Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Smith was a very nice guy and a dedicated police officer. I met him at a training session shortly before he was killed. J.D. Collins and I stopped the dangerously mentally ill man for the same type of behavior just a few weeks before he killed Officer Smith when J.D. and I were with Mercer PD.

My younger brother John was a student at Central High School and was one of the students who saw the shooting and was extremely upset as he respected Bubba a lot.

When I was appointed as the Chief of Police later (1989), I was very troubled that the officers still did not have body armor protective screens in the patrol cars and were not issued security holsters-all relevant to Officer Smith's murder. The department had no deadly force/use of force policy and all the officers had to do to qualify was to fire 50 rounds once a year-they could miss all 50 shots and "qualify".

It was troubling to see that a good officer had died due to bad operational practices. Officer Smith was killed with his own weapon because he was not allowed to handcuff the suspect while transporting him to the principal's office. At that time, officers had to get permission from the principal to ban people from school property, arrest them etc. I was shocked to learn that none of this changed by the time I began working for the district. The department and district had never honored him with a plaque, memorial service etc. Officers told me that it was too painful for them to even discuss how and why a very experienced and competent officer died due to poor practices set by civilians who had no clue about proper procedures.

My new Deputy Chief, some great officers and one of the best bosses I've ever had (he was not there when Officer Smith was killed) changed all of the above.

May he Rest In Peace and never be forgotten.

We changed all that and

Chief M. Dorn (former)
Bibb County School District

April 22, 2022

Thank you for your selfless service to others as a law enforcement officer and firefighter. May you rest assured you have not been forgotten and may you Rest In Peace sir.

Chief M. Dorn (former)
Bibb County School Police Dept

April 22, 2021

The following dedication to Officer Smith appears in the free E-Book: Let None Learn in Fear - Michael Dorn in School Safety

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of School Police Officer Euel Thomas Smith or “Bubba” as he was affectionately known to his brother and sister officers. Officer Smith was shot and killed in the line of duty at Central High School on April 22, 1983 in Macon, Georgia, while protecting the children of Bibb County. His death, witnessed by hundreds of the students he gave his life to protect, will not be forgotten. His sacrifice symbolizes the dedication of the brave men and women of the Bibb County School Police Force, men and women who have changed the course of school safety around the globe.

Officer Smith had a reputation as a very caring and dedicated police officer and his service to others is much appreciated.

Chief of Police (1989-1999)
Bibb County School System Police Department

April 22, 2020

Today, I will not answer the radio call that your boyfriend has come home drunk and is beating you again.

Today I will not answer the radio call that your 16 year old daughter, who is very responsible, is four hours late coming home from school.

Today I will not answer the radio call that your store has been robbed or your house has been burglarized.

Today I will not stop a drunk driver from killing someone.

Today I will not catch a rapist or a murderer or a car thief.

Today I will not answer the radio call that a man has a gun or tried to abduct a child or that someone has been stabbed or has been in a terrible accident.

Today I will not save your child that you locked in a car or the child you were to busy to watch who went outside and fell into the swimming pool, but that I revived.

No, today I will not do that.

Why?

Because Today I was killed by a drunk driver while I was helping push a disabled car off the highway.

Today I was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop to simply tell someone that they had a taillight out.

Today I was killed in a traffic accident rushing to help a citizen.

Today I was shot and killed serving a warrant on a known drug dealer.

Today I was killed by a man when I came by to do a welfare check because his family was to busy.

Today I was killed trying to stop a bank robbery or a grocery store robbery.

Today I was killed doing my job.



A chaplain and an officer will go to a house and tell a mom and dad or a wife or husband or a child that their son or daughter or husband or wife or father or mother won’t be coming home today.

The flags at many police stations were flown at half-mast today but most people won’t know why.

There will be a funeral and my fellow officers will come, a twenty-one-gun salute will be given, and taps will be played as I am laid to rest.

My name will be put on a plaque, on a wall, in a building, in a city somewhere.

A folded flag will be placed on a mantel or a bookcase in a home somewhere and a family will mourn.

There will be no cries for justice.

There will be no riots in the streets.

There will be no officers marching, screaming “no justice, no peace.”

No citizens will scream that something must be done.

No windows will be smashed, no cars burned, no stones thrown, no names called.

Only someone crying themselves to sleep tonight will be the only sign that I was cared about.

I was a police officer.

ETS JR
Son

April 30, 2015

32 years ago today you were viciously murdered. Today and everyday, you are honored for your bravery on the job as well as in service to your nation. I thank you for all and respect you immensely.

The above rendition of what happened does not mention if your murderer received true justice. If he did not in this world, we can only hope he did in the next.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 22, 2015

We miss you Bubba and think of you often. Always remember "Ip ganicksel buglump."

A Friend

October 29, 2013

thanks for your service and bravery.....

paul conatzer

April 24, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

October 29, 2012

We sometimes forget the officers that gave their lives to serve the public. We get caught up in our own lives, we forget. Bubba should be honored for his sacrifice. Bubba was my training officer when I was with the Macon Police Dept. He was my trainer, my friend, and my brother. We were always together. He may be gone, but he is never forgotten. He is with me always.
My brother, you are truly missed. I love you always.

Lt. Bob Carrick
Jackson Police Dept. Close family friend

June 4, 2012

People tend to forget that our officers legacy lives on through their children, family and friends. Although his name is not spoken daily in our community, he deserves to be remembered and honored for his fall in the line of duty. What a great honor and service it is to protect the people and in this case the future of our city. Mr. Smith deserves to be remebered annually, daily and in passing time. A great man, a true hero. With all respect due and to be given your memory lives on in the hearts of those who truly loved and knew you.

Aislinn Mishoe
friend of family

May 23, 2012

This page is awesome! I was only 7, I don't remember him much. It is nice to look at everyone elses reflections of him! Thank You!

Barbi Parker
daughter

May 18, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary of your death. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 23, 2012

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

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 22, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

E.T.Smith Jr. NREMT
Son

February 3, 2009

RIP.You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

November 3, 2008

First he takes ... the oath.

Now look at what else he takes:

He takes ... it in stride when people call him pig.

He takes ... his lousy paycheck realizing he'll never be rich.

He takes ... a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support his family.

He takes ... time to stop and talk to children.

He takes ... your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.

He takes ... on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes ... time away from his family to keep you safe.

He takes ... your injured child to the hospital.

He takes ... the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.

He takes ... his life into his hands daily.

He takes ... you home when your car breaks down.

He takes ... time to explain why both your headlights have to work.

He takes ... the job no one else wants -- telling you a loved one has died.

He takes ... criminals to jail.

He takes ... in sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.

He takes ... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.

He takes ... time to explain to his family why he can't make the ball game his child is in and why he has to work on the holiday when other parents are off.

Sometimes ... he takes a bullet.

And yes, occasionally ... he may take a free cup of coffee.

If he is lucky ... he takes retirement.

Then one day he pays for all he has taken ... and God takes him.

I Love You Daddy

E.T. Smith Jr. NREMT-I
Son

December 20, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

Just a note to say that you are not forgotten. Thanks for your service to us all.

Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

July 20, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

December 13, 2006

My dad will always be my hero. He died doing what he loved. I love you daddy!

E.T. Smith Jr.
Son

December 11, 2006

All "Bubba" Smith ever wanted was to be a police officer and help others. I have thought of him often and will never forget him. It is an honor to have known "Bubba" and call him my friend.

Cpl. Stephen Gaines badge#301
Mercer University Police

March 25, 2006

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. It is deeply appreciated.

Anonymous

April 22, 2005