North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, May 27, 1948
Reflections for Patrolman Paul Winifred Smith
In May 2019, Margaret Padgett, age 98, was presented with a replica shirt badge during a memorial service to honor fallen law enforcement across the state. Mrs. Padgett carried her husband Patrolman Paul W. Smith's badge in her wallet since his death 71 years prior. The wallet containing the badge was reportedly stolen from her cart during a shopping trip at the Walmart in Leland NC in April 2019. Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr. and Major Daryl Conley presented Padgett with the new badge in an attempt to offer closure while the search for the original heirloom continues. An inscription on both the original and replica badge reads ‘Paul W. Smith EOW 05-27-48’.
Anyone with information is asked to contact any NCSHP office.
AS1 Rachelle Balconi
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
March 13, 2025
Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe fighting the Germans during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 27, 2023
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
May 27, 2015
Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 65th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
May 27, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the one hundred and forty-third anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state. 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
Anonymous
May 27, 2009
RIP Trooper, you are not forgotten. God Bless! (former G655)
Chief John Millan
Galena AK PD
August 25, 2008
Rest in peace Trooper!
August 5, 2007
MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
May 27, 2007
Rest in peace Brother P. W. , you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.
Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73
May 28, 2004