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This Speakout has not been edited.

By John Sampson

The people of the State of Colorado lost a hero on Thursday, October 11, 2007 when Colorado State Patrol Trooper Zachariah Templeton was struck by a motorist while assisting a stranded motorist on Highway 76. Trooper Pendleton succumbed to his injuries on Friday, October 12, 2007. He was 27 years old when he passed away.

It was my distinct honor and privilege to attend the funeral of Trooper Templeton on Friday, October 19, 2007. Although this funeral was covered by the news media, their coverage did not do it justice. Over 2,000 people, mostly law enforcement officers from as far away as Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, and virtually every law enforcement agency in Colorado, were present. When the procession left the church to proceed to the cemetery, ordinary Colorado citizens lined the streets, some displaying American flags, others saluting with their hands over their hearts.

There was an electronic sign, the kind you see at road construction sites, that said “In memory of Zachariah Templeton.” The outpouring of community support and appreciation for the service Trooper Templeton rendered to the people of Colorado was an emotional sight for me, for I am a law enforcement officer as well.

Although I did not have the honor of knowing Trooper Templeton personally, from what I heard during the funeral service profoundly impressed me. Here was a young man, determined, courageous, thoughtful, kind, loyal, humorous (oh yes, humorous), and dedicated to his family, especially to his three year old daughter Samantha. His Sergeant reminisced about how Zach had been asked to amplify the narrative of an accident report. Trooper Templeton’s narrative that was read by his Sergeant had the entire congregation laughing. There were many such humorous moments shared with all of us. The one word that continuously was said throughout the service, describing Zach Templeton, was “loyal.”

Loyal to his family, loyal to his friends, loyal to his fellow officers, and loyal to the people of the State of Colorado. The commander of the Colorado State Patrol also addressed the congregation. The image that was portrayed of Trooper Pendleton was one of a man whose life should be an inspiration to all of us. He was, and should continue to be, a role model for others.

His brother Levi, when he took the podium to memorialize his brother, displayed a level of courage and determination that would make anyone proud. Levi came across as an intelligent, articulate, thoughtful young man who apparently shared the same values as his brother Zach. I was equally impressed by him and the entire Templeton family. Heaven is a better place today, for Zach Templeton is there, looking down on all of us.

To his entire family, I offer my sincere and deepest condolences. To his fellow State Patrol Troopers, some of whom I know personally, I offer my deepest condolences as well. Colorado lost a superman when we lost Zach Templeton. To Levi, I wish to leave you with this thought. I am confident that Zach is proud of you for how you took the podium and memorialized him. It took courage and determination and you certainly showed the caliber of man you are. God bless you and your entire family.

To the people of Colorado who came out and stood at the roadside and paid your respects to Trooper Pendleton, I offer my deepest appreciation. Your support that was displayed yesterday, makes what we do, worth it. Thank you.

John Sampson is a resident of Aurora.

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