Patrolman retires after 30 years with the Poplar Bluff Police Department

Retirement is bittersweet, Poplar Bluff Police Patrolman James Sample shared with those attending his recent retirement ceremony. Samples served the community for three decades.

“It’s not easy to walk away and not be here to help,” Sample said as he thanked his fellow law enforcement officers, police administration and the city.

“I have been very content with the way I’ve been treated by the city and the administration,” he said.

Samples is looking forward to do the things he’s always wanted to do, “but, sometimes it’s not easy, walking away and leaving people with whom you have spent the majority of your life. It’s not an easy thing to do, but hopefully, we can all stay close in some way or another. We’re here to make sure we all stay together.”

Sample began his career with the local department in 1993 as a reserve officer and was hired as a patrolman in March 1995. In 1997, Sample was named Poplar Bluff Police Department officer of the year.

City Manager Matt Winters presented a city proclamation saying, “Sample distinguished himself during his career with the Poplar Bluff Police Department in his leading by example in mentoring of fellow officers. Throughout his law enforcement career, patrolling, Sample has performed a myriad of tasks important to the success of the department, including serving as a training officer. “

Welcoming everyone, police chief Michael McClain said, “Thank you for gathering today to celebrate the career of one of the finest officers the Poplar Bluff Police Department has ever seen. Today, we gather to pay tribute to honor James Sample, who’s retiring after more than 30 years of dedicated service to our community.”

McClain said Samples “has been a textbook example of commitment and integrity throughout his long and distinguished career in law enforcement. From the very beginning, it was clear he was a true professional. With every passing year, his dedication to upholding the law and serving the citizens grew stronger. Over the course of his career, Jamie has shown unwavering dedication to the principles that define the very essence of policing. He demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of danger, a deep compassion for those he has sworn to protect, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

“Jamie’s legacy is not just a list of accomplishments, but a testament to his character, and the impact he has had on our community,” McClain said. “He has gone above and beyond the call of duty countless times, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the gratitude of the people. His calm demeanor — everybody that knows Jamie loves him.”

The chief shared Sample’s “quick thinking have diffused a multitude of tense situations, and his leadership has inspired those around him to strive for excellence. Beyond his professionalism, Jamie has always been a pillar of support and source of inspiration to his fellow officers. He has mentored and guided countless individuals throughout their careers, instilling in them the values of integrity, responsibility and empathy. His wisdom and experience will be greatly missed as he embarks on a new chapter of his life.”

McClain continued, “as Jamie enters retirement, we know that he will carry with him memories of the challenges he has overcome, the lives he has touched, and the difference he has made. As he enjoys well deserved relaxation and leisure, we hope people always remember he leaves behind a department and a community that are forever grateful for his service. Jamie has given years of your life to the Poplar Bluff Police Department and for that we are extremely grateful. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, good health, and new adventures. May you find as much joy in the next chapter of your life as you had brought to ours during your time in uniform.“

After telling a story about his first time as a shift commander, Samples dared everyone to remember “this is a job that requires teamwork. We all worked together, we all had our paperwork together. That’s what they told us to do; this is not a one-on-one person job.”

Samples said, “Unfortunately, there are events sometimes you do things we don’t want to have to do. Sometimes it’s things we have to live with. It’s not always easy to come back after those events happen. These create a lot of worry and it’s not a good spot to be. My hat’s off to the guys I work with who have has been put in that position. I’ve been fortunate enough for my years to not have been in that position. It’s not an easy position to begin with.”

Patrolman Brentyn Clark on behalf of the Fraternal Order Police presented Samples with his service weapon. Capt. David Sutton on behalf the department’s administrative division presented him an AR-15 rifle engraved with Samples’ name, rank and badge number as an honor of the service he’s given to the department and to the city.