A. “Jay” Sampietro, Jr., a 13-year veteran of the Patrol recently killed in the line of duty in Webster County, August 17, 2005. Corporal Sampietro was raised in the Sikeston area and served as a Sikeston DPS officer and Missouri State Trooper in Southeast Missouri before transferring to Rogersville in 2003.



The memorial service will be held Thursday September 1, 2005 at the Sikeston Field House, Sikeston, Missouri, with services scheduled to begin at 7pm. The program will include brief comments by Patrol Sergeant Dennis Rainey, Sikeston Director of Public Safety Drew Juden, Patrol Superintendent Roger Stottlemyre, Mr. Dennis Mooneyhan and a brief video honoring the life and service of Corporal Sampietro.



Anyone interested in demonstrating support for the Sampietro family is encouraged to attend. Corporal Sampietro is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, age 4 and 10 months. A memorial fund has been established for the family of Corporal Sampietro at the Guaranty Bank, 1341 West Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807, phone 417-520-4333.



For further information concerning this event, please contact Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett, Jr., Public Information and Education Officer for Troop E, phone 573-840-9500.