Joseph Marshall "Bud" Sambrook, 90, of Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Vincent's Medical Center.

A lifelong resident of Fairfield, Bud enlisted in the Air Force at 17 years old and served as an aircraft engine mechanics instructor for 8 years (during the tail end of the Korean Conflict through the beginning of the Vietnam War), holding the rank of staff sergeant. When he returned home, he eventually joined the Fairfield Police Department in 1964. Bud moved up the ranks from patrolman to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain of the Traffic Division and then the Detective Bureau. Culminating in 1997, when he became the Chief of Police. During his public service career, he had the outdoor shooting range built, brought the DARE program and car to the town, got the police helicopter, and established the motorcycle squad. He was also a firearms instructor for over 40 years. After serving the town of Fairfield and its residents for 42 yrs, he retired in 2006. Bud was an avid collector and refurbished many classic cars. He loved attending car cruises with his best friend, Tom Keiser. He was also a fine craftsman and built two of his homes with an unequaled eye for detail.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Michelle Bayuk, and her husband, Rick, of Sandy Hook, CT. His six grandchildren, Samantha, Sohee, Nicholas, Ryan, Emma, and Alexanne, and two great-grandchildren. His sister, Joan Murphy of Stratford, CT. His ex-wife, Shirley Sambrook, with whom he remained very good friends. His cousins and pal, William Haug, Ruthann Haug, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph (1997) and Eleanor Marshall (1995) Sambrook, and a granddaughter, Allyson (1997).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fairfield Police Scholarship Fund.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield, CT, from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm.

For travel directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.