Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

From The Palm Beach Post, June 7, 1923: After three days fight for his life, Officer Joseph Smith died at Good Samaritan Hospital of a gunshot wound received while on duty on June 3, 1923. "The three men were accosted by Officer Smith when he met them riding on the county road on bicycles, laden with turtle meat and eggs. It was while questioning them in regard to the butchering of the turtle that he was shot." I did not know Officer Smith but I was fortunate to find a newspaper article regarding his sacrifice in a box held by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. The memory of Off. Smith's heroic death was lost to memory in Palm Beach but has since been memorialized in all of the appropriate places including on a bronze plaque in front of the Palm Beach Police Department headquarters. His name appears there on a list that we hope has no additions.

Michael Reiter, Chief of Police (Ret.)
Palm Beach Police Department

March 14, 2024

Officer Smith,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Palm Beach.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 6, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 6, 2019

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 6, 2015

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero... Continue to rest in peace Officer Smith.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 6, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 89th 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. Rest In Peace.

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

June 6, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Officer Smith, we will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 6, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BROTHER.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

July 21, 2005

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

April 5, 2004