Memorial service for patrolman is scheduled

SIKESTON -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol will conduct a memorial service for Corporal John A. "Jay" Sampietro, Jr., a 13-year veteran of the Patrol recently killed in the line of duty in Webster County on Aug. 17. Sampietro was raised in the Sikeston area and served as a Sikeston DPS officer and Missouri State Trooper in Southeast Missouri before transferring to Rogersville in 2003.

The memorial service will be held Thursday Sept. 1 at the Sikeston Field House with services scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The program will include brief comments by Patrol Sergeant Dennis Rainey, Sikeston Director of Public Safety Drew Juden, Patrol Superintendent Roger Stottlemyre, Dennis Mooneyhan and a brief video honoring the life and service of Sampietro.

Anyone interested in demonstrating support for the Sampietro family is encouraged to attend. Corporal Sampietro is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, age 4 and 10 months. A memorial fund has been established for the family of Sampietro at the Guaranty Bank, 1341 West Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807, phone 417-520-4333.