Samuel S. Hicks was a devoted father, loving husband, son, grandson, uncle and friend/colleague to many. Tragically, on November 19, 2008, FBI Special Agent Hicks was killed while serving a warrant at a home in Indiana Township, Pennsylvania. He was just 33 years old.
Samuel touched many lives over the years and meant something different to each person who had the opportunity to interact with him. Sam's distinctive white T-shirt and jeans look, coupled with his infectious laugh and magnetic personality, were trademarks of Sam's day-to-day life. There was just something special about him!
The Samuel S. Hicks Memorial Fund was established by family, friends and colleagues to carry on Samuel's ideals, principles and legacy by continuing to serve the communities in which he lived and worked through educational and law enforcement scholarships as well as various children, youth and community programs.
Samuel touched many lives over the years and meant something different to each person who had the opportunity to interact with him. Sam's distinctive white T-shirt and jeans look, coupled with his infectious laugh and magnetic personality, were trademarks of Sam's day-to-day life. There was just something special about him!
The Samuel S. Hicks Memorial Fund was established by family, friends and colleagues to carry on Samuel's ideals, principles and legacy by continuing to serve the communities in which he lived and worked through educational and law enforcement scholarships as well as various children, youth and community programs.
Early Life
Samuel grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, leading a very active life. He became an Eagle Scout with the local Boy Scout Troop. While a junior in high school he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and also began his military career with basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He completed specialty training and became an ammunition specialist in Huntsville, Alabama in the summer between his high school graduation and his freshman year of college.
In the winter, Samuel immersed himself in various outdoor activities. He loved to snowboard and competed in the National Boarder Cross Circuit. He also worked at 7 Springs Mountain Resort as a ski instructor at Tiny Tot Ski School, Safety Ranger, and Ski Patroller. He was chosen by his co-workers as Safety Ranger of the Year and Ski Patroller of the Year. Somehow, he found time to play ice hockey at The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Samuel was just as active in the summer. He was a summer camp counselor, managed a pool company in Ocean City, Maryland, and barrel raced his quarter horse Dusty. He also enjoyed whitewater rafting, surfing, scuba diving, and playing soccer.
Samuel also had an artistic side that shone while playing the guitar or pursuing his interests in drawing/designing.
Samuel accomplished these activities while attending Southmoreland High School and then the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
In the winter, Samuel immersed himself in various outdoor activities. He loved to snowboard and competed in the National Boarder Cross Circuit. He also worked at 7 Springs Mountain Resort as a ski instructor at Tiny Tot Ski School, Safety Ranger, and Ski Patroller. He was chosen by his co-workers as Safety Ranger of the Year and Ski Patroller of the Year. Somehow, he found time to play ice hockey at The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Samuel was just as active in the summer. He was a summer camp counselor, managed a pool company in Ocean City, Maryland, and barrel raced his quarter horse Dusty. He also enjoyed whitewater rafting, surfing, scuba diving, and playing soccer.
Samuel also had an artistic side that shone while playing the guitar or pursuing his interests in drawing/designing.
Samuel accomplished these activities while attending Southmoreland High School and then the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Early Law Enforcement
Samuel started his career in law enforcement, as a police officer in Ocean City, Maryland. In 2002, he moved to Baltimore and attended the Police Corp, supported by the Justice Department, graduating as valedictorian from his six month training. He became a member of the Baltimore City Police Department where he worked as an undercover narcotics detective. Samuel was named the Knights of Columbus Officer of the Year in 2003.
With the FBI
Samuel joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in March 2007 and completed his Special Agent training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Samuel was assigned to the FBI Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force at the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, which brought him back home to Western Pennsylvaia. In August 2008, he was one of eleven agents chosen from across the country to attend a special training in Amman, Jordan. This was the job he dreamed of and worked for all of his life.
Special Agent Samuel S. Hicks was shot and killed in the line of duty while executing a federal search warrant at a home in Indiana Township near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The arrest was part of a year-long investigation, involving multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. His End of Watch (EOW) was November 19, 2008.
"With his experience as former law enforcement he was really the go-to guy if you had any questions," said Special Agent Brandon Yourczek, classmate of Hicks at the FBI Training Academy, on the FBI website. "Sam was the guy that you looked to see 'how should I act in this situation.'" Watch the video …
On May 2, 2009, Special Agent Hicks' name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Watch the video …
Samuel was assigned to the FBI Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force at the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, which brought him back home to Western Pennsylvaia. In August 2008, he was one of eleven agents chosen from across the country to attend a special training in Amman, Jordan. This was the job he dreamed of and worked for all of his life.
Special Agent Samuel S. Hicks was shot and killed in the line of duty while executing a federal search warrant at a home in Indiana Township near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The arrest was part of a year-long investigation, involving multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. His End of Watch (EOW) was November 19, 2008.
"With his experience as former law enforcement he was really the go-to guy if you had any questions," said Special Agent Brandon Yourczek, classmate of Hicks at the FBI Training Academy, on the FBI website. "Sam was the guy that you looked to see 'how should I act in this situation.'" Watch the video …
On May 2, 2009, Special Agent Hicks' name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Watch the video …
