Inspector Anton Sampson

Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service

Washington, DC—The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Inspector Anton Sampson of the Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service, as its Officer of the Month for August 2011.
On April 11, 2011, Inspector Sampson completed a rather uneventful shift and returned home. The rest of his afternoon would prove to be anything other than run of the mill. While speaking with a local contractor outside his home, Inspector Sampson recognized a young neighbor racing toward him. The nine year old girl informed them that a man, with a gun, was in her home and that her young friend was being held. Inspector Sampson retrieved his badge and service revolver, secured the child in his own home and instructed the contractor to call 911.
As he approached the residence Inspector Sampson heard noise in the garage. He identified himself as a police officer and ordered the suspect to come out with his hands up. Rather, the suspect entered the main part of the house, locking the inside door. Unable to get into the house through the garage, Inspector Sampson went to the back of the house. As he rounded the corner, the intruder, now on the rear deck, opened fire. Inspector Sampson returned fire and expected the shooter to re-enter the house. Surprisingly, the suspect jumped from the deck and ran toward the woods all the time firing back at the officer.
While chasing the gunman, Inspector Sampson saw a second intruder, armed with a knife, exiting from the front of the house. Hoping to evade capture, this suspect ran down the street and took cover. Thankfully, the contractor had stayed on the scene and was able to give police his description and the location to which the second suspect had fled.
As local police officers, crime scene investigators and K-9 units arrived on the scene, Inspector Sampson rescued the other child and an elderly woman from the residence and brought them back to the safety of his home. Both suspects were quickly located and arrested.
In addition to several state robbery and handgun charges, the two assailants also faced federal charges for shooting at a law enforcement officer. Ironically, it was just weeks before this incident took place that officers with the Federal Protective Service were authorized to carry their firearms while off-duty. That change in policy, and the bravery and quick response of Inspector Sampson, most likely saved the lives of three innocent citizens.
Located in the nation’s capital, the Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers. The Memorial Fund Officer of the Month Program began in September 1996 and recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
Inspector Sampson, along with the other Officers of the Month for 2011, will be honored at a special awards luncheon in Washington, DC, in May 2012 during National Police Week. In addition, their stories of heroism and service will be featured in the Memorial Fund’s 2013 calendar.

The Police Unity Tour is the official sponsor of the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Program.