Richard Samuel Howard III, or as most of us have come to know him, "Sam."

 

Sam was born and raised in North Kissimmee and attended Osceola High School.  After graduating, Sam enlisted in the Army where he honorably served The United States in Iraq.

 

Upon his return to home, Sam still felt the strong urge to serve, so he became a police officer in the City of Kissimmee, Florida where he began his life.  

 

Sam always possessed an infectious and beautiful smile. He always shared his smile with everyone he personally contacted.  Behind that smile was a hard working Police Sergeant who believed the best existed in his family, friends, coworkers and members of the community.  It would be difficult for anyone to find a person who Sam spoke negative of.

 

Sam was a highly valued and seasoned member of the Kissimmee Police Department.  He reached the hearts of many people by working as a uniformed patrol officer, the DUI unit, Traffic Enforcement Unit and criminal investigations.  He was also a skilled and tenured member of the SWAT team. He always dedicated himself in building up his fellow team members.

 

Sam had many hobbies in life. To name a few: cars and racing, music and lifting all of the weight in the gym during one of his famous leg workout days.  

 

Sam was not just a police officer.  He was very much a family man who leaves behind a fiancé and daughter.  

 

In some way, Sam's departure has created a void for us but be assured his spirit is among us and he is smiling down on us all.