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Died 3/3/18
Handler – Officer Michael Negron
Hero K-9 Samson gets final tribute from Sheriff’s Office
Hudson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Samson received a funeral with full honors yesterday after his untimely death following a career in which he won awards and may have saved the life of his handler, Sheriff’s Officer Michael Negron. “K-9 Samson will be missed by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office as any one of our officers would be,” Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari said. Sampson and Negron “are highly decorated members of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.” In 2015 in Secaucus, Samson came to the rescue of Negron when a suspect turned violent and attacked the officer, officials said.Samson engaged the suspect and brought him down, but received a serious facial injury. It was thought that the injury might cause his retirement, but he overcame the injury and returned to full duty, officials said. Samson’s funeral was at 11:30 a.m. yesterday at Iselin Animal Hospital. His funeral procession then traveled to Jersey City and passed Hudson County Plaza, the Hudson County Administration Building and Brennan Court House while numerous sheriff’s officers stood at attention on the sidewalk and saluted. Schillari said Samson remained on active duty until undergoing minor surgery. He died on the operating table on March 4. “He was in good shape and he succumbed,” said the sheriff, adding that Samson was on the job for nearly a decade. The sheriff said Samson and Negron worked to protect Hudson County residents and also actively responded to events and incidents with the State Police Detect and Render Safe Program. An “active-duty death” notice sent out to by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office says “It is with great regret that the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of one of our K-9’s, Samson (badge K9-3).” It goes on to say “K-9 Samson was sworn in on 11/18/2009 and was partnered with (Sheriff’s Officer) Michael Negron. K-9 Samson attended the New Jersey State Police K9 Training Academy for his scent training in bomb detection and the Holmdel Police K9 Training Academy.” Following Samson’s death, North Bergen Police released a statement saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for the tragic loss of K9 Samson. K9 Samson was partnered with S/O Michael Negron and has served with distinction since 2009. Rest in peace brother… We’ll take it from here.”
