On November 19, 2008, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Samuel S. Hicks was tragically shot and killed during a joint DEA, FBI, and Pittsburgh Police Department operation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Special Agent Hicks began his law enforcement career with the Ocean City, Maryland, Police Department. Prior to joining the FBI in March 2007, Special Agent Hicks served as a police officer with the Baltimore, Maryland, Police Department for five years. At the time of his death, Special Agent Hicks was assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in the FBI Pittsburgh Division.

Special Agent Hicks graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1999. He was survived by his wife, Brooke; their son, Noah; his mother, Charlotte Carrabotta; and his father, David. Special Agent Hicks is remembered by his friends and loved ones as dedicated to his family and his career in law enforcement.