When West Virginia State Police Sgt. John Syner passed away on Saturday, Aug. 21, it was a shock to everyone who knew him.
He was only 52 years old at the time of his passing and serving as detachment commander at the Marlinton West Virginia State Police Detachment. Syner was in his prime.
Unfortunately, a tree cutting accident that occurred at his Lansing-Edmond home in Fayette County took his life too soon.
He was a proud husband to Stephanie, a role-model father for his son and daughter and a great pops to his three grandchildren, according to Trooper First Class Shane G. Milam of the Oak Hill detachment. He had two years to go before his retirement.
When tragedies like this occur, the brotherhood of the West Virginia State Police come together to mourn, to remember the good times and to help the families of lost officers make it through the bad times.
Because Syner hadn’t quite made it to retirement, Milam decided to start a fundraiser to assist his family financially. He has now set up the official “Sgt. John Syner Memorial Fund” on Go Fund Me.
In just two days, he has raised over $6,000. His ultimate goal is to raise $50,000, and more if possible.
“I wanted to provide support for the family,” Milam said. “It is never easy when we lose someone unexpectedly. I wanted to set up something so the community could help and show that they care. I would like to raise as much as possible to get his wife, Stephanie, settled.”
Milam added that Syner was a family man.
“John’s heart was with his family. He talked about them all the time. He was ‘pops’ to his grandchildren,” Milam said. “He was a very loyal man. He was dedicated to his job and to serving people. He was a great investigator who would work a case until it went cold, but even then he wouldn’t give up. He took cases personally. He took them to heart. He wanted to catch the criminal and help the victim who suffered. He solved several murders.”
“He was a good guy,” Milam continued. “You couldn’t ask for a better guy.”
Milam said that he was fortunate to have worked with Syner before he received his promotion and became detachment commander in Marlinton.
He said that he will always remember working multiple shifts with Syner in Oak Hill.
“We had this bond,” Milam noted. “The state police is a brotherhood. You stick together. We are family. Every memory I have of him is a good one.”
Milam stated that it was Syner who recommended him for his position with the state police. He has now served for 8 years.
“When we met, he just wanted to see me do well,” Milam said. “He checked in on me and made sure I was good.”
“He was definitely someone I liked working with. We had the same goals. He did the public right,” Milam concluded. “I just want everyone to remember him and his family in their prayers.”
West Virginia State Police Superintendent Jan Cahill added that not only was Syner an amazing officer, he was a great worker and strong family man.
He entered the West Virginia State Police a little later than most–at age 34, Cahill said. He brought with him a strong blue-collar work ethic.
“He was passionate and enthusiastic about his career,” Cahill remembered. “It was very noticeable that he cared deeply about his family. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments.”
Cahill noted that Syner received the prestigious West Virginia State Police Superintendent’s Award two years ago. These awards are given to those who consistently perform their duties with outstanding skill, diligence, productivity, judgment and responsibility.
“It is a tragedy for his family who had to lose him at such a young age,” Cahill said. “It is also a tragedy for his state police family.”
“Not only did I consider him an amazing man and a dedicated member of the West Virginia State Police, I considered him a friend,” Cahill said.
Syner’s services took place on Friday, Aug. 27, in Fayette County. He will be laid to rest at the Nuttall Cemetery.
For those who wish to contribute to the Sgt. John Syner Memorial Fund, but do not have access to a computer, they may drop off their donations at the Oak Hill Detachment of the West Virginia State Police.
The Go Fund Me page can be found at https://au.gofundme.com/f/sgt-john-syner-memorial-fund.
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