Prev
Incident
Patrolmen Sonny Allen and Steven Poetker were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing near Waldo. The two were returning from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden, Arkansas. They had just joined their department chief in a chase when the accident occurred. Patrolman Poetker had graduated from the academy at 1:00 pm, and the accident occurred shortly after 2:00 pm. The department only had three officers at the time of their deaths. Patrolman Allen had served with the Waldo Police Department for one year.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqgbpe427ed7f56kbfx5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Allen gave the Waldo Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Waldo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Allen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Waldo Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 92 officers lost to accidents in AR, 24.7% of the 372 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 2 officers in AR were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 55 years on record. The heaviest was 1998, with 7.
In 1976, 59 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 76th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1976, 77 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 27. Of the 87 lost to accidents in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50.5; the middle age was 39. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.7% of these deaths in AR; July holds the most, 13%. Fridays: 14.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Waldo Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 24.7% of all 372 deaths in AR, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Waldo Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Waldo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
