Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

So many small town officers wind up being killed by their neighbors. With no backup, and often not even being armed, the town's bravest hero is buried and forgotten.

Officer Thom Cole
City of Jacksonville, Alabama Patrolman, and Alabama Probatio

October 27, 2024

Chief Smith was killed by my Great-uncle, Angram Coker, who was my grandfather's brother. I did not hear the true story of what had happened to Angram until the mid-1970s, when I was in my late teens.

Angram is buried in my grandparent's cemetery plot in the cemetery in Piedmont, not in the Coker family plot. I asked Granddad one day why Angram was not in his parents' plot and Granddad told me the story of what had happened.

Angram's parents had disowned him after the murder, and Granddad and Grandmom allowed him to be buried in their plot. Granddad and Angram's father was Piedmont's optometrist, and good friends with Chief Smith. Ironically, Chief Smith is buried directly across a narrow street from the man who murdered him. Standing on this street you can see both headstones at the same time.

It is very unfortunate what happened to Chief Smith. The Coker family extended their heart felt apologies and sympathies to the family of Chief Smith. In one final twist, it is still rumored in Piedmont that Angram was hung in his cell by Piedmont police officers, that he did not commit suicide. Either way, it saved Calhoun County and Piedmont the expense of a trial.

David Phillips

July 27, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 81st anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 28, 2014

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 29, 2007

Rest in Peace, Chief Smith. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 30, 2006

We pause to remember the family of Chief Smith during this anniversary of his death.

Chief Smith will forever be remembered by the Law Enforcement community.

May God keep his family and watch over any relative who may have followed in his footsteps into a law enforcement career.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery P.D.

October 26, 2006

Thank you for protecting all of us Chief. I honor you. God bless you, the great State of Alabama and our country. You died a warrior, fighting for and protecting all that which you loved. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

October 29, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Smith.

Officer Kevin Turley
Jacksonville Police Department (Alabama)