Patrolman William J. Smith Jr. North Carolina Highway Patrol North Carolina Friday, January 11, 1974  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year I was hired. While it's been a long time, I'm sure those you left behind and served with disctinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thanks for your service and for looking out for us you left behind. Rest in peace Patrolman Smith.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL
2008-12-16

Trooper,
You are the true hero. Thank you for your dedication and loyalty to our chosen profession. God Bless your family.

Sincerely,
Cpl. Jon Lowder RIP brother officer
Union County Sheriff's Office Monroe, North Carolina

Cpl. Jon Lowder
Union County Sheriff's Office
2008-09-06

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-01-03

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-27

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Bill for sixteen years. As a very small child with my head just above table height, I would stand, or sit in his and my dad's laps, and watch him and my dad play cribbage. I grew up knowing and loving him. I lived close to the fatal bridge and, now, I pass it twice a day as it lies almost parallel to another small bridge on a secondary road that leads to my home. There's never a time that I cross that bridge that I don't think of him. He was the first law enforcement officer I ever knew, and I have always measured others by his professionalism and love for his job. I have the memories, Mr. Bill.

Beverley Pasineau Guldner
Friend
2007-08-14

Trp. Smith you are remembered today on the 33rd anniversary of your death.

Sgt
NCSHP
2007-01-11

I am a native of Beaufort, and my dad, Bill Edwards, was a member of the Beaufort Rescue Squad. We lived only a couple of miles from the crash scene, and my dad could see the smoke billowing from the site as he left our yard to go to the scene. He was the first one there, and I remember how shaken he was when he returned home. While I never even knew Trooper Smith, the crash and the sacrifice he made left a deep impression upon me. One of my two sons, who are now in law enforcement, is an NC State Trooper, stationed in Pitt County. My other son is a campus police officer at ECU in Greenville, NC.

Chief Bryan Edwards
Simpson, NC, Police Department
2006-11-16

Dad, your example of honesty and your dedication to serve your fellow man served as a guide for me throughout my 30 years of service. I only wish you could have lived to meet my wife and your two grandsons. Dad, I'm so very proud to have been your son.

Supervisor William J. Smith III
North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Ret.
2006-10-27

GOD bless you and your family as you rest in peace.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida
2005-04-14

On the anniversary of your death, may God grant you eternal peace and bring comfort and peace to your loved ones.

2005-01-11

Although this happened 30 years ago we will remember your sacrifice always. There will always be a void in the lives of your family, friends, and co-workers. Thanks for your 25 years of service to your community!

Marilyn Goodheart - 1995 Survivor
Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors
2003-12-12