Fallen in the line of duty: Sgt. David May

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

“An angel in the sky must leave his place of rest, gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest. For duty has called, there is much work to do.

“Little did he know, this one is dressed in blue. Arriving on scene, he knows just what to say, follow me fallen brother, I’ll show you the way. Your duty has ended, your work is now through. Come hang your hat beside mine, I’m a trooper too.” Sgt. David May, Badge #873, Missouri State Highway Patrol, End of watch May 17, 1999.

David had just graduated from Murray State University and began working in the University Police Department. Finding his life’s calling, David was accepted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol 54th Recruit Class in 1981.

His first tour was in Hayti, then Dexter, Missouri. David got his pilot license in Malden and transferred to Poplar Bluff as the coveted position of Troop E pilot.

As a flying trooper, David performed marijuana eradication missions, traffic enforcement and search and rescue. As a professional pilot and “by the book” law enforcement officer, David was also laid back, polite and funny. It is said that Jeff Foxworthy would have described him as “You might be a redneck pilot.” There was also the “David May Rule” in the Troop. Walk around with papers in your hands, everyone will think you’re busy and won’t give you something to do.

On May 17, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Missouri Special Olympics was happening in Poplar Bluff. David was asked to fly a photo flight mission covering the event. A photographer, Ricky Gunnels Jr., accompanied him. During the flight, his helicopter experienced a tail rotor malfunction, crashing in Poplar Bluff. Both David and Ricky were killed.

Troop E has honored their beloved trooper by changing the number of their aircraft to his badge number, N873MP. In addition, a portion of Highway 67 located directly in front of Troop E headquarters was dedicated to Sgt. May. His name has been added to several law enforcement memorials throughout the state.

David was the 19th trooper to be lost in the line of duty. Sgt. May’s iconic trooper hat, photo and story are proudly on display in the Police and Firefighter exhibit in the Poplar Bluff Museum.

The museum is open free of charge from 1-4 p.m. Sundays at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.