Obituary of Ernest John Sammons

Ernest John " E.J." Sammons, age 48, of Getman Rd., Fonda, passed away peacefully December 15th, 2008 at his home with his loving family at his side. Born in Amsterdam, NY on September 24, 1960 a son of Jacob R. and Shirley D. Dillenbeck Sammons. He was a lifelong Fonda area resident and was a 1979 Graduate of Fonda Fultonville Central High School. E.J. graduated from Fulton Montgomery Community College in 1982 with an A.A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice. He went on to graduate with his B.A. degree from the University of Houston in Texas. He then became Deputy Constable in Texas and worked from 1982-1985. He came back to the area in 1985 and went to work for the Montgomery County Sherriff's Office in Fonda, NY. In 1997 he was promoted to Investigator with the office and has worked in that capacity ever since. Throughout his career with the Montgomery County Sherriff's Department, Mr. Sammons specialized duties consisted of being a valuable part of the Dive and Rescue Team, Multi Agency Entry Team SWAT, All terrain vehicle operation, search and rescue, DOT truck inspection team, accident investigation/reconstruction, Patrol Boat Operation and Evidence Custodian. Investigator Sammons worked on many cases during his career. Many of his heroic actions involved his boat operation and dive and rescue duties, with the bridge collapse on the Thruway in 1988 to various floods Montgomery County has experienced, he used his skills and experience to rescue many people off of the Schoharie Creek during dangerous water times. Investigator Sammons will be missed terribly by members of the Montgomery County Sherriff's Office and the taxpayers he served. He received numerous letters of accommodation from members of the public, fellow law enforcement agencies, the DA's office and other professional organizations during his career. E.J. enjoyed many outdoor sports including Skiing, Camping, Running, Boating, Hunting and Fishing. He was a A.A.U. Tri Valley Hustlers Basketball Coach and also coached several travel basketball teams. He was a life member of the Fonda Fair and Head of Security for over 23 years. He was a multi gold Medal Winner at the New York State Police Olympics at Hunter Mountain. E.J. played softball for the Crystal Ristorante Softball Team and was the Treasurer of the Montgomery County Deputy Sherriff's PBA for many years. He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY. Survivors include his beloved children, Jamie Renee Sammons, Jacob Douglass Sammons and their Dog Jessie of Fonda, NY. His parents, Jacob and Shirley Sammons of Fonda. His five sisters His Angels Terry Vernon Dufel of Fonda, NY, Tammy Henry Knoop of Ft. Plain, NY, Shirley Rob Hudyncia of Ft. Plain, NY SusanScott Kennedy of Ft. Plain, NY, Sherry Sammons & her companion Brian Subik of Fonda, NY. Two nieces, five nephews, several cousins and many friends also survive. He was predeceased by a brother, Jacob Henry Sammons on July 2, 1988. Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 20th, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 42 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, with Rev. Kenneth Dingman presiding. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Sand Flats, Fonda, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday December 19th, 2008 from 3:00 to 8:00P.M. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Flowers will not be accepted at the Trinity Lutheran Church. It has been requested that In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County Deputy Sherriff's PBA, P.O. Box 58, Fultonville, NY 12072. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY.