Department of Public Safety News Release

The Department of Public Safety today announced events will be held on May 5 and 6 at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Jefferson City to honor and remember Missouri law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

On Friday, May 5, a candlelight vigil will be held at the Law Enforcement Memorial in tribute to all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.  

On Saturday, May 6, the names of St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Paul A. Clark and St.  Louis County Police Department Officer Blake C. Snyder, who both died in the line of duty in 2016, will be added to the memorial’s Wall of Heroes. The names of two other officers, who died in the line of duty in the past, will also be added to the wall: Lakeshire Police Department Officer Ronald E. Strittmatter, who died in 2015, and Pleasant Hill Police Department Officer S. David Nelson, who died in 1917.

On July 4, 2016, Deputy Clark died from complications of injuries suffered on Oct. 27, 2015. Deputy Clark had conducted a traffic stop and was attempting to identify the occupants of the vehicle. In an attempt to flee, one of the men jumped into a nearby truck, which swerved into Deputy Clark, striking him and throwing him into a ditch. Deputy Clark suffered a broken back and died more than eight months later. Deputy Clark had served with the Sheriff’s office for 13 years, and a total of 18 years as a law enforcement officer.

On Oct. 6, 2016, Officer Snyder was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance call. He and another officer had arrived at the scene and were immediately met with gunfire as they exited their patrol cars. Officer Snyder was shot at point blank range. The other officer was able to return fire and wound the gunman. Officer Snyder had served with the department for four years.

On Jan. 2, 2015, Officer Strittmatter responded to an elderly person who had fallen. Officer Strittmatter arrived before paramedics and made several attempts to lift the person off the floor. Officer Strittmatter’s shift ended about an hour later and he went home. He died early the next morning as the result of a fatal heart attack. Officer Strittmatter had served with the Lakeshire Police Department for four years, after previously serving with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 24 years.

On Dec. 3, 1917, Officer Nelson was taking a person to the train station when the two of them turned the corner and interrupted a burglary in progress at a grocery store. Officer Nelson was shot twice by the burglar and died almost instantly. The burglar was later shot and killed by a civilian. 

The families of the fallen and representatives of law enforcement agencies from across Missouri participate in Saturday’s ceremony by placing wreaths at the memorial wall. Attorney General Josh Hawley and Gov. Eric Greitens are scheduled to make remarks during the solemn ceremony on Saturday. 

Friday, May 5

WHAT:           Candlelight vigil honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the

                        line of duty.

WHO:             Families and friends of those who have died

                       Law enforcement officers from across Missouri

WHERE:         Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol, located on North Capitol Drive in Jefferson City (In case of inclement weather, the                          event will be held in the Capitol Rotunda.)

WHEN:           8 p.m. Friday, May 5

Saturday, May 6

WHAT:          Memorial Service honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the

                      line of duty.

WHO:            Gov. Eric Greitens

                      Attorney General Josh Hawley

                      Families and friends of those who have died

                     Law enforcement officers from across Missouri

WHERE:       Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol, located on North Capitol Drive in Jefferson City (In case of inclement weather,                                  events will be held in the Capitol Rotunda.)

WHEN:           10 a.m. Saturday, May 6

For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov