Detective Samuel D. Sumner, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama

Detective Samuel D. Sumner

Montgomery Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Sunday, November 5, 1967

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Samuel D. Sumner

Detective Sam Sumner died as a result of injuries when his patrol car was involved in a collision at Washington Avenue and Ripley Street in Montgomery.

At 12:45 a.m., Detective Sumner's partner was driving west on Washington Avenue when they were struck by a car traveling south on Ripley Street. Detective Sumner was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Margaret's Hospital. His partner suffered head and back injuries.

The driver of the other vehicle was charged with manslaughter.

Detective Sumner had served with the Montgomery Police Department for ten years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

routine driving, vehicle crash

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This was my Uncle Sam. He cared for his wife's family as his own. Our family remembers Sam every year at Christmas with a Lifesaver Story Book gift exchange. When my brother and I were very young, my Mom could not afford gifts. Uncle Sam bought two Lifesaver Story Books and wrapped them so we would have something under the tree. The next year, my mom remarried. Less than 3 months later, Uncle Sam was killed. That Christmas, and every one thereafter, Mom and Dad made sure we had a Lifesaver Story Book under the tree. When I left home, they would send with my Christmas presents and include one for roommates, girlfriends, etc. Now, I make sure to give at least one Story Book and share the origin with someone new. It's the least I can do to remember what he meant to our family.

Bob Stearnes
Nephew

December 22, 2025