Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Terry Sampson died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an exposure while on duty.
Lieutenant Sampson had served with the Durham County Sheriff's Office for 29 years.
I am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Lt. Sampson when he died in the line of duty from Covid. To the Sampson family, fellow deputies , and all who call Terry beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.
This is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of dedicated service Lt. Sampson gave to the Durham community and the residents of North Carolina , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 14, 2020. As a survivor, all line of duty deaths sadden me, but this death really touched my heart for Durham is the birthplace of both my late son and myself. Rest In Peace, Lt. Sampson
Phyllis Loya. Mom of ffallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05 May 30th, 2022
COVID-19 and Law Enforcement
Lieutenant Terry Sampson died on November 14, 2020 of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty. He was 60.
He is one of 884 officers honored here, and one of 2 at Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Beginning in early 2020, law enforcement officers across the country contracted COVID-19 in the course of their duties. While much of the nation sheltered at home, they kept answering calls, making arrests, transporting prisoners, and working face to face with the public. There was no distance to be had from the job.
Corrections officers were hit hardest. Confined facilities and large populations meant constant, close, unavoidable exposure.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NC-09AD2A18- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
The country locked its doors. You kept working.
Lieutenant Sampson gave the Durham County Sheriff's Office 29 years.
Thank you for your service to the Durham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Sampson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lieutenant Terry Sampson is one of 2,974 officers lost to illness connected to their service across the full record of this memorial — 9.1% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 37 of 664 officers were lost to illness connected to their service — 5.6% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points below the national rate of 9.1%.
At Durham County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 5 officers on record were lost to illness connected to their service — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Illness compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Terry Sampson's cause is highlighted.
How Terry Sampson Compares
When Illness Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Illness deaths across the full memorial record. Terry Sampson is highlighted in Nov.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Durham County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
